Sticky Clutch

[JeFF 03yz450f]

Hey guys how's it going? I'm new to ATM and so far liking what I'm seeing... Anyways, I have a question about my 03 yz450f. The clutch seems to be sticky when it's cold. After running it for a few mins and it's warm with oil flowing through the engine it frees up. Anyone else ever had this happen or know anything about it. Thanks




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[ktm_cody_199]

All I can say is check your clutch basket,if it is even very slightly worn then it will stick some.Maybe poor oil flow?

[JeFF 03yz450f]

had the clutch basket out and checked it myself as well by a mechanic. It looks perfectly fine. I was thinking about drilling the oil ports out to 4mm from 3mm.

[ktm_cody_199]

is it hot or cold where you are located?Try using a thinner oil before you go changing aything.Make sure your coolant is good and topped off all the time when riding with thinner oil because it will heat up more and faster,sounds like what your problem is.

[Dirtbikindad393]

Welcome to ATM by the way Jeff!!!!

Cody is getting down the right road.

What oil are you using? Exact brand and weight.

What climate are you in? Does Ontario = Ontario, Canada?

Huge factors in how things work in the clutch dept.

[ktm_cody_199]

I love amsoil,I use it in my 125 and my sx-f Definately try a thinner oil and see how that works,you really shouldnt be riding it at all until it is completely warmed up ayway.I pump my clutch when its warming up,seems to help with getting the oil flowing durring warmup.Dont ride it until the radiators are warm/hot to the touch,will make your motor last alot longer.If you notice at any kind of mtorsport,the mechanic completely warms the bike up and shuts it off numerous times minutes or so before the rider/driver rides/drive.

[ktm_cody_199]

Forgot,also make sure the oil is circulating when the bike starts.

[JeFF 03yz450f]

Hey guys, yeah it's ontario, canada and I was told to use 10w-30 motul which I use in my street bike as well... A mechanic told me to do so and I went with what he said for the convenience. That was my next thought to go to a lighter oil.... Yes, I warm up the bike completely to ride and the clutch will work good, but I was referring to when it sits in the garage and is cold... with my street bike I can have it in first and pull in the clutch you can free wheel the bike with ease. With the 450 it's hard to move and second gear is a little easier... neutral it's perfect with no unusual stuff. I have flipped the clutch plates as well and inspected all parts. I'll fluids are set to factory. By the way it's starting to get cold here... LOL I'm thinking it has to do the oil viscosity. When I'm done work tonight I will be doing a quick check and hopefully go for a ride. Thanks guys...

[Dirtbikindad393]

Originally Posted by JeFF 03yz450f

Hey guys, yeah it's ontario, canada and I was told to use 10w-30 motul which I use in my street bike as well... A mechanic told me to do so and I went with what he said for the convenience. That was my next thought to go to a lighter oil.... Yes, I warm up the bike completely to ride and the clutch will work good, but I was referring to when it sits in the garage and is cold... with my street bike I can have it in first and pull in the clutch you can free wheel the bike with ease. With the 450 it's hard to move and second gear is a little easier... neutral it's perfect with no unusual stuff. I have flipped the clutch plates as well and inspected all parts. I'll fluids are set to factory. By the way it's starting to get cold here... LOL I'm thinking it has to do the oil viscosity. When I'm done work tonight I will be doing a quick check and hopefully go for a ride. Thanks guys...

It has to do with two things the factor that is the most trouble is your clutch basket and plates. I know you said you checked it but I bet your clutch basket has some notching in it and your clutch springs and plates are shot. I would bet any amount that if you were to take it apart and replace everything in there it would work like champ. I have been down this road with my YZ450 and after I replaced the basket with a Hinson basket and inner hub new plates & springs it worked fine. I would also bet that your plates have built up a glaze simuilar to what happens to brake pads.

I would love to see pictures of the basket, close up pictures of the fingers on the basket. If you feel a slight hump or notch with your finger nail in the basket or inner hub it is poop.


The second and more slight factor is the oil and its viscosity. It really needs to get warmed up more than you think in colder temps meaning below 50 f I think thats 10 c.

Here is an article I wrote about changing the YZ450 clutch and the symptoms. Its full of pictures just click on the links.

Hope that helps.

[JeFF 03yz450f]

hey dirtbikindad, I found your clutch post just before you replied... very good article. I had it apart and never took any pics of it I'm an idiot. It definitly doesn't look as bad as yours did. Did I mention before that two different mechanics looked at the baskets and plates and said they were good, but how much roughly did you spend to upgrade everything. I would be interested in doing this over the winter for sure and I'm most likely going to change to a lighter oil. Thanks again

[Dirtbikindad393]

Originally Posted by JeFF 03yz450f

hey dirtbikindad, I found your clutch post just before you replied... very good article. I had it apart and never took any pics of it I'm an idiot. It definitly doesn't look as bad as yours did. Did I mention before that two different mechanics looked at the baskets and plates and said they were good, but how much roughly did you spend to upgrade everything. I would be interested in doing this over the winter for sure and I'm most likely going to change to a lighter oil. Thanks again

I bought the Hinson parts on Ebay and found a place that sells pretty cheap. I will get you the name of the place if your intereseted. I bought my own plates and did all my own work. I spent about 300.00 for the total switch out. Yamaha baskets are really soft so yours may not be as bad as mine but if you feel any ridge or hump at all its toast sorry to say. Anything you can feel with your finger nail in the hub or basket.

I truely don't think you need to go to a lighter oil. You might want to go to a better oil but 10W oil should be good with a good warm up. You have proved that in your street bike. I would however change to a heavier oil in the street bike for the summer. Better protection for the long rides and high heat in the engine. To read more go to the Amsoil Vendor thread here on ATM and read the motorcycle oil study.

[ktm_cody_199]

These 450's are Soooo hard on clutches,hope you find out whats wrong with it.A rlue of thumb:Cold weather=thin oil,warm weather=thick oil.Replacing clutch plates and springs is so easy that I do it every few months just to get max power to the ground,my basket in good shape,and that "new" feel.Good luck