Fouled Clutch or Clutch Plate replace?

[georgethegoat]

so i got a new clutch pack (most of it — thank you Doc Duck) and am getting all set up to replace the 3,4,5 pieces in the clutch assembly and do a spline lube. but the more i ride around the more i'm thinking that it might just be a fouled clutch.

the bike has 47k miles and there was a mess around the clutch adjustment nut when i went to adjust it (just to see if that did anything). also it might just be me but i feel like the slipping gets worse after the bike has warmed up a bit — but maybe my logic is backwards on why that might signal a fouled clutch.

so the questions are 1. is there any sure fire diagnostic for a fouled clutch other than getting in there (which i'm going to do anyway) and more importantly 2. if it is a fouled clutch which gaskets, o-rings, seals etc. am i looking to replace.

as usual thanks in advance for any help.

[Rick G]

Pull it apart and have a look, there is a 99% chance it will need work and that is the only way to do it.

[frankenduck]

Check the weep hole where the bellhousing meets the clutch underneath.  If it's leaked enough oil to foul the clutch plate then there will be some coming out of there.

If you have a mess back at the clutch rod boot then it probably has a tear in it or the clutch didn't seat properly in it.

If you have a fouled clutch then at a minimum you'll need a clutch nut O-ring.  In theory you're also supposed to also replace the clutch nut and the bolts/washers that hold the clutch assembly together but I've re-used them without issue.