Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

Finally rode my bike for the first time. The clutch worked fine for a few minutes, even though it was a little stiff (but smooth). then all of a sudden I pull the clutch handle and there's no resistance at all and the clutch wouldnt work. Shut the engine off, roll back and forth with it in gear a few times and the clutch works again. Also, while sitting still engine running, put it in gear with the clutch pull it feels like something is out of balance (maybe clutch basket?) Put it in neutral let the clutch out and its smooth as silk. transmission shifts great, when the clutch worked it worked great (no slipping). Any ideas?

I'd pull off the clutch adjuster cap on the right side cover to check the operation of the throwout bearing holder, clutch cable, pushrod, etc. You could also take off the oil fill cap and look in with a flashlight at the primary drive (this is visible on the MR175 / MT125 etc., along with part of the clutch basket; don't know about the MT250). If everything seems fine, the next step would be to pull off the clutch cover and have a look.

Ray

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'74 CR125M (175cc), '75 MR175, '82 RM250Z, '08 YZ250F, '14 Zero FX electric, '14 Zero MX electric, '18 Alta MXR electric