This is genius! If your clutch is slipping DO THIS FIRST! I have a 99 Vulcan Classic I purchased new in 2000. Clutch started slipping. Replaced spring with a Barnett. Started slipping again when warm. Was getting ready to replace clutch plates when I stumbled upon this video. While unplugging the small hole, Got a face full of fluid when it broke free. 😛. Works great now!
You saved me hours of frustrations. I used a different video to learn how to bleed the master and slave but I still couldn't get any pressure build up. I remembered what you said about the small hole and a piece of wire. BOOM!!! opened it up, got pressure right away. Finished my bleed. Took her for a ride!! Thanks for posting this.
Thanks for the video, used it on my 2004 Vulcan 1500. It sat for a year and I couldn't get it started. I rebuilt the carb and rolled it down the end of the driveway to try it out. Pulled the clutch, put in first and... nothing. I watched your video, cleaned out the reservoir and picked the hole with a piece of wire. A rag soaked in some carb cleaner worked great to clean out the reservoir. Now I just need to bleed the clutch and off we go!
Thx! After clutch repair at bike shop, still problems. Changed oil (mineral 20/50) and start planning change the clutch lamellar and found this video. And boom, the tiny hole (relief port) was clogged. A string from a wire brunch, hold by a locking plier, and some work in the tiny hole, and the fluid start squirt when using the handle. Does the clutch work again? Oh YES! Thx a million I’m celebrating with a nice glass whiskey after a great ride!
Bro….I owe you one! I had also spent $1500 or so in clutch plates, labor, lines, etc. The shop couldn’t even figure it out. So it sat in my garage for almost 18 months. Until today….popped that like a pimple and all the sudden she runs amazing!!!!! Thank you!!!!
This was my exact problem as well. I watched this video, poked a sewing needle into that hole and flushed the system with new fluid. I just took it on a road trip and it ran great the whole way through. Thank you for saving the day!
Dude, you saved us!!! My wife and I were on our way to a bike rally after I had replaced all the clutch plates and springs, and we lost the clutch again! I was at a loss, until I researched and found your video. With a few tools and a little creativity, we were on our way in only a few minutes. I'm afraid I would have sold this bike after putting all the clutch work into it. Much obliged!
Thank you for your information! I purchased a 2000 Vulcan 1500 and drove it to a gas station. After filling it with gas, went to take off. The clutch started to slip. Had to trailer it home. The next day, tried it and it worked for a while before the clutch went away. I took off the clutch master cylinder cover and sure enough, the bleed valve was plugged. I had a dentist pick set I had bought from Harbor Freight several years ago and used one of picks and after several attempts, it broke through. The bleed hole started to squirt fluid when pulling in clutch lever.
Unbelievable...that the tiniest hole can get clooged and make the entire system not work right like that!! Lol. Much appreciation for the video!!! Thank you!!!
that hole is called the compensating port. it is what keeps the system full of fluid and compensates for expansion and contraction of fluid. similar problems happen with brake systems. especially when a brake lamp switch is adjusted too tight not allowing the piston to return fully. good catch.
You saved me as well. I took over my dad's VN 1500 classic which had been standing in his garage for twelve years since his motorcycle friend passed away, and with that all the riding joy as gone. So I changed oil, brake fluid and some other stuff and took it for a ride. After about 10km the clutch was slipping and I barely made it home. Was just about to take the clutch apart when I saw a link to your video on a Swedish vulcan forum. It saved me so much work and of course some money as well. I had to pick with wires and stuff for quite a while before enough dirt was removed and brake fluid started coming up from that whole. Then I flushed the system once again with clean fluid. If it happens again I'll take it all apart and clean it thoroughly, but this is more than good enough for now. Really appreciate you putting this video out for us to find. Thanks a lot!
No what I was looking for, but a very important tip. As I opened my reservoir and found it murky as mud. So I will definitely check that when I clean it. Cheers from Western Australia..
***FIX*** if the caliper holes are NOT CLOGGED.... Zip tie the clutch lever to the hand grip,, use small screwdriver to separate the clutch plates by accessing the clutch plates through the engine oil filler hole. Then ride the bike in high gear, (4th - 5th ) this worked for me today. 1500 Vulcan no more stuck clutch.
Please, when you check your clutch master cylinder also check the bleed back hole in the brake cylinder as well. I recently bought a VN 1600 and was almost killed when the front brake locked on because of this same problem in the brake cylinder.
Did your problem present itself when pulling the lever there is no resistance: Just goes back and forth with no pressure. Getting ready to take it to the shop.
I was having issues with the clutch not engaging on my 96 1500. I figured it got spongy due to not riding it and paid to have it fixed. Recently i went to ride it and it was doing the same thing again. i can start it in neutral, but the moment I try to put in gear it lurches forward and stalls, and that is with holding the clutch in. So I looked into it and other posts said the clutch needs to bleed. Maybe that is what the shop did...? in any case i was about to take the side plate off when I stumbled upon this vid. I have taken the reservoir cover off and when i pull the clutch, nothing happens. No air bubbles or squirting (as you describe)... and its full. I'm going to see if this fixes my problem.
