> On Thu, 16 Oct 1997 20:03:50 +0100 "alan cuthbert" (alancuth "at" enterprise.net) writes:
> >Hi,
> >
> >My Gas Gas JTX 250 has had clutch dragging problems since the second
> >time I rode it. It's almost impossible to find neutral with the engine
> >running. Adjustment at the lever makes no difference.
> >
> >Why does this problem seem to affect so many Gas Gas machines?
> >I'd appreciate your opinion.
> >
> >Regards,
> >Alan Cuthbert
>
> Alan:
>
> I'm kind of on shakey ground here, because I do not know G-Gs as well as,
> say, Fantic. I hope this will change now that I own one. I have
> traditionally not liked the clutch design on G-G. I rebuilt a `92 that
> was excellent except for the accursed clutch. It dragged so much staying
> stopped with clutch in required clamping the brakes on hard. Things have
> gotten better recently. I have ridden some G-Gs with very nice clutches.
>
> But some G-G clutches seem to present with more problems than they
> should, especially as regards the dreaded dragging clutch syndrome. I
> know some folk have dealt with their problems with after-market plates,
> special oils, springs behind the slave cylinder piston, etc. My opinion
> is the clutch is too small in diameter and thus requires too much spring
> force to prevent slippage. This is an assumption that may not be valid,
> but seems valid as my 'new' `95 G-G 160 with 3 of 6 springs removed has
> an excellent, easy-pull clutch that does not drag or slip. But when I
> run all six springs, the drag returns, and clutch pull is somewhat stiff.
>
> Granted the drag is minimal, and only makes it difficult to shift while
> stopped, it is more drag than either of my two Fantics produce together.
>
> Perhaps someone on the list can give a really good solution set for those
> of us that have marginal G-G clutches. What are all of the things that
> can be done to optimize the clutch...if one were to do as much as could
> be done? Surely there is a solution to this nagging problem!
>
> -CJ

Jim Snell's volute spring behind the slave cyl solved the clutch drag "problem" for me....not that my 95 JT had much of a problem to begin with. Other bits of wisdom that he and Dale have dispensed to me over the years include running 5W30 oil, and running 600cc of oil, as opposed to the quoted 650~750cc in the owners' manual (or video). Switching over to the shorty lever helps also, as it allows longer useful stroke of the master cyl. Snell told me long ago that most problems with the clutch (Or the brake) come from the master cylinder. A good first step at the first inkling of a problem is to replace the master cyl piston return spring.

I would highly recommend calling Jim Snell with any questions relating to any performance issue with any GasGas. He is very good at diagnosing problems, even over the phone

Charlie