Clutch on Cold Mornings

[MelloYelloSpyder]

Hi all, thought i would post this here to see if I can get more responses. I have a 2013 STS SM5 and have been having an issue as of late. The weather here in Michigan has been dropping into the low 40s at night and the Spyder has developed a weak clutch pull when I first take off on the morning commute. The clutch comes up to what i know as my normal pull within a half mile to mile from leaving. Took it to the dealer and he said this could be two things...clutch fluid needs to be changed or the bike is creating extra vacuum assist because of the colder weather and the bike itself being cold. Does any of this sound plausible?? Any other ideas. I am not going to deal with it this year as it will be going into storage in a couple of weeks but want to have a heads up for next year.

 

[Bob Denman]

I think that I'd try flushing the system, and replacing the fluid first; this is one that has popped up in here before.
Good Luck! :thumbup:

 

[Chupaca]

As I see it..!!

the cold weather will thicken things and the vaccum assist is there for that reason. Once things get warmed up things get back to normal. Did you try warming the engine up a bit more..?? :thumbup:

 

[MelloYelloSpyder]

Well the weak pull continues..Took off too early the other morning when it was in the mid 20s and ended up stalling as I had let the clutch lever all the way out and nothing. Started back up and waited a minute and it was fine. Today it was also in the mid 20s this morning. Gave the bike about an 8 minute or so warm up and had no problems whatsoever. So I guess she just needs to get warm on a cold morning. Putting her away for the winter on Wednesday and come spring I will flush the clutch system, change the oil, and put in the JT Airfilter Kit.

 

[GOZFST]

You'd be well advised to change the fluid before you park it. Brake fluid is very hydroscopic and the water in there can be hard on the system.

 

[JKMSPYDER]

I would also suggest changing the oil and filter before winter storage. See Lamont's post about winter storage.

 

[Gordy]

engine breather must be getting plugged this puts more vacumn to the clutch assist. pull vucumn line off clutch and you will know right away