Could you still depress the clutch lever when this was happening? I cannot depressed the clutch lever on my 04. I also am currently replacing the plates and springs but I thought I should be able to still see the clutch actuate. Separate issue or related?
Have a question for you. I have the exact same bike. Where did you buy the windshield and the front lights that fit that 2001 Classic. I seen to be having an issue with getting a windshield and light bar that fit that model. Thanks. Randy
Hey Joe, I recently got a 1998 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic for free. The bike starts and is in good condition however the clutch master cylinder is cracked and needs to be replaced. Finding a new oem replacement is just about impossible and don’t trust buying a used one. With that said do you know of any aftermarket clutch master cylinder that would be a good replacement for it?
Just to be sure, When I went running it went on like idle, didn't want to accelerate. I stopped and then tried to go on on 1st but it turns off as soon as I try to release the clutch. Is this the issue?
Why in the world would you stick a wire down there when you could just take the unit off and clean it out properly, Jesus Christ man too many hacks on TH-cam, all you did was send that shit back down to come back later and haunt you. Why do people want to do things half-assed
![โรงเรียนตอนตี 2 โคตรหลอน..!! [โรงเรียนไดเม่]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2MAEMwqVYh8/mqdefault.jpg)
This is genius! If your clutch is slipping DO THIS FIRST! I have a 99 Vulcan Classic I purchased new in 2000. Clutch started slipping. Replaced spring with a Barnett. Started slipping again when warm. Was getting ready to replace clutch plates when I stumbled upon this video. While unplugging the small hole, Got a face full of fluid when it broke free. 😛. Works great now!
You saved me hours of frustrations. I used a different video to learn how to bleed the master and slave but I still couldn't get any pressure build up. I remembered what you said about the small hole and a piece of wire. BOOM!!! opened it up, got pressure right away. Finished my bleed. Took her for a ride!! Thanks for posting this.
Thanks for the video, used it on my 2004 Vulcan 1500. It sat for a year and I couldn't get it started. I rebuilt the carb and rolled it down the end of the driveway to try it out. Pulled the clutch, put in first and... nothing. I watched your video, cleaned out the reservoir and picked the hole with a piece of wire. A rag soaked in some carb cleaner worked great to clean out the reservoir. Now I just need to bleed the clutch and off we go!
Thx!
After clutch repair at bike shop, still problems. Changed oil (mineral 20/50) and start planning change the clutch lamellar and found this video. And boom, the tiny hole (relief port) was clogged. A string from a wire brunch, hold by a locking plier, and some work in the tiny hole, and the fluid start squirt when using the handle.
Does the clutch work again? Oh YES! Thx a million I’m celebrating with a nice glass whiskey after a great ride!
Bro….I owe you one! I had also spent $1500 or so in clutch plates, labor, lines, etc. The shop couldn’t even figure it out. So it sat in my garage for almost 18 months. Until today….popped that like a pimple and all the sudden she runs amazing!!!!! Thank you!!!!
This was my exact problem as well. I watched this video, poked a sewing needle into that hole and flushed the system with new fluid. I just took it on a road trip and it ran great the whole way through. Thank you for saving the day!
Dude, you saved us!!! My wife and I were on our way to a bike rally after I had replaced all the clutch plates and springs, and we lost the clutch again! I was at a loss, until I researched and found your video. With a few tools and a little creativity, we were on our way in only a few minutes. I'm afraid I would have sold this bike after putting all the clutch work into it. Much obliged!
Thank you for your information! I purchased a 2000 Vulcan 1500 and drove it to a gas station. After filling it with gas, went to take off. The clutch started to slip. Had to trailer it home. The next day, tried it and it worked for a while before the clutch went away. I took off the clutch master cylinder cover and sure enough, the bleed valve was plugged. I had a dentist pick set I had bought from Harbor Freight several years ago and used one of picks and after several attempts, it broke through. The bleed hole started to squirt fluid when pulling in clutch lever.
Got my first bike 97 vulcan 1500. Was having this same issue. Was gonna take it to the shop until I saw this video. Works perfect now.
Unbelievable...that the tiniest hole can get clooged and make the entire system not work right like that!! Lol. Much appreciation for the video!!! Thank you!!!
You just saved me a bunch of time and money. I'm glad I found this vid before I started taking anything apart.
that hole is called the compensating port. it is what keeps the system full of fluid and compensates for expansion and contraction of fluid. similar problems happen with brake systems. especially when a brake lamp switch is adjusted too tight not allowing the piston to return fully. good catch.
You saved me as well. I took over my dad's VN 1500 classic which had been standing in his garage for twelve years since his motorcycle friend passed away, and with that all the riding joy as gone.
