What's with all these Clutch Problems?

[ChicagoFactory]

Man, I'm getting really worried about everybody having these clutch problems lately.

As you all know, I sold my 01 Mille because of chronic clutch problems. I gave Aprilia another shot with my 04 Factory. Even though these new clutch problems have to do with frequent bleeding, and not actual slippage like on my 01, I am still very concerned/worried. I have only 120 miles on my bike, so I haven't experienced any of these issues yet, but as I add miles, I'm going to be nervous.

I'm sure some of you have contacted Aprilia USA about this, (have they responded to anyone), but we need to make sure they realize that there IS a problem, have them isolate it, and come up with a fix for it.

Did I make ANOTHER mistake by buying an Aprilia?

Mike

[stinky]

I'm not nervous. Too busy enjoying riding her to be nervous about what *might* happen.

I have a couple thousand miles on mine, and I bled the clutch once early on hoping to make it easier to find neutral. It improved the feel slightly, and neutral has gotten easier to find over the past thousand miles or so, partly because I've improved my technique, and partly from wear.

I'd replace my clutch before I'd sell my bike over problems with it, but that's just me. Besides, I've got 21 months left on my warranty.

[04FactorySL]

When I heard about others having problems and experiencing some creep with my clutch, I had all the fluid flushed out and I havn't had one problem since. I don't think that bleeding it is the answer. You have to have it all replaced.

[Felix Da Cat]

Don't let the clutch issue detract from an amazing bike. All bikes have minor snags.

My clutch is slightly worse, but I haven't bled it yet. As soon as I get my manuals from Clarkie, I will have a look at the system and weigh up the options.

The only thing that bugs me, is that Brembo is such a reputable name, and yet we are having issues with this - I'm assuming it is a Brembo clutch system.

I do believe it's a fixable issue, hopefully Aprilia will take care of it before it becomes a sore point with owners.

[Dvus]

HOw about putting that manual on a PDF and letting everyone download it.

[Felix Da Cat]

I personally wouldn't have a problem with it, and if everybody benefits from it, then great.

However, I would have to clear that with Clarkie first, and if he approves of it then fine, otherwise no go. I'm not sure if Aaron is actually making any money out of it, and I wouldn't want to hurt his business.

Ask him and see what he says ...

[Dvus]

I think I'll know the answer to that. Thanks anyways.

[wolly]

on my 99 mille I had the problem that when I was bleeding the slave cilinder new air was going in around the bleeder. So I had to put some teflon tape around the thread of the bleeder which solved my problem.



Rob

[orpheos]

Its funny. I rode the bike about 600 miles and noticed the clutch didn't engage until it was about 1/3rd in. Figured, must be the way this clutch is. After the service, it engages almost immediately. The service tech noticed that it felt funny so he bled it top and bottom. Wow, now I have to relearn how to use the clutch again.

[clarkie49]

Originally posted by Dvus



I think I'll know the answer to that. Thanks anyways.

gee DVUS, i guess your opinion of me has gotten even lower

actually i am not legally allowed to copy the manuals (part of the dealer agreement) but there is nothing stopping anyone else doing it.

it will be a pretty big .pdf file but if someone is game, go for it

[Dvus]

Originally posted by clarkie49
gee DVUS, i guess your opinion of me has gotten even lower

actually i am not legally allowed to copy the manuals (part of the dealer agreement) but there is nothing stopping anyone else doing it.

it will be a pretty big .pdf file but if someone is game, go for it

Just thought that you couldn't do that do to business obligations.

[Bremms]

Changing the fluid in the clutch and rear brake seemed
to help. I havent had a problem yet and only did the initial
system bleed. I will bleed again when time allows I did install
the EVO clutch slave so that might help too. On a second note
there is quite a bit of clutch drag when the oil is cold.. 40 deg or
so guess thats' normal my previous bikes were Ducatis so the
dry clutch was not effected..

BTW I used Motul dot4 racing fluid.

[Merto]

I was told that the problem ocurred during shipping and that new bikes are now shipped with the clutch lever pulled in and tied back. This is supposed to be the "cure". Has anyone had problems with more recent bikes where they have been shipped in this way?

[Merto]

I was told that the problem ocurred during shipping and that new bikes are now shipped with the clutch lever pulled in and tied back. This is supposed to be the "cure". Has anyone had problems with more recent bikes where they have been shipped in this way?

[Merto]

No reply??? Is this a good sign I wonder...... Nobody has had problems with the clutch where the bike has been shipped to the dealer with the lever tied back?