2012 kx250f clutch Issue

Benji Molina
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61
Joined
10/20/2013
Location
northwest, MS, USA
Edited Date/Time 8/1/2017 8:08pm
I know you may say this question has been asked before but this seems "stranger". So i just bought a 2012 kx250f used with a hinson bulletproof clutch with 20 hours on it. and when i bought the bike it didn't seem to do this but now when i shift into 1st with the clutch all the way in it jerks forward then creeps forward. i wouldn't think it would have worn plates as it is a bulletproof with only 20 hours but i dont know, i have let it warm up and let the oil get everywhere in the engine and then tried it and it still creeps and i have also tried tightening the freeplay all the way tight and i have also tightened the adjuster behind the number plate all the way and it still creeos, i am very condused because i really dont think it did it when i test rode the bike. I am trying to fix it the most cost effective way possible. so i am just wondering what i can do to fix it.

P.S also when i adjust the clutch with the correct amount of freeplay the bike nearly stalls when i shift into 1st with the clutch all the way in

Thank you very very much]
-Ben
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Paw Paw 271
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4/3/2013
Location
Benton, LA, USA
7/7/2014 2:33pm
Sounds like you have some clutch plates stuck together. You will need to tear the clutch down and free them up. You will also need to see if you have warped steel plates created from clutch over heating and slipping due to the possible use of an incorrect oil. I would also check for notches on the clutch basket.

Paw Paw
Benji Molina
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10/20/2013
Location
northwest, MS, USA
7/7/2014 3:38pm Edited Date/Time 7/7/2014 4:40pm
Hello,

Thank you very much for the response paw paw, I will pull apart my clutch tommorow and see if they are stuck, How do i prevent the plates from sticking again? Also since they are stuck does that mean that they are worn? because that would make me pretty pissed, It is supposed to last 5 times as long as stock.
Also what is the difference between the clutch cable adjuster behind the number pate and the one on the clutch perch? does it matter where i have the adjuster behind the number plate if i have the correct free play?

Thank you paw paw and anyone else who responds
-Ben
jhansen510
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GREENFIELD, MN, USA
7/7/2014 4:59pm
Drain all of the oil from the bike and remove the oil filter. Lay the bike on its side so the clutch cover is facing up. Take off the rear brake pedal. Remove the bolts holding the clutch cover on. Then take off the bolts that hold the clutch springs on. From here you can take off the pressure plate and pull the plates out. Look at your outer clutch basket (the hinson BILLET proof one as well as the inner clutch hub for notching. My guess is that the inner clutch hub is notched (grooved). If that is the case you will need to replace it. I would replace the springs and plates as well as the steels just for peace of mind. Just because it has a hinson basket doesnt mean it will last forever. Wrong oil, bad maintenance, etc can all lead to premature wear. If the outer hub and or inner hub are notched up you will not get rid of that creaping. The cable adjuster behind the plate does the same as the one on the perch. It just gives you more adjustment for when the perch will no longer do the job. My guess is that the cable was never properly adjusted which can also help lead to premature wear. There needs to be enough slack in the cable so that the clutch can fully disengage. A nickel worth of space between the lever and perch is a good rule of thumb. If you need to take the basket or inner hub out a impact will be your best friend. Once that is done get a gallon jug of Rotella T 15W40 (white bottle) and change the oil every ride or every other ride. Say goodbye to clutch problems as long as you are not abusive to the clutch. Clean fresh oil equals happy bike and rider! Let us know. Also get a service manual!
Benji Molina
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61
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Location
northwest, MS, USA
7/8/2014 7:08pm
Hello again,
I pulled apart the clutch today and talked to a very experienced mechanic about it and there are no grooves in the basket and the plates weren't stuck together, but he said that the clutch overheated leaving a "film on bolth my plates and fibers. Could this be what's causing the problem? Pics of clutch













