Hi All,
I am sure this has been answered, but I did not find quite the same thing elsewhere...
My 2012 Spyder RT SE5 has given me 34,000 flawless miles of fun. Yesterday, suddenly while riding, I noticed at the stop lights and such that I have to keep the brake mashed to keep from rolling forward. The trans is not disengaging at idle RPM. The idle is spot on at ~1350 RPM. Now when I start (if in gear), the bike lurches forward. I can tell the engine is working hard to keep idle while mashing the brake to hold it still. So I am certain something about the trans is amiss. Has anyone seen this and know of the root cause?
Thanks,
Mark
Hey Mark. Well, your SE5 clutch is nothing similar to an SE6 clutch. So his problem with a loose nut doesn't apply. Those two clutches don't share any DNA.
Unfortunately, I'm sorry to tell you that your issue is most likely a failed wave spring in the centrifugal clutch assembly. I say that because it happened suddenly. Let me explain.
The SE5 clutch assembly is basically a standard clutch pack sandwiched between two pressure plates. On the right hand side on the outside, is a hydraulic piston and pressure plate that is operated by the Hydraulic Control Module (HCM). It is always in the "engaged" position - trying to push into the clutch pack - except for when shifting gears. Then it is momentarily "disengaged" during the shift, and re-engaged.
At the other end of the clutch pack on the inside, is the centrifugal clutch unit. It has roller weights in it. As engine RPM increases, these roller weights are flung outward by centrifugal force and directed inward towards the clutch pack. They act against and overcome the spring force of the wave spring disc. They apply an inward force to another pressure plate that applies the clamping force to the clutch pack. So, when you are at speed and RPM, the clutch pack has clamping force applied from both ends by the two pressure plates.
When engine RPM decreases, the wave spring applies the counter force to the roller weights and causes them to return to their low RPM position, removing the clamping force on the clutch pack, and thus the clutch pack disengages. A failure of the wave spring then, causes the roller weights to remain partially flung outward, and causes your clutch to drag.
It's only a 30 dollar part, and can be replaced individually. However, you'll just need to disassemble the entire clutch just to get to it. If you feel confident, invest in a shop manual, buy the parts, (oil, gaskets, etc) and you can do it yourself. However, if you believe that is beyond you, and a dealer won't touch it because it is too old, a good bike mechanic can handle it. Just supply him with the parts and the manual. Good Luck.
