Help can't shift

[DirtyD1985]

Hello everyone,
Noticed an issue during my 2 hour ride yesterday, that when I come to a stop light that my clutch on my 2001 Connie seems to be engaging very quickly when taking off (i barely let go of the clutch lever and the bike starts to move) .  Then I rode the express way yesterday and after a 30 minute express way trip, I got to a slower road and had a very hard time shifting in to another gear (downshifting and upshifting) sometimes i had to start in a higher gear too.  I use full synthetic Valvoline 10W 40 MC oil and last changed it about 2000 miles ago.  Any idea what my issues might be?  It is very scary when you cannot shift, I literally tried to slam the shifter down to try and get in another gear.  It has been riding nice all summer and now this week is acting up.  Any ideas would help greatly!!

Thanks everyone

[SteveJ.]

I would be looking for an issue with the hydraulic system, low on fluid and/or leak, slave/master issues. When is the last time the clutch fluid has been purged?

[DirtyD1985]

Not sure.  I have not done it and this is my 3rd year of ownership.  I am also guessing the previous owner never purged the clutch fluid either.  Is this a relatively easy process?

[coffee_brake]

+1, is the clutch fluid up to the mark on the window in the reservoir? And, if it is, is it clean?

If the fluid gets dirty enough, it won't shift well. If it gets low it will do what you're describing (this usually means a clutch slave cylinder rebuild, very easy and not much $$$).

Finally, if the engine oil is truly foul, I have a hard time shifting....but I think not as hard a time as you're having....

[SteveJ.]

Not sure.  I have not done it and this is my 3rd year of ownership.  I am also guessing the previous owner never purged the clutch fluid either.  Is this a relatively easy process?

Then it is way past due. I find that flushing ALL hydraulic systems, both brakes and clutch, every other year keeps things nice and clean.

Also, change out the coolant.

If you don't have one, you really to get a service manual. Either a Clymer or factory. I have and use both. The Clymer is more D-I-Y friendly.

[DirtyD1985]

Well thanks for the advice guys, that seemed to do the trick.  The fluid was pretty dirty and low.  The clutch actually shifts much better.  On a side note, is there a link indicating how to rebuild the clutch slave cylinder and what parts would be needed?

Thanks!

[enim57]

I can email you a Word document with photo's, 8705kb in size.

Regards, Russell

[DirtyD1985]

Thanks enim57, go ahead and email it when you can!