So I changed oil, brake fluid and some other stuff and took it for a ride. After about 10km the clutch was slipping and I barely made it home.
Was just about to take the clutch apart when I saw a link to your video on a Swedish vulcan forum. It saved me so much work and of course some money as well.
I had to pick with wires and stuff for quite a while before enough dirt was removed and brake fluid started coming up from that whole. Then I flushed the system once again with clean fluid.
If it happens again I'll take it all apart and clean it thoroughly, but this is more than good enough for now.
Really appreciate you putting this video out for us to find. Thanks a lot!
You were absolutely right. I used a sewing needle... Brake fluid everywhere!!!!!
Thank you for this video! This is the exact problem with my 96 Vulcan 1500 Classic! It worked like a charm!
I have the 96 and my plates froze up twice.I just went to ride it and the bike is moving with clutch pulled all the way in.Good luck Joseph.
No what I was looking for, but a very important tip. As I opened my reservoir and found it murky as mud. So I will definitely check that when I clean it.
Cheers from Western Australia..
***FIX*** if the caliper holes are NOT CLOGGED.... Zip tie the clutch lever to the hand grip,, use small screwdriver to separate the clutch plates by accessing the clutch plates through the engine oil filler hole. Then ride the bike in high gear, (4th - 5th ) this worked for me today. 1500 Vulcan no more stuck clutch.
Good tip
Same problem 2001 vulcan 1500. Thanks for video.
Had the same problem .... great video probably saved me a lot of time and money. thanks
Thanks for this video! It was what was wrong with my 97 Classic 12k miles!
thanks man.... it was exactly the problem ... you saved me. my bike is my only transportation
Please, when you check your clutch master cylinder also check the bleed back hole in the brake cylinder as well. I recently bought a VN 1600 and was almost killed when the front brake locked on because of this same problem in the brake cylinder.
Thank you! Same bike, same issue!
I did same thing great video I bought new clutch and still same problem cleaned that out and fixed it saved my old clutch still good thanks
Thank you very much great video you saved me a lot of money. I thought for sure my clutch was gone.
Great tech tip Joe. Thanks.
You have to wonder if the guy that sold you the bike has seen this and been beside himself with anger and regret.
Thumbs up pale,for your good advise!
thanks for taking the time and sharing good info.
Did your problem present itself when pulling the lever there is no resistance: Just goes back and forth with no pressure. Getting ready to take it to the shop.
Great video.. saved some money
Muchas gracias señor..
Thanks sir...
Harley V Rod has same problem.
Thank you Thank you THANK YOU!
I was having issues with the clutch not engaging on my 96 1500. I figured it got spongy due to not riding it and paid to have it fixed. Recently i went to ride it and it was doing the same thing again. i can start it in neutral, but the moment I try to put in gear it lurches forward and stalls, and that is with holding the clutch in. So I looked into it and other posts said the clutch needs to bleed. Maybe that is what the shop did...? in any case i was about to take the side plate off when I stumbled upon this vid. I have taken the reservoir cover off and when i pull the clutch, nothing happens. No air bubbles or squirting (as you describe)... and its full. I'm going to see if this fixes my problem.
Could you still depress the clutch lever when this was happening? I cannot depressed the clutch lever on my 04. I also am currently replacing the plates and springs but I thought I should be able to still see the clutch actuate. Separate issue or related?
Did you figure this out? My 06 is doing this to me
what could be best to clean up that hole? My clutch also slip and that may be a reason
Are all Vulcan's equipped like this?? I have a 2008 vn900c (custom). I don't have the issue, but it is nice to know this in case of a further incident
Have a question for you. I have the exact same bike. Where did you buy the windshield and the front lights that fit that 2001 Classic. I seen to be having an issue with getting a windshield and light bar that fit that model. Thanks.
Randy
Brian are you there? Think u can help me with somethin?
Hey Joe, I recently got a 1998 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic for free. The bike starts and is in good condition however the clutch master cylinder is cracked and needs to be replaced. Finding a new oem replacement is just about impossible and don’t trust buying a used one. With that said do you know of any aftermarket clutch master cylinder that would be a good replacement for it?
My 1700 Nomad clunks into gear. Does yours do the same?
can this problem also cause slipping? can't figure out why my 04 Vulcan keeps slipping even after new clutch and spring
did you ever solve that?
Just to be sure, When I went running it went on like idle, didn't want to accelerate. I stopped and then tried to go on on 1st but it turns off as soon as I try to release the clutch. Is this the issue?
Skandulf no that's related to a side stand safty switch
Same thing here my plates were frozen.Happened twice.Kawasaki knows about this issue.
Why in the world would you stick a wire down there when you could just take the unit off and clean it out properly, Jesus Christ man too many hacks on TH-cam, all you did was send that shit back down to come back later and haunt you. Why do people want to do things half-assed
Actually I bled the entire system so maybe stfu...
@@1800joedaddy I'm sure you bled your ass too