Sherpa in need of help...

SherpaSam · 09-12-2008, 09:58 AM

I just got a '01 Super Sherpa about a week ago(first bike) and after nearly 24 hours of riding(such a good day) i went to go ride it(it was already warmed up from a ride 10 minutes ago) and when i put it in gear and released the clutch it immediately dies. over, and over and over. i took it to my co-workers neighbor because he aparently knows about bikes. me and my brother thought it would just be the clutch plates, pretty easy fix. but the guy said they looked fine. does anyone know what else it could be? or anyone willing to take a look at it? like i said, i'm very new to motorcycles and some help would be extremely appreciated. BBQ on me if you can figure it out... thanks guys.
I'm in grapevine(DFW) by the way
e-mail prefered: samhuffmanorama@gmail
thanks.

**The Bruce** · 09-12-2008, 10:08 AM

Is the sidestand down when you are putting it in gear? There is usually a safety switch that kills the engine if the stand is down and you put it in gear. Check for that switch. If the stand is up that switch could be bad.

**kurt** · 09-12-2008, 10:15 AM

You did turn the choke off?

Boxercup Dave · 09-12-2008, 10:30 AM

When you say imediately dies does the bike lurch a bit forward before it dies indicating the clutch hasn't released? If this is the case this indicates the clutch plates are not releasing. Either they are stuck together from lack of use or the cable assembly is way out of adjustment (not enough travle to disengage).

When you pull on the clutch lever do you feel the same resistance as when bought, less resistance or no resistance.

As the other have stated yoiu should also look for a safety switch issue. I'm not sure how the Sherpa is setup regarding this.

SherpaSam · 09-12-2008, 10:37 AM

it does have the kickstand safety thing, that could be faulty. yes i closed the choke. yes it does lurch forward most of the times. i don't have the knowledge to check out the plates, but like i said, the neighbor guy said the plates looked fine...
thanks for the quick response, guys, keep it coming.

**The Bruce** · 09-12-2008, 10:38 AM

Also check slack in the clutch cable. If too loose it won't disengage the plates.

**kurt** · 09-12-2008, 10:41 AM

I'm betting on improper clutch adjustment at this point.

**The Bruce** · 09-12-2008, 10:42 AM

Great minds

SherpaSam · 09-12-2008, 10:52 AM

he as well as my brother checked that and said it moved fine. wasn't loose...

ed29 · 09-12-2008, 10:53 AM

Ditto the adjustment. I am in Arlington and willing to help you work on it if you want to learn it close up.

ed29 · 09-12-2008, 10:56 AM

Question... when your guy looked at the plates... did he disassemble the side cover and actually remove the clutch from the bike, or peer into the oil fill hole and look at just the edges?

There are a couple of things worth trying before taking the cover off by the way.

SherpaSam · 09-12-2008, 11:05 AM

i'm pretty sure he took it apart.
i would love some real, up close (patient) help. i really need to start learning.
Are you available this weekend at all?
e-mail me. thanks a lot.

Cagiva 549 · 09-12-2008, 11:36 AM

With the engine off hold the clutch lever in and try to push the bike while in gear , if the bike rolls the clutch is fine . When you release the lever the wheel should stop turning , if you cant push the bike then the clutch probly needs adjusted . It is normal to feel some drag , also normal for the plates to stick a little over nite . Holdeing the clutch lever and rocking the bike back and foward in gear will usally break it loose . The first lesson I learned when I was a young mechanic . Check the simple and cheap stuff first . It applys in all cases . SEYA

ed29 · 09-12-2008, 11:47 AM

PM sent with contact info.

DFW_Warrior · 09-12-2008, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed29

PM sent with contact info.

Hey Ed, just a thought, but I think Dan is coming over to my place on Sunday to change tires, if you want we can just make it into a little mini tech day.

dukey33 · 09-12-2008, 03:34 PM

Check the clutch lever interlock switch.

The way it worked on my street Kawis was releasing the clutch with the sidestand down and transmission out of neutral would cut off the engine. If your clutch switch has gone belly-up then the engine would shut off as soon as you put it in gear.

SherpaSam · 09-12-2008, 08:28 PM

BACK IN ACTION. it was in fact the kickstand safety mechanism. i'm so happy.
thanks everyone for their diagnosis. and special thanks to ed. very nice of you to offer your services.

**The Bruce** · 09-13-2008, 07:22 PM

glad to hear all is fixed.

