Cause for Concern !!

[mike tee]

I have on a couple of occasions mentioned my ongoing Grabbing Clutch problem both here on this forum and to my Dealer. As the bike was due for it,s second service (4700 miles) I again mentioned the Clutch to the Mechanic who said it probably just needed bleeding and that it needed a special technique and that he would sort it. Bike now serviced, clutch bled and no difference. My cause for concern is not due to the fact that it looks like I'll just have to live with the Grabbing Clutch but that a couple of days later when in the Dealer's for some Oil I mentioned that after bleeding the problem was still there and the Dealer Principle asked if my Futura was Shaft Drive as shaft drive Bikes have another Clutch !!
Please God help me !!.

[Dan]

Never heard of a grabbing clutch, but the problem ought to be easily fixed as there are limited parts involved.

Name your current deal so no one else goes there. Then find another who has half a brain, let him ride the bike. Is the problem reproducable when someone else rides the bike?

I looked back at some of your preious posts and saw that the bike is likely still under warranty. How far to the next closest dealer? Has anyone yet disassembled the clutch, closely examined the basket? Does the clutch lever pulse or anything? Is the vacuum line to the clutch kinked or leaking?

[FuturaJoe]

... and the Dealer Principle asked if my Futura was Shaft Drive ...

I hear you bro...please tell me you have other dealers in your area.

That's scary.

[GaryM]

I had issue when my bike was brand new and just out of the box. I would release the clutch leaver completely but the clutch would not release until a second or so afterwards.

It came to a head when I was out riding, I released the clutch leaver and the clutch did not disengage. So I had no drive, it was like the bike was in neutral. I messed around for a good 4 - 5 mins stopping and starting the bike and pulling and releasing the leaver before it released. I then took it to the dealer.

I believe they replaced the master clutch cylinder (i think)

[Futura]

I had issue when my bike was brand new and just out of the box. I would release the clutch leaver completely but the clutch would not release until a second or so afterwards.

It came to a head when I was out riding, I released the clutch leaver and the clutch did not disengage. So I had no drive, it was like the bike was in neutral. I messed around for a good 4 - 5 mins stopping and starting the bike and pulling and releasing the leaver before it released. I then took it to the dealer.

I believe they replaced the master clutch cylinder (i think)

Sounds like a problem with the vacuum slipper clutch system. Look very carefully for a pinched or damaged vacuum line.

[Befbever]

You mean our bike isn't shaft drive?:crowbar:

Sounds to me like either an oil or mechanical problem. And it also sounds like you need to examine your clutch yourself or have a mechanically inclined friend do it in your presence. I've had a lot of trouble with my Falco's clutch and most of it could be solved with changing oil. Until it was worn that is.

I would suggest you pour in Motul 15w/50 (that's what my dealer puts in all the Rotax V-twins), clean the frictions plates thoroughly and soak them in the same oil. Go to this site (http://www.geocities.com/sl_mille/) for the technical info.

And never ever go to your dealer again. Who is it anyway?

[colo_heff]

You mean our bike isn't shaft drive?:crowbar:


... that's why Meanstrk hasn't had to adjust his chain yet...:)

[mike tee]

Just back home after a couple of weeks earning, hence the delayed response. Thanks for all the helpful replies folks. My Problem has also been published in last weeks issue of Motorcycle News (MCN) here in the U.K. Their Technical Help guy says that mine is a "common" problem on Aprilia's and is due to the design and material of the Slave Cylinder which is prone to flexing when affected by Engine heat. He suggests a replacement Cylinder, either Evoluzione or if my Bike is an 04 Model Year or later then a Brembo Race Clutch Master Cylinder should work ??. Sorry to admit it but I,m afraid that the Futura Buzz is begining to wear off and that the End is in sight !!.
Mike Tee

[RPB]

I'd try the Evoluzione first. It's a whole lot cheaper than a new bike.

[Dan]

I think the tech editor is crap. Common problem? How come this is the first I recall? Not saying it's never happened, but it sure isn't common. Your earlier posts indicate at least some mechanical knowledge... why haven't you looked at it yourself? There's nothing inside that engine that ought to be mysterious to anyone who has evena bit of skill. The manual is available. :WTF:

[mike tee]

As my Bike is under Warranty (for what thats worth) I would be reluctant to strip out the Clutch. If I did that and found a Problem with the Basket or Plates, Aprilia would then say that the "Non- Existant" Warranty is void as I have stripped the Bike myself. To pay for any replacement parts myself would be cost prohibative. I, like many others have had to make the Bike Safe and reliable at my own expense. ( Fuel Q.D. Connection and Rectifier Connections) The thought of having to carry out further work myself is a non starter. IMHO Aprilia have the worst Customer Support of any Vehical, (Car or Bike) I have owned. The Futura is a nice Bike spoilt by Aprilia's couldn't care less attitude. There are manufactures out there who produce good products and back them up via Dealers who care so maybe it's time to move on !!.

[Dan]

I understand your point, but at present, you have a bike worth near zero to you and one that you can't ethically sell. I know nothing of Aprilia's dealer network where you live, but there are only 2 choices to solve your problem: You or a dealer. Choose one.

[Befbever]

As my Bike is under Warranty (for what thats worth) I would be reluctant to strip out the Clutch. If I did that and found a Problem with the Basket or Plates, Aprilia would then say that the "Non- Existant" Warranty is void as I have stripped the Bike myself. To pay for any replacement parts myself would be cost prohibative. I, like many others have had to make the Bike Safe and reliable at my own expense. ( Fuel Q.D. Connection and Rectifier Connections) The thought of having to carry out further work myself is a non starter. IMHO Aprilia have the worst Customer Support of any Vehical, (Car or Bike) I have owned. The Futura is a nice Bike spoilt by Aprilia's couldn't care less attitude. There are manufactures out there who produce good products and back them up via Dealers who care so maybe it's time to move on !!.
The clutch friction plates are not covered by the warranty anyway as they're a 'wear item'. My Tuono has a one year warranty yet I've installed an exhaust system myself, I'm re-doing the whole wiring back to stock and I've opened up the ECU to check what Eprom I have. My dealer knows what I'm doing and will still help me out if anything breaks.

If I had a problem like yours and my dealer doesn't want to solve it, I'd do it myself and let him stick the warranty where the sun don't shine. There's more than enough info on this board to keep you riding without needing a bad dealer.


if my Bike is an 04 Model Year or later
Very knowledgeable Tech Guy I must say. All Futura's are the same and they stopped making them in '04!
:rolleyes:
There's nothing common about your problem. If it was we'd have heard about it before. I don't think I have in the last 7 years of Aprilia ownership.

[Dan]

Good catches, Bef.

[VikNWill]

Weather you're a compatent mechanic....or the dealer has one....you need to get the problem fixed. Knowing what is the problem is at least 75% of the solution.

so....


As already mentioned....I'd check components of the vacum/slipper clutch system. Look for disconnected and/or pinched hoses, etc. Free and easy to do yourself.

I'd also take the "clutch inspection cover" off. Its just a simple motor cover on the right side of the bike. Have a peek in there at the clutch plates. Again, easy to do yourself and won't hurt your warranty. You could even pull the cover off the clutch basket itself to get a better look if you feel up to it. Just be sure to reassemble in the same order as removal.

If you find something that looks goofy...let us...or the dealer...or somebody know.

Good luck, ride safe, have fun.
Will

[bobdavis73]

My 03 when brand new had a clutch that would not operate at all. On inspection the clutch line was pinched. Luckily they still had my totaled 02 sitting there as a parts store :rolleyes: . They yanked off the line and away I went. I bet you have a similar yet slightly better problem.

Bob