Clutchless gear changes

[katie1]

The kind of title that makes me sound fairly hardcore but, in reality, what I've had to do for most of my 130 round trip today!
Not sure if this is just a coincidence but after a trip out yesterday, topped up the oil. Still seems to be below minimum after adding 3/4 litre but as of this morning I have almost no clutch! Bike pulls even with the clutch pulled fully in and I had some interesting gear changes, especially going through rush-hour Watford...

So, questions. Is it coincidence and the clutch slave seals have given up, big time, straight after filling up with oil or have I committed the classic Aprilia 'too much oil' error?

[old git]

sounds more like you have got air in the clutch system.
Too much oil would usually blow into the airbox ( often noted on several bikes) but not sure if you had sooo much as 3/4L too much.
I would check the oil level correctly and bleed the clutch system, have a look in the resevoir could be as simple as the level is too low ( theres not much in there to start with) and you have let air in.

[fatboy]

Havingrepaired and replaced a few slave cylinders, they usually give you warning signs, diminishing fluid level and clutch performance, tell tale fluid dribbles below the cylinder...usuallly !
as OG pointed out it is all too easy tolet the level of fluid drop enough too allow air in, a bit of woohoo wayhay cornering with low fluid levels can do that

[katie1]

Thanks chaps, will check the fluid levels at the weekend and see if that's the problem.

In the meantime, the VFR is meeting my woohoowayhaying needs

[katie1]

Ok, just checked in my garage and can only find Dot 4. It's compatible with Dot 5.1 but the manual states Dot 5. I'm guessing it's probably had 5 in if that's the Aprilia standard but does anyone use anything else?

[fatboy]

I would have no concerns at all about dropping to DOT 4 on the clutch, both are compatible.
I actually use DOT4 in the clutch abd DOT5.1 in the stoppers.
This is because of price and convenience, DOT 4 was in all of the hydraulilics when my bike left the factory, 5.1 is better hence my use of it in the stoppers, DOT 4 runs the brakes on the car which weighs a fair bit more than the bike !
Unless you are a stunt rider your clutch will never need to work as hard as your brakes

[D-Rider]

Ok, just checked in my garage and can only find Dot 4. It's compatible with Dot 5.1 but the manual states Dot 5. I'm guessing it's probably had 5 in if that's the Aprilia standard but does anyone use anything else?

Hi Katie, The stuff you DON'T want to put in there is DOT 5.
That is incompatible wit DOT 4 and DOT 5.1 - it's a different chemistry and if there are traces of DOT 4 or 5.1 in there, it will go all gungy.

The manual is confusing as the DOT 5 it mentions has the additional comment DOT 4 compatible ..... which is DOT 5.1.

So yes, DOT 5.1 or DOT 4.
DOT 4 is quite adequate, more readily available and cheaper .... so probably DOT 4 is the one to go for.

[katie1]

The manual is confusing as the DOT 5 it mentions has the additional comment DOT 4 compatible ..... which is DOT 5.1.

Aaah, that's the bit that confused me! So I should be able to top up with the Dot 4

[D-Rider]

The manual is confusing as the DOT 5 it mentions has the additional comment DOT 4 compatible ..... which is DOT 5.1.

Aaah, that's the bit that confused me! So I should be able to top up with the Dot 4

Yes - no problem

[katie1]

Well, have got the bike booked in for a service next week so never bothered trying to bleed the clutch. Thought I'd give the battery a bit of charge after sitting for a fortnight.
No problem there but tried to move the bike when running and that was NOT happening!
Clutch failure is complete and it was an instant stall as soon as it got into gear. So, on with the bleeding business thought I.

Got the fairing off (much easier than the VFR) but couldn't see the clutch slave. Surely it's not behind the rectifier? Oh yes it is!

Half an hour of turning the two hidden allen screws 1/10 of a turn at a time later, I realised that there was a third bugger hiding in the middle.

At this point I remembered I have 'At Home' breakdown recovery so put everything back in place and will be calling them Tuesday to come and take the bike straight to the garage for me...

On a side note, is there some kind of magic tool to get those ridiculous bolts out or will an allen key socket (not in my toolbox yet) do the job?

[fatboy]

A set of 'ball ended' hex keys is as close to magic as you will get, you can use them at between 20 to 30 degrees offset from the hex socket BUT you will have to use the straight hex end to release the initial torque as the chamfered ball end will shear under too much load

[mangocrazy]

I can whole-heartedly recommend this set. Top quality tools, held in a very well thought out retainer.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FACOM-9-PIEC ... 3745227487

[katie1]

Thanks chaps.

Slight update. Having pre-ordered the stunningly expensive clutch slave seal (£24 inc p+p was the cheapest!), it turned out there was already an aftermarket slave cylinder in place so the seal was pointless!
Anyway, the slave had failed (can't remember the make, they don't exist anymore) so had to get an Oberon ordered quickly.

All now fixed, bike serviced and ready for the daily punishment of London commuting

[fatboy]

Sod's Law always applies !
Good to hear you are up and running again