SherpaSam · 09-16-2008, 01:20 PM

new "problem" i can't tell which way the little reserve fual knob thing is pointing. whether it's on "on" or "res". is the long end or the short end the "pointer"? i know it should be obvious but i just couldn't figure it out. i had to pull over to the side of the road because i ran out of gas while turning. a motorcycle cop pulled out of a walking trail i was next to and pulled next to me to help me out. it was a really weird situation... but it helped. i just switched it around and it started running which made me think i had it on res for a while and ran it all out because i have some gas, but while it was running it still felt weak... i'm just all confused. i can figure it out when i get off work, but i was thinking someone could just tell me so i'm not worrying if the sherp is hurt... thanks guys. sorry for my mechanical ignorance...

invision · 09-27-2008, 06:27 PM

The reserve/on thing is like this:

There are two tubes in your gas tank for it to suck gas out.
A short one and a long one.
The long tube is "on"
then when it cant get anymore gas, you switch it to reserve, or the short one.
Its basically a "get to the gas station" notifier.

09-12-2008, 09:58 AM	#1
SherpaSam Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Grapevine/Keller(FtW) Posts: 24	Sherpa in need of help... I just got a '01 Super Sherpa about a week ago(first bike) and after nearly 24 hours of riding(such a good day) i went to go ride it(it was already warmed up from a ride 10 minutes ago) and when i put it in gear and released the clutch it immediately dies. over, and over and over. i took it to my co-workers neighbor because he aparently knows about bikes. me and my brother thought it would just be the clutch plates, pretty easy fix. but the guy said they looked fine. does anyone know what else it could be? or anyone willing to take a look at it? like i said, i'm very new to motorcycles and some help would be extremely appreciated. BBQ on me if you can figure it out... thanks guys. I'm in grapevine(DFW) by the way e-mail prefered: samhuffmanorama@gmail thanks.

09-12-2008, 10:08 AM	#2
The Bruce Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX Posts: 7,408	Re: Sherpa in need of help... Is the sidestand down when you are putting it in gear? There is usually a safety switch that kills the engine if the stand is down and you put it in gear. Check for that switch. If the stand is up that switch could be bad. __________________ .... repeat 2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch

09-12-2008, 10:15 AM	#3
kurt Administrator Forum Supporter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 17,347	Re: Sherpa in need of help... You did turn the choke off? __________________ 100 million gun owners didn't kill anyone last week.

09-12-2008, 10:30 AM	#4
Boxercup Dave Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Plano Posts: 1,022	Re: Sherpa in need of help... When you say imediately dies does the bike lurch a bit forward before it dies indicating the clutch hasn't released? If this is the case this indicates the clutch plates are not releasing. Either they are stuck together from lack of use or the cable assembly is way out of adjustment (not enough travle to disengage). When you pull on the clutch lever do you feel the same resistance as when bought, less resistance or no resistance. As the other have stated yoiu should also look for a safety switch issue. I'm not sure how the Sherpa is setup regarding this. __________________ Dave 2000 Triumph Trophy 1200 2008 WR250R 1998 TW200 (pair of them) 1974 Honda TL125 late 60's Honda CT70 (not running) 1980 Corvette street/track day mods

09-12-2008, 10:37 AM	#5
SherpaSam Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Grapevine/Keller(FtW) Posts: 24	Re: Sherpa in need of help... it does have the kickstand safety thing, that could be faulty. yes i closed the choke. yes it does lurch forward most of the times. i don't have the knowledge to check out the plates, but like i said, the neighbor guy said the plates looked fine... thanks for the quick response, guys, keep it coming.

09-12-2008, 10:38 AM	#6
The Bruce Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX Posts: 7,408	Re: Sherpa in need of help... Also check slack in the clutch cable. If too loose it won't disengage the plates. __________________ .... repeat 2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch

09-12-2008, 10:41 AM	#7
kurt Administrator Forum Supporter Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cedar Park, Texas Posts: 17,347	Re: Sherpa in need of help... I'm betting on improper clutch adjustment at this point. __________________ 100 million gun owners didn't kill anyone last week.

09-12-2008, 10:42 AM	#8
The Bruce Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX Posts: 7,408	Re: Sherpa in need of help... Great minds __________________ .... repeat 2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch

09-12-2008, 10:52 AM	#9
SherpaSam Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Grapevine/Keller(FtW) Posts: 24	Re: Sherpa in need of help... he as well as my brother checked that and said it moved fine. wasn't loose...

09-12-2008, 10:53 AM	#10
ed29 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Terlingua Tx Posts: 4,815	Re: Sherpa in need of help... Ditto the adjustment. I am in Arlington and willing to help you work on it if you want to learn it close up. __________________ Ed Life is short... Ride it hard.

