Think I got transmission issues

[eds]

Gears 1 thru 4 seem fine but when I get into 5th gear and try to accelerate it seems to be slipping, If I'm at around 45mph and start to accelerate 5th will start winding and accelerate very slowly. If cruise is on and I'm going up a hill it will kick out the cruisse and I need to downshift. Any thoughts are appreciated.

[twigg]

If it is in gear, and stays in gear then the transmission is fine.

 

Possibilities are a slipping clutch (easy to tell if revs are rising and speed is not), or the actual power delivery.

 

Can we narrow it down a bit?

[frankd]

I think you probably have a clutch issue, not a transmission going bad. If the transmission itself had teeth on gears jumping, you would hear and feel it, and it wouldn't be pleasant. The reason you only feel the clutch slipping in 5th is that 5th is a lot taller of a gear and it takes more torque to do the same job that the lower gears need. Get the bike in 4th and crank up the throttle all the way. I'll bet you hear it slip there also.

 

Depending on how many miles you have on your bike, and how long it's been slipping, you may have to replace the clutch plates. But if it's just started slipping and the clutch plates aren't worn yet (measure them with a caliper OR a micrometer) you may be able to use a heavier clutch diaphragm spring kit. You can contact Skydoc17 for this. Yamaha clutch springs are a bit weak. I put a Skydoc clutch spring in my 89 about a month ago. It's a little harder to pull in(the spring is stronger), but now the clutch is solid when I let it out. My clutch plates were usable, but I was careful not to let it slip.

 

Frank

[eds]

It does stay in gear, Fourth gear does slip also at high revs.It started around Labor Day while I was away from home. It's a 2009 converted to hannigan Trike. I have 46000 miles. I rode it around 300 - 400 miles since this started to get home from Vermont. Took her out today and got my memeory jogged. I am quite mechanicaly challenged, but have tackled some issues.

 

Thanks for the feed back

[twigg]

It does stay in gear, Fourth gear does slip also at high revs.It started around Labor Day while I was away from home. It's a 2009 converted to hannigan Trike. I have 46000 miles. I rode it around 300 - 400 miles since this started to get home from Vermont. Took her out today and got my memeory jogged. I am quite mechanicaly challenged, but have tackled some issues.

 

Thanks for the feed back

 

Provided the plates haven't over-heated and warped, then a simply spring upgrade, which doesn't require too much mechanical ability and a shop would instal it for a reasonable fee, is the best bet.

[Snaggletooth]

It's not that hard of a job to do a repair on the clutch assembly. It can be done on the side stand without even draining the oil, which you would want to do anyway when you're done.

 

I know at least one member here has done his on the road in a parking lot due to a failure.

 

I used the kit by skydoc_17 on '84 when I had the same type of problem you are having. Worked great and still pulling strong.

 

As said, if the metal plates are not damaged you have a problem than can be fixed fairly easy and without ripping your wallet to shreds.

 

Mike

[Marcarl]

Being that it's a trike, you need to drain the oil, I would also suggest to change the friction plates, not a hard job, seeing as it needs to push a trike around. Then you'll be set to go for quite some time and have no worries.

[Caveman]

Being a trike, I'm surprised you got that many miles out of it. You could jack up the right side and not drain the oil, however.

[eds]

Thanks for the help.

Conversion was done last summer., I have 12000 miles as a trike.

[ragtop69gs]

Being that it's a trike, you need to drain the oil, I would also suggest to change the friction plates, not a hard job, seeing as it needs to push a trike around. Then you'll be set to go for quite some time and have no worries.

 

Not true, Just jack up the right rear tire and you won't lose much if any oil when you pull the cover.

[skydoc_17]

Hey Ed,

As was mentioned, I offer a few kits for the Second Gens to solve your problem.

The first kit is the HD Clutch Diaphragm Spring, One FULL Friction Disc to replace the 1/2 Friction Disc in the rear of the Clutch Pac, Here is the link:

http://www.venturerider.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3763&title=second-genheavy-duty-clutch-spring-upgrade-kit-21&cat=22

 

The second kit is the 7 remaining Genuine Yamaha Clutch Friction Discs. Here is the link:

http://www.venturerider.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3854&title=first-and-second-gen7-new-genuine-yamaha-clutch-friction-discs-21&cat=22

 

With both kits installed, you would have a better than new stock clutch, and you would be able to enjoy many trouble free miles of riding.

 

The kits come with complete step by step instructions, with color pics. You will also receive my personal email address and personal cell phone number. If ANY questions arise during the install, you just pick up the phone for help in REAL TIME. The job takes about 2 hours your first time, and can be done with a few simple tools. The clutch basket does NOT need to be removed.

If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me Ed.

It would be my pleasure to help you with this project.

Earl

[darthandy]

I put the Skydoc kit in mine last Spring to cure my slipping problem and replaced the rest of the clutch plates at that time. I figured that since I already had them out, I might as well go for a full new clutch. It's an easy job. It's not usually a good idea to try to accelerate a Venture in 5th gear from 45 mph unless you do it very slowly and gently. These V-4's like revs and even more so with the increased weight of a trike. Lugging the motor will only put unnecessary stress on the clutch and other parts. At that speed, I'm usually still in 3rd unless I'm cruising on a level road. Put in the kit - your bike will love you for it.

 

Andy

[Caveman]

Yeh, I did just the sky doc spring kit. My disc's were fine, just sanded them down a tad to rough them in a bit and this thing hooks up like never before. Go for it.

[sarges46]

Gotta be the plates of spring. Change em both using the kits Skydoc has, well worth it. Heck I even did mine in the parking lot during the International this summer. If I can do it then any one that can carry a wrench can!

 

Read his instructions well and make sure to line up the little dots ...I wouldn't know what happens if you don't but I heard the clutch lever can't even be depressed if its lined up wrong.

[eds]

This site is fabulous, Thanks everyone for all your assistance.

[bongobobny]

That's exactly how my clutch went last year!! I went with the PCW clutch mod which is a tougher spring, and the HD clutch which I highly recommend!! I replaced my friction discs and my metal spacers as I drove it with the slipping clutch for a good half year and the plates were definately scortched. A little more money but everytrhing is brand new now. I also was going to go with the Barnett plate but Squidley talked me out of it so I ended up selling it to Gary N.

 

It's a pertty easy job and you can do it in about an hour! Our Hannigans put a heavier load on the clutch which are not the strongest in the first place! If you do it along with an oil change you don't have to worry about spilling oil!!

[hog]

I also used the upgrade kit from SkyDoc and wow did it ever make a difference.My first ride out afterwaeds I was doing about 5 mph and cracked the throttle wide open and the rear tire broke loose and started spinning.Yee Haaww.

[Phoneman1981]

Hello: A few times this season I felt like the clutch slipped a few times. Especially when riding two up. (Do not tell my wife I said that). I ordered Skydoc's clutch upgrade kit and have been carrying it with me as a precaution. I hope to install it myself this winter. Hoping to create a mini MD in Western Nebraska. Keep us posted on your repair.