Clutch Plates finally going?

[misterprofessionality]

So, This morning on the way to work I had a bit of a new experience. When I put the bike in gear, with the clutch fully pulled in, I was getting power to the wheel. Not a lot, and I was able to stop it if I held down the brake, but I certainly wasn't expecting it. The clutch engagement position on the lever was way earlier than I expected too, with almost no friction zone. It was fairly cold this morning, and once the bike warmed up, this stopped happening. Thoughts from the mechanically minded in here? Is it time for new clutch plates finally?

[Randy B]

That sounds like a hydraulic issue, not the clutch itself. If the clutch was bad you would have slipping and late engagement, not early engagement.

I'd inspect your fluid level first and go from there.

[peterbaron]

Is the clutch lever spongy? = bleed it first
Another test I do on cars is... can you take off uphill in second gear or is your clutch slipping??

[dave]

I agree with Randy B.

[misterprofessionality]

That sounds like a hydraulic issue, not the clutch itself. If the clutch was bad you would have slipping and late engagement, not early engagement.

I'd inspect your fluid level first and go from there.

Thanks Randy. That sounds hopeful. Would that also explain the apparent temperature sensitivity of the matter? Clutch operation was normal once the bike warmed up

[Randy B]

That sounds like a hydraulic issue, not the clutch itself. If the clutch was bad you would have slipping and late engagement, not early engagement.

I'd inspect your fluid level first and go from there.

Thanks Randy. That sounds hopeful. Would that also explain the apparent temperature sensitivity of the matter? Clutch operation was normal once the bike warmed up

Thanks Randy. That sounds hopeful. Would that also explain the apparent temperature sensitivity of the matter? Clutch operation was normal once the bike warmed up
Yes it would, especially if the fluid has never been changed. Brake fluid is hydroscopic (it wicks in water) and that will cause a mushy feel to both your brakes and your clutch.
My suggestion is change the fluid in both brakes and the clutch and then bleed accordingly. If the issue persists you may have a failing clutch slave or master.

[rickcb]

That sounds like a hydraulic issue, not the clutch itself. If the clutch was bad you would have slipping and late engagement, not early engagement.

I'd inspect your fluid level first and go from there.

I think it could be warped plates or a notched clutch basket (from popping the clutch too often). But certainly look at the fluid first.

[misterprofessionality]

Fun update! It's about 15 degrees colder today than yesterday and....the problem was not reproduced! Seriously, the clutch operated completely normally this morning. Perhaps the temperature thing was an illusion.

As for popping the clutch, you won't catch me doing that on this bike. I am quite aggressive with my acceleration and deceleration but I don't preload revs or do burnouts any of that mess.

[soulmachine_imp]

It was definitely the fluid. I used to keep my old Concours parked outside. Would have to baby it on cold mornings.

The 2014 I just got, was starting to do the same thing, just last week. The fluid was DARK and obviously never been changed.

[misterprofessionality]

I've changed my fluid twice at this point but that's over the course of ~~75k miles, so I'm sure it needs to be bled again.