Clutch sticking after bike sat for 6 months

[GarageRacer]

I'm curious if anyone experiences this. I have a 1964 CB77 which was recently taken out of storage after 30ish years. When I got it the clutch was frozen together and would not disengage. I took the left cover off, split the clutch components, soaked them in oil, then reassembled. Problem solved.

The bike sat over winter for about 6 months or maybe longer. Upon gassing it up, I found the clutch was frozen again. So I did the same thing and it started to work again.

Both my R1 and GSXR750 have wet clutches and have sat for the same time if not longer and have never had that problem. Is this something to expect from an old bike or would it be prudent to just buy a new clutch?

It's worth noting the few times I've rode the bike, the clutch when it was working, did not slip. Also the oil level was set to the max height per the markings on the dip stick.

[hillhudson]

Take out the clutch plates and lap them with 250 or 300 grit sandpaper, clean them well after this, then button her back up. Pay attention to how the disks are arranged and put them back together in the correct order.

-hill

[GarageRacer]

Take out the clutch plates and lap them with 250 or 300 grit sandpaper, clean them well after this, then button her back up. Pay attention to how the disks are arranged and put them back together in the correct order.

-hill

Thanks, I'll try that.

[hillhudson]

i've had to deal with what you describe is happening to your clutch,

the corrosion on the plates wont go away until you lap them, and separating them and soaking them in oil will only be a temporary fix.

i'd clean the fiber plates really well, and lap the metal ones, it doesn't hurt to squeeze the clutch every so often when the bike is in storage for the winter either. it just helps them not seize to each other.