my clutch feels a little weak and slips a bit under power is this normal its done 15000 miles new to me is there a clutch mod or something for this that anyone has done ? thanks lee
No it is not normal either it is slightly over tightened on the adjuster or it is on its way out
Rob Reimer Member
Subject: Re: clutch slip - 2002 Suzuki VZ800 Marauder Fri Jan 10, 2014 1:11 am
I did a Versah clutch spring swap. It was one of the best mods I did to my bike besides the 17 tooth sprocket swap. My bike was slipping while hard accelerating and the spring swap fixed it.
Two-Bears * VZ Guru *
Subject: Re: clutch slip - 2002 Suzuki VZ800 Marauder Fri Jan 10, 2014 6:10 am
Hello Lee, Sorry to disagree with the captain, no disrespect, but clutch slip is very very common on the Vz800 Marauder chain drive up till the newer shaft drive models came out and it doesn't appear to much of a problem from their. I agree with Marcin as checking the adjustment is always the first step to take as these bikes are a bit finicky about clutch adjustment, you need a good half inch (12 to 15mm) play at the end of the clutch lever between the end of the lever ball and the handlebar,,, loosen it off at both the lever and the clutch actuating arm on the engine,, set the adjuster fully in on the lever and do the adjustment from the engine/ actuation arm side. I agree with Rob, if the adjustment is ok the problem is most likely the clutch springs as they have never been man enough for the job from word go. You are lucky you got to 15000 miles my own bike started to slip at 900 miles. I have done 4 of the vz Marauders now with the typical clutch slip and springs have been the cure. As they are so finicky the engine oil has to be proper Motorcycle engine oil ( as it should always be) 2 of the 4 I have done had had car oil in them at some time which only served to exasperate the problem as car engine oils have friction modifiers in them to lubricate engine bearings and are the kiss of death to a wet clutch and in my experience most certainly the vz Marauder so if in doubt I would replace the clutch friction plates at the same time as clutch springs even if they don't look worn or burnt. I tried and couldn't get vesrha springs in England I would have had to import them which was too costly so I used EBC clutch springs that are 10/15 % stiffer than standard. I`ve put a link to a vid of the job being done so you can see it isn't difficult to do.