shuddering start off

[Chwkrider]

When my Spyder is cold I get what feels like a clutch shudder when starting off in 1st gear. Once the bike warms up it seems to go away. Any Ideas and is there a clutch adjustment on the semi-automatics? 2013 ST 998 semi automatic

[bigbadbrucie]

You don’t say what year or model you have, and no...no clutch adjustments.

[Peter Aawen]

Which Spyder model, year, engine & trans do you have? 998cc/SE5? 1330cc/SE6?

However, most Spyders DO have a 'Clunk' on first engaging any gear after starting up (ie, selecting First or Reverse) and that often contributes to a bit of a 'juddering' feel as you take off. In fact, it was such a prevalent issue that back around 2012/13 or there-abouts, it prompted BRP to issue a TSB about it and not long after, upgrade the clutch plates to make them 'stronger' to ensure that it wouldn't damage anything (despite very little evidence that it even could!) but that upgrade coincidentally made the clunk & juddering symptoms a little worse. Still, both the 'clunk' and the 'judder' can usually be reduced/minimised by simply spending a little bit more time letting the engine/trans & the oil warm up a tad longer after starting.

So there's a good chance that what you are concerned about is simply the 'normal' reaction to engaging a 'not yet spinning constant mesh set of gears' with a newly started engine and then driving off, which is all completely normal and (usually) absolutely nothing to worry about..... but then again.....

[ButterSmooth]

After years of riding enduro motorcycles, where the clutch and transmission share the oil (but not the engine) I've learned that the oil selection can change clutch operation over the range from grabby to slippy. Your oil selection can be a factor.

[RICZ]

Geez we wish you would describe your bike, so we can address the issue. I have learned that my F3L requires a warm up until I see the first bar on the heat scale. I start it then put on my gear and by the time I have my helmet on, she's warm enough to take off. If I take off without warming, throttle response is very sluggish.

[Dudley]

Just let your Spyder idle until 1000 RPM. Lets the oil get to flowing and tans works a lot better.

[billybovine]

I had to look it up on your profile that you have a 2013 ST. So yes it will shudder on first take off of the day. Maybe even the second or third depending on the distance driven. This is normal and causes no harm. This feature started in the 2013 model year because of the long life clutch plates. As per a BRP Technical Service Bulletin. You will get used to it. I did.

[Papa103]

I have a 2019 RTL. When I start it cold in the garage and back it out to warm up. It always surges. After warmed up all is good.

[Chwkrider]

thanks for the response, you mentioned that this was quite prevalent in 2012 & 13 and I am riding a 2013 ST. Hopefully it is nothing to worry about.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

thanks for the response, you mentioned that this was quite prevalent in 2012 & 13 and I am riding a 2013 ST. Hopefully it is nothing to worry about.

It has to do with a change in clutch material in 2013. BRP recommendation is to let the machine warm up good before taking off, OR take off quickly after starting the engine to fully engage the clutch before it has a chance to chatter, OR, you can just learn to live with it! It's nothing to worry about.

[Peter Aawen]

thanks for the response, you mentioned that this was quite prevalent in 2012 & 13 and I am riding a 2013 ST. Hopefully it is nothing to worry about.

It's nothing to worry about.

Fundamentally, it's because in 2013 or ther-abouts, BRP made the clutch plates STRONGER & more able to withstand this sorta stuff, so there's nothing to worry about... except maybe worrying too much about something that really doesn't warrant it at all!

Ryde More, Worry Less!