ok I bought a 2004 yz 125.

the clutch doesnt release until the very very last second (like he last 1/2 inch of lever pull)

when my clutch is pulled in and in gear.. the bike still wants to move forward, it dies if I dont give it gas, and if I give it lots of gas it moves a lot.

the bike is also impossible to start in gear (clutch pulled in of course)

is it my cable settings or are my clutch plates bad??

any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks guys.

Don't worry too much about not being able to start in gear, very common due to oil sticking plates together.

Many bikes will do this when cold, do you find it happening when fully warmed up?? Changing the transmission oil can have a great effect on this, many recommend Type F Auto Transmission Fluid (ATF) instead of gearbox oil to eliminate similar symptoms.

If it is still especially grabby or won't engage correctly you may have a worn/grooved clutch basket, can be filed smooth or replaced.

Slippage under load is normally the sign of worn clutch disks, not the problems you are having.

hey i run 10 w 40. I dont know what the previous guy ran. but ya. what do you figure i should do? the plates do not look worn. heated . scratched or ruff.

fullyard said:

Is the basket they are sat in grooved along its 'fingers'?? If there are groooves, carefully file them smooth and make sure plates are re-assembled in right order.


I run Silkolene 2 stroke gearbox oil but motor oil or ATF are both common alternative. You didn't say if it does it when warm.

it does "slip" when warm