The Hodaka Club Forum

Hi,

I am working to bring back to life a 250SL. After a lot of work dismantling and reassembling the whole bike I got to start it last night and gave it a spin around the block. Two things happened.
1. the clutch was sticking and I had to push the level to get it disengaged. New cable but i may need some oil. But the pull from the clutch was not strong enough.

2. the clutch was slipping a lot in general.

When i put the engine together, Since I have no service manual I didn't know the proper tension on the springs so i did what I thought is ok without over tightening them. I may have not gone far enough so my question is if anyone knows what should be the tension on the clutch springs for this bike.

the plates looked ok but again don't know what is the minimum thickness.

Any advise is appreciated.

John

Friction disc thickness is 2.25mm. Didn't know you could adjust tension on the clutch springs, so someone else will have to address that.

1. It's not abnormal for the clutch plates to stick when cold. Did the bike lurch when the it was first put it gear then free up?

2. DId you put back in the thin washers/spacers that go between the actuator disc and the clutch? Better order a manual form this site and start over, there are a few tricks and specs to know when reassembling the mechanisms.

Just to be clear . . . there is no workshop manual for the 250's . . . only Owner's Manuals with Illustrated Parts List. Note that the illustrated parts lists are available on this site. (Strictly Hodaka) Those illustrations can be quite helpful.


Ed

John

You need to turn those clutch bolts all the way in. When you do, you should have a firmer feel at the lever and the slipping should go away.
If your clutch still slips, perhaps your springs are sacked or the plates are worn.

I have a 250 SL that I restored recently. Lots of fun to ride. I know that you'll have a good time when you get it sorted out.

Good luck with the project

Tom

Thank you for the advice. Indeed you need to tight the screws all the way. in my previous restorative experience of a yamaha XL550 you needed to tighten the bolts at a particular torque otherwise you could break the bolt. there was no stop till the spring was all the way pushed.
Still need to check the plate thickness and would be no surprised if the springs are a bit short.
Wonder why this site doesn't sell them as a set.

Thanks

J

In a way, Paul does offer a set. Part number 714000 is an assembly of parts from diagram reference 44 through 56, which covers all the plates, discs, and springs. Actually, most of the clutch parts subject to wear. $169. Look under all products, engines and parts, clutch parts. Scroll down two thirds of the page. I don't see a bundle reference on the schematic page.

The spring tension is not adjustable, screws must be tightened up. I had to find heavier springs for my RG250 since it makes much more power than stock

Rich