Only 1st gear slipping

[Still.Cruzin_imp]

Hello, for some reason I've notice that it doesn't pick up speed at high rpms in 1st, only in first. What could be causing this issue? I'm considering replacing the whole clutch assembly, but if any answers can be given you'd really save me some change on my pockets.

[the Ferret]

Howdy and welcome to the forum.

You might be running into the rev limiter. I believe the CB is rev limited in the first 3 gears and speed limited to 112 mph. If it was the clutch i would suspect it would do it in any gear.

[Lord Popgun]

Welcome Still.Cruzin!!

Does sound like you are hitting the rev limiter.

[Obleo]

How many miles? Has the clutch fluid been flushed recently ? What year bike? A little info on here may help uncover the issue. The cb is a well oiled machine. Haven’t heard of this issue before on here. Hope you well in your search for answers .

[GoldOxide_imp]

Welcome to the Forum Still.Cruzin.

Depending on riding style, the CB1100 has more than enough low-end torque that one shouldn't need to frequent top RPM in first gear.

[peterbaron]

Welcome to the forum SC

[j3gq_imp]

Do a little test, as in any gear rpm and speed are always at a constant ratio. As long as this ratio is fixed or linear your clutch is fine. Example (numbers not representative) :
1000 rpm = 10mph
2000 rpm = 20mph
etc. If you can't jot it down while riding, have sb take pictures of the instrument cluster from the back seat with a cell phone.
Now look, does the ratio change at high rpm ? say, do you read 6000 rpm but only 45 mph instead of the expected 60 mph.
Again my numbers are invented. You have to find the ratio for the 1st gear of your CB1100.

[Still.Cruzin_imp]

How many miles? Has the clutch fluid been flushed recently ? What year bike? A little info on here may help uncover the issue. The cb is a well oiled machine. Haven’t heard of this issue before on here. Hope you well in your search for answers .

2014 standard, clutch fluid hasn't been flushed as I recall(second owner, 2600 miles now reaching 11800) I do ride a tad bit aggressively. I was testing the limits of the bike and in the first months of riding her I had made some missed shifts from 1st to 2nd in high rpms where it would clunk and sometimes force into. Nowadays, It doesn't happen at all anymore, I'm not consciously trying to redline shift 1st into second and completely doesn't happen anymore. I have noticed that once I get into higher rpms exclusively in 1st it revs quicker than the speed it's picking up. Every other gear is fine only noticed it in first.

Do a little test, as in any gear rpm and speed are always at a constant ratio. As long as this ratio is fixed or linear your clutch is fine. Example (numbers not representative) :
1000 rpm = 10mph
2000 rpm = 20mph
etc. If you can't jot it down while riding, have sb take pictures of the instrument cluster from the back seat with a cell phone.
Now look, does the ratio change at high rpm ? say, do you read 6000 rpm but only 45 mph instead of the expected 60 mph.
Again my numbers are invented. You have to find the ratio for the 1st gear of your CB1100.

Will do!

[Jfro5687_imp]

What oil is in it? If it's not a proper spec bike oil (i.e. car oil) it might have friction modifiers in it. Maybe drop some new oil and a filter in yourself?

[Still.Cruzin_imp]

What oil is in it? If it's not a proper spec bike oil (i.e. car oil) it might have friction modifiers in it. Maybe drop some new oil and a filter in yourself?

I use Pro Honda GN4 10W40. The last time I did an oil and oil filter change was at 8000 miles.