The Shop

7/9/2014 6:51am
If that is the case, I would assume that there is a problem with the oil (possible breaking down at the over heating temperatures). I would recommend changing the oil and using an oil rated for the higher end of the operating temperature range. Maybe look into possible ways to remove the film? Also double check your coolant levels if you are having over heating problems. Gotta keep that four stroke cool.
Benji Molina
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61
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10/20/2013
Location
northwest, MS, USA
7/9/2014 7:08am
If I replace the clutch plates and fibers will that fix my issue? Because to me those plates looked pretty bad. I am just wondering what I need to buy to fix my bike because I was planning to ride this weekend.
Thanks again
-Ben
Paw Paw 271
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Benton, LA, USA
7/9/2014 9:10am
I think the wrong oil was used. Replace the disk and use the correct oil.
mxtech1
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1968
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7/21/2011
Location
Galesburg, IL, USA
7/9/2014 9:24am Edited Date/Time 7/9/2014 9:27am
You probably need to look at replacing OEM part #92200.

I am going to try and diagnose your problem, but please keep in mind I am only using the information that you have said. It is evident to me that when you pull in the clutch lever, no matter how the cable is adjusted, you aren't getting enough expansion in the clutch to keep it from grabbing or stalling. This tells me that your current 92200 washer is too thick. If you order a thinner 92200A/B/C, the overall clutch pack thickness will be reduced and you will be able to get the full amount of travel back.This should properly disengage your clutch.

I assume you have the stock 92200 right now. You can verify by measuring it - it should be 2.5mm thick. Since parts numbers 92200A/B/C are cheap, I think you should order all three because it is difficult to know what thickness you need. They are also great to have on hand as well. When you put a new set of clutch plates in, you may need to swap the washer out depending on feel.

I am about 95% certain this will be your fix. If it doesn't work, I have a couple other ideas that would be related to the push rod, ball, and holder.

Edit: After looking more closely at your clutch plates, I would agree that the plates and steels are questionable. However, I still believe the culprit is the thickness washer. Most guys don't ever change this washer as the bike ages, but this is one of the most important parts for having a good clutch on a Kawasaki.
mxtech1
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Galesburg, IL, USA
7/9/2014 9:33am Edited Date/Time 7/9/2014 9:33am
Also, Kawasaki purposely designed these thickness washers so that the rider does not have to replace a pressure hub or clutch basket when they get a little bit of wear on them. The only point I would consider replacing the basket and hub is if you have installed the thinnest washer and you still can't get the clutch to disengage.
jhansen510
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Location
GREENFIELD, MN, USA
7/9/2014 11:22am
Thanks for that mxtech1! I never knew that myself as my current 13kx250f is the first kawi I have had in just over a decade!
Jakes Dad
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Brooksville, FL, USA
7/9/2014 12:44pm
Stronger springs.
splinter
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4/6/2015
Location
Lees Summit, MO, USA
4/6/2015 6:55am
any resolve in this. my 13 does the same thing. creeps in 1st with clutch pulled. cable is adjusted correctly. mxtech1 when you say washer, are you talking about the washer under the inner basket? thanks
mxtech1
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Galesburg, IL, USA
4/6/2015 9:53am
splinter wrote:
any resolve in this. my 13 does the same thing. creeps in 1st with clutch pulled. cable is adjusted correctly. mxtech1 when you say washer, are...
any resolve in this. my 13 does the same thing. creeps in 1st with clutch pulled. cable is adjusted correctly. mxtech1 when you say washer, are you talking about the washer under the inner basket? thanks
Splinter: Pull up an online diagram of the clutch and reference the part numbers I listed above.
splinter
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Lees Summit, MO, USA
4/6/2015 12:55pm
I did seems they use that number for a lot of things. I think I'm understanding what your saying, just wanted to make sure Wink
7/21/2017 3:29am
did this work for anyone? 2013 kx250f with the same issues. meanwhile, I'm going to order all 3 washers and try it.
8/1/2017 7:56pm
it worked!! had 1.5mm washer, and put in 1.0 mm.
smooth gears, no more jumping from idle to 1st. this is my after pic.

8/1/2017 8:00pm
it worked!! had 1.5mm washer, and put in 1.0 mm.
smooth gears, no more jumping from idle to 1st. this is my after pic.

8/1/2017 8:02pm Edited Date/Time 8/1/2017 8:08pm


$ 2.95¢ fix and 10 minutes.

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