Possible clutch problem Laverda jota

Dave

Dave

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Location
New Zealand
Hi have bought a laverda jota 1981 been sitting for over 10 years or so been recommissioned
One problem does not engage gear until really warm but when warm it runs fine etc no problem any thoughts dealer tells me it should come right just needs to be ridden as often as possible to bed clutch in again
 

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CLEMTOG said:
are you saying that the clutch sticks and you get a crunch/lurch when engaging first gear?
CLEM
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Yes it won’t in gauge first gear it will make a crunch but when it gets warmer will go into gear but immediately stall then let it get a bit warmer it goes into gear fine then when you return from ride everything is working fine only happens when cold
Thanks
 
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Dave said:
Yes it won’t in gauge first gear it will make a crunch but when it gets warmer will go into gear but immediately stall then let it get a bit warmer it goes into gear fine then when you return from ride everything is working fine only happens when cold
Thanks
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Sounds like the plates have had it - I assume you have changed the oil ? Some oils can do this !
 
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Your clutch is sticking. It's a Laverda. :)

I have exactly that problem with brand new clutch plates in my 3C. The clutch is less well lubed on that than your 81.
It can be oil related, you need to get the plates out, clean them in solvent and use an oil known not to give problems.

Otherwise, you do what I do. Keep a bit of inner tube in your pocket and use it to keep the clutch lever pulled in as soon as you stop for more than a few minutes.

Paul
 
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Dave said:
Bought from Dreamcycles but no parts would have to get parts from Wolfgang in Canada or similar have had a750 sf2 before had to get all parts etc from Wolfgang
Thanks
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Try contacting Redax in Australia, I believe they can supply kevlar clutch plates. I bough some from Keith Nairn in Scotland, certainly fixed my Jotas clutch, never had a problem with it again.
regards,
Steve
 
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Paul Marx said:
Your clutch is sticking. It's a Laverda. :)

I have exactly that problem with brand new clutch plates in my 3C. The clutch is less well lubed on that than your 81.
It can be oil related, you need to get the plates out, clean them in solvent and use an oil known not to give problems.

Otherwise, you do what I do. Keep a bit of inner tube in your pocket and use it to keep the clutch lever pulled in as soon as you stop for more than a few minutes.

Paul
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Could you recommend a type of oil would you leave the clutch pulled in for a week with Omer tube as only able to ride in weekends as of work commitments thanks
 
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Rob, exactly the same as me. had issues with slipping when experimenting with Synthetic Oil when it first came out. Had issues getting free play after Eades fitted a new Serflex Clutch pack. But never had a sticking clutch. Probably the only issue I haven't had, been through some bloody odd stuff in 30-plus years of owning a well-abused before me Laverda.
 
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Dave said:
Could you recommend a type of oil would you leave the clutch pulled in for a week with Omer tube as only able to ride in weekends as of work commitments thanks
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I leave the clutch pulled in all the time the bike is in the garage, no harm.
As for oil, I use Motul oils. No sticking clutch problems on my 750s or my wife's 500, but it sticks on this triple.

Paul
 
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Listen you smarty pants whom have never had a sticking clutch, you missed out on the fun, wet grass, stamp into first, back wheel hooks up onto wet grass, back comes round, wild mouse ride in the backyard...as you dare not hit the front brake... you should have read the factory brochure about all the fun to had on a 550lb cony island ride in the backyard... i can swap clutch packs with you any time soon... Paul has the correct process, if not inelegant as to spring health, part activate the clutch lever with strap or similar, been working here for last 6 months...j oh and by the way, well tired of "cleaning" the clutch plates, that addresses nothing of the root cause of older original or oem plates sticking. All three do it here.
 
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Not sure that on a hydraulic system, you should keep it standing with the clutch lever pulled for months. Never did that and never had to.

On bikes that I helped on or that I aquired that were standing for several years untouched, I did it like this:

if the clutch get's sticky, get yourself an engine cleaner from Louis, poor it into the oil, start the engine and warm the bike up. strap the front of the bike a bit down while it's on the center stand so that the rear wheel is lifting decently from the ground and can not touch the ground (best is a bike-lift with a removable plate for rear-wheel exchanges).

now put in first gear, rev a bit up, second gear and rev the bike to 2.000 revs (oil is warm assumed). hold the rev, pull the clutch lever and harschly step on the rear brake (just short time, not for long!).

after several attempts, it should break free. You should ride the bike for some kilometers with several gear changes, return and change the oil, please. If this does not separate the clutch and clean it enough, it's a clutch out and replace operation.

If it frees up when warm without that operation, you might just need to have the engine cleaner used for some kilometers and change the oil and you are good. If not, all you loose is 15€ or so for the engine cleaner and maybe 2 hours. Worth a try from my perspective.

Good luck
 
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I've had this problem on several Laverda's I've owned and found Motul 7100 synthetic 20-50 oil has additives in it that keep the clutch plates clean.
My RGS had this problem and after changing over to Motul the problem cleared itself after the first 3000 klm. Since changing the oil after the 3000 klm oil change I've never experienced this problem.
 
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I am interested to read this thread as I have similar issues with my 1980 3CL.

When I purchased the bike, the owner made me aware of the semi synthetic oil in the engine.
At the time of purchase, no issues with the clutch.

Once I had made the journey to Northern Germany however, I was experiencing
issues whilst underway.

By journeys end I found it necessary to pull the clutch in and await the revs to drop, clutch to disengage,
after extended periods on the motorway.

I've changed the oil numerous times and found no difference or improvement with this issue.
I've only switched between brands or mineral 20w-50. All good quality makes.

I'm looking to drill the clutch cover in the hope that this will at least help.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

It's the one and only thing that takes the shine off owning/riding my 3CL
 
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