09-12-2008, 10:56 AM	#11
ed29 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Terlingua Tx Posts: 4,815	Re: Sherpa in need of help... Question... when your guy looked at the plates... did he disassemble the side cover and actually remove the clutch from the bike, or peer into the oil fill hole and look at just the edges? There are a couple of things worth trying before taking the cover off by the way. __________________ Ed Life is short... Ride it hard.

09-12-2008, 11:05 AM	#12
SherpaSam Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Grapevine/Keller(FtW) Posts: 24	Re: Sherpa in need of help... i'm pretty sure he took it apart. i would love some real, up close (patient) help. i really need to start learning. Are you available this weekend at all? e-mail me. thanks a lot.

09-12-2008, 11:36 AM	#13
Cagiva 549 Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cypress Tx Posts: 2,265	Re: Sherpa in need of help... With the engine off hold the clutch lever in and try to push the bike while in gear , if the bike rolls the clutch is fine . When you release the lever the wheel should stop turning , if you cant push the bike then the clutch probly needs adjusted . It is normal to feel some drag , also normal for the plates to stick a little over nite . Holdeing the clutch lever and rocking the bike back and foward in gear will usally break it loose . The first lesson I learned when I was a young mechanic . Check the simple and cheap stuff first . It applys in all cases . SEYA __________________ David H 00 Cagiva GC 04 KTM 950 05 ST3 Duck 07 KTM 450 EXC 86 Goldwing the Geezer ride

09-12-2008, 11:47 AM	#14
ed29 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Terlingua Tx Posts: 4,815	Re: Sherpa in need of help... PM sent with contact info. __________________ Ed Life is short... Ride it hard.

09-12-2008, 03:34 PM	#16
dukey33 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Seabrook, TX Posts: 3,580	Re: Sherpa in need of help... Check the clutch lever interlock switch. The way it worked on my street Kawis was releasing the clutch with the sidestand down and transmission out of neutral would cut off the engine. If your clutch switch has gone belly-up then the engine would shut off as soon as you put it in gear. __________________ Dave ------------------------------------- -Shadow ACE Tourer, low & slow -K1200 LT, motor(rad)home

09-12-2008, 08:28 PM	#17
SherpaSam Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Grapevine/Keller(FtW) Posts: 24	Re: Sherpa in need of help... BACK IN ACTION. it was in fact the kickstand safety mechanism. i'm so happy. thanks everyone for their diagnosis. and special thanks to ed. very nice of you to offer your services.

09-13-2008, 07:22 PM	#18
The Bruce Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Between a Rock and a weird place, Pflugerville, TX Posts: 7,408	Re: Sherpa in need of help... glad to hear all is fixed. __________________ .... repeat 2012 XT1200Z Super Tenere 2000 DRZ400S "Old Yeller" IBA 45687Bun Burner 1500 Great Divide Route Part 1 Great Divide Route Part 2 Big Bend Big Bend Ranch

09-16-2008, 01:20 PM	#19
SherpaSam Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Grapevine/Keller(FtW) Posts: 24	Re: Sherpa in need of help... new "problem" i can't tell which way the little reserve fual knob thing is pointing. whether it's on "on" or "res". is the long end or the short end the "pointer"? i know it should be obvious but i just couldn't figure it out. i had to pull over to the side of the road because i ran out of gas while turning. a motorcycle cop pulled out of a walking trail i was next to and pulled next to me to help me out. it was a really weird situation... but it helped. i just switched it around and it started running which made me think i had it on res for a while and ran it all out because i have some gas, but while it was running it still felt weak... i'm just all confused. i can figure it out when i get off work, but i was thinking someone could just tell me so i'm not worrying if the sherp is hurt... thanks guys. sorry for my mechanical ignorance... __________________

09-27-2008, 06:27 PM	#20
invision Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: BMT Posts: 1,127	Re: Sherpa in need of help... The reserve/on thing is like this: There are two tubes in your gas tank for it to suck gas out. A short one and a long one. The long tube is "on" then when it cant get anymore gas, you switch it to reserve, or the short one. Its basically a "get to the gas station" notifier. __________________ mike '01 EX250 "Francesca" in school bus yellow.[sold] '06 SV650s "Stéphanie" , fully faired, blue.[stoled.] '04 SV650s not named yet, fully faired, blue.[highsided] '98 CBR600 F3, streetfighter/trackbike project [traded] '98 YZ125, excel wheels, custom suspension [seized] Ask me about having bad luck with bikes.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode