Problem with clutch in cold weather starting.

[icedad]

Any of you ever had a problem with the clutch when it is cold outside? My problem: last night it was in the low 30's. I started my trike up about 11:00 am when it got warm enough for me to ride. I pulled the clutch in to start the bike and I usually let it roll backwards to roll out of the shed. This time it would not roll. I let the clutch out and inched forwards as to get a little length with the backwards roll. No such luck. I couldn't even shift the gears so as to put it into neutral. This clutch would let me do anything until the motor warmed up a bit. Once it warmed up a bit, the clutch started to behave normal like. What gives? Do I need a new clutch? Where is the adjustment on these 98 goldwing trikes? or is there any? Hoping someone has an inexpensive answer. (crossing my fingers) Thank-you

Signed, DAZED and CONFOOSED

[Gold Rush]

GL1500 has a hydraulic clutch similar to a GL1800. Have you purged/replaced the fluid and bled the air out recently? I just did my 1800 a few weeks ago. Wasn't a huge change but it did get better...

[SMSgt]

I had the same problem except my temps were around 10-20 degrees. I just bled and replaced the oil in my clutch. That seemed to fix the problem. One more thing you might look at is your motor oil. Your clutch is bathed in motor oil and if it is thick or dirty it will make your clutch slow to activate.
Good luck
Kent

[msocko3]

Have to remember brake fluid which is what is used in the hydraulic clutch attracts moisture which alters the boiling point and makes any water want to freeze. Like others have said, purge and bleed it to get rid of the old fluid.

[icedad]

I appreciate the comebacks here. I wasn't quite sure about this. Years ago I worked on Mg's which had the hydraulic clutch, but do not remember having to bleed the clutch because of this problem. I guess that's why I don't suffer from memory loss, I rather enjoy it. lol


Thanks again,
Randy

[skuuter]

Yep, most likely "brake fluid moisture".....my first Honda VFR 800 Interceptor did this with 46,000 miles on it.....new fluid in the clutch, problem cured.....

[icedad]

I finally bled the clutch yesterday and lo and behold, she started without a hitch and I now have some freeplay. Thanks everyone for the advice.

[Gold Rush]

I finally bled the clutch yesterday and lo and behold, she started without a hitch and I now have some freeplay. Thanks everyone for the advice.

Glad you got things working correctly. Getting to things is a pain just to do a five minute job but soooooooo worth it.... pepper pepper

[hbrogan57]

The folks on Trike Talk score another win with their helpful advice!!!!!

pepperpepperpepper