I don't like the truth either, but I'm guilty for not putting 2 and 2 together earlier. However, synthetic oils are known for less gripping when clutching. This customer always uses synthetic oil. I've seen others, and thinking back, they used synthetic oil too. This one is a 2 whl GL1800 with 53k. A clutch that grips less means more time in the friction zone. More friction causes more heat, which causes uneven surface, causing more heat, and enough heat causes clutch plates to warp. The blueing represents heat. His clutch plates are not yet warped.
Below is a pictures one of his clutch plates. He reports using Amsoil.
Here are some things a rider can do to lesson his chance of clutch failure.
- no slow racing
- fast clutch action
- at a stop on a hill, do not feather the clutch to keep position. Use the brake.
- no drill team maneuvers
- do not trailer
- do not use synthetic oils