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clutch fluid change

17K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  rfb92345  
#1 ·
My bike is a 96 vulcan 1500, perfect condition , just bought it.
Only 8,000 miles on it. So I figure it has done a lot of sitting in the past years.
Has anyone ever changed their clutch fluid. I have read that the brake fluid that is used in the clutch breaks down or picks up moisture over the years.
My bike also has a hard time going into second gear. I was wondering if anyone has ever changed the clutch fluid and has it made a difference in the clutch by doing it.
any help would be appreciated.
 
#2 ·
I've replaced my clutch fluid several times. It's just like the brake fluid change. Uses the same fluid actually. Make sure you check whether you need DOT 3/4 or DOT 5. Your aged bike is probably DOT 3/4. Get a bleader kit or have a friend with a 10mm wrench at the master cylinder end to open and close it as you pump. As far as shifting, oil changes make more of a difference in my 1600 than clutch fluid change. It's a wet clutch and the oil provides the lub necessary to change the gears. I've found that a good indicator on my bike that I need to change the oil when I have trouble getting into 1st or 2nd. Hope this helps.
 
#3 ·
m1196: As you state, just like brake fluid, clutch fluid is generally hygroscopic. If left unchanged for an extended period the fluid will absorb water with the potential to cause corrosion of the internal parts and loss of performance too. Periodic flushing and replacement of the fluid every two years is the usual schedule.

I have a vague recollection that some fluid types may not be hygroscopic but could be imagining it. However, I very much doubt that VN1500 uses anything super special. My VN900 manual specifies a 2yr flush period for the brakes.

Although I don't have a Vulcan 1500, I believe you should be able to tell in advance if it's likely to help with your second gear shifting by how much free play you have before the clutch starts to bite. If it were me I'd change the clutch and brake fluids anyway which, for modest cost, will eliminate one possible cause. Be careful not to spill any on your paint :shock:
 
#5 ·
I plan on trying the fluid change because the bike is grinding a little going into second . I am trying to do everything I can before I bring the bike to a shop and they tell me its going to be a ton of money to fix this problem.
I have read many threads on here about the classics grinding a little going into second gear, but as of yet no one has come up with an answer as to why it grinds. Even the local kawaski dealer doesn't know why
 
#7 ·
A vacuum pump seems to be the only way to change the clutch fluid.......at least it is on my 1500. As far as the 2nd gear grind.........I think that just the way they are. Seems like every one has the same problem.