Brammo Owners Forum

Brammo Empulse Discussion => Brammo Empulse => Topic started by: 7racer on June 27, 2014, 08:47:41 PM

Title: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: 7racer on June 27, 2014, 08:47:41 PM
Every once and a while on hard accel, I notice the RPM jump really high but no concomitant forward "jump" in speed.  Almost like the clutch is slipping.

Anyone else have this issue?

I do have the CRG clutch lever  and maybe I need to let it out a bit as it might be partially engaging?

Suggestions welcome
Title: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: 00049 (AKA SopFu) on June 27, 2014, 09:29:45 PM
I've had issues when I rev the motor with the clutch pulled (like at stoplights or in parking lots to show onlookers what it sounds like), and then still get slippage when releasing the clutch and trying to pull away. I wonder if the clutch dries out if rarely used, and then when it is engaged the oil reacts differently with the clutch material? I've never had it happen while riding, however.
Title: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: 7racer on June 28, 2014, 12:17:33 PM
Thanks Sopfu!  I'll keep an eye on it and see what happens when it's cold vs when I have it up to temp
Title: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: Shinysideup on June 28, 2014, 01:38:52 PM
I'd look at your lever as you suspected. Sounds plausible to me.

Also, make sure you are using an oil that does not have anti-friction additives. I have had clutch problems on other bikes with the wrong oil, remedied by changing out the oil. But once, I used an Amsoil product, rated for wet motorcycle clutches, and ended up spending $1000 to replace a clutch on a Yamaha TMax, even after the oil was changed out.  Before changing the oil, the clutch progressively slipped over a 3 month period to the point that I could barely make it to the shop. The mechanic said the surfaces were totally glazed with the anti-friction compound.

My Brammo dealer recommended Motorex synthetic gear oil 10W/30. This oil is rated "4T", which my search found: "4T clutches need special friction properties to balance clutch slip versus clutch snatch and the engine oil is important for cooling the clutch plates."

I've never felt the Empulse clutch slip. With Motorex oil,  I HAVE felt my wallet slip, at $15 per liter!
Title: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: 7racer on June 29, 2014, 01:07:44 PM
Well, it wasn't the CRG clutch adjustment.  I went out for a short ride today and it dramatically got worse on the ride.

On the way home I would be cruising at 60mph and see the RPMs jump 1-2 thousand depending on the wind resistance or what not.  As I got closer to home, in normal mode (sport off), I had to really modulate the throttle to keep the RPM from hitting the "rev limiter" as it barely would catch to get me moving.

I've had my last service at the dealer and maybe they put the wrong type of oil in?!?  Hope not.

At this point doesn't look safe to ride and I have to hike the bike down to Austin (2 hour drive and I need to rent a U-Haul bike carrier)

BLAH
Title: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: 7racer on July 05, 2014, 03:49:15 PM
been emailing a friend at Brammo that recommended doing an oil change with 75w transmission oil.

Been on call this week and finally got a chance to find some.  Unfortunately, it didn't fix the problem and barely got the bike home after a short 8 mile loop.

On the way home I was in 4th and could barely hold the speed at 17mph.  Also the Brammo dealer in Austin no longer carries Brammo so I hope I can find a way to get this fixed.

I have just over 1000miles on the bike!  BLAH
Title: Re: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: Brammofan on July 06, 2014, 09:43:56 AM
been emailing a friend at Brammo that recommended doing an oil change with 75w transmission oil.

Been on call this week and finally got a chance to find some.  Unfortunately, it didn't fix the problem and barely got the bike home after a short 8 mile loop.

On the way home I was in 4th and could barely hold the speed at 17mph.  Also the Brammo dealer in Austin no longer carries Brammo so I hope I can find a way to get this fixed.

I have just over 1000miles on the bike!  BLAH
I just encourage you to contact Brammo, which it sounds like you're doing. This is the kind of problem that they are eager to investigate and correct.
Title: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: 7racer on July 09, 2014, 09:20:34 PM
Brammo and the guy I met have really been great.

Use to be a pro rider that now does a lot of stuff for Brammo.

Looks like he will be setting up something in Dallas where I can get serviced and the bike looked at.

Love the bike, love the people!
Title: Re: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: Brammofan on July 09, 2014, 09:33:49 PM


Brammo and the guy I met have really been great.

Use to be a pro rider that now does a lot of stuff for Brammo.

Looks like he will be setting up something in Dallas where I can get serviced and the bike looked at.
It amazes me how Brammo compares to the "other" electric motorcycle company service experience. They are so responsive to customers.

Glad to hear they're taking care of you.
Title: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: Gavin on July 09, 2014, 09:39:03 PM
Sounds like Justin...met him once for a firmware update...nice guy...

G
Title: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: 7racer on July 10, 2014, 08:16:07 AM

Sounds like Justin...met him once for a firmware update...nice guy...

G

That's the guy!
Title: Re: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: Auslander on July 10, 2014, 07:42:16 PM
Sounds like Justin...met him once for a firmware update...nice guy...

G

Justin's absolutely ace and clearly knows what he's doing!
Title: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: werm_works on July 13, 2014, 04:59:00 PM
Does anybody have Justin's contact info?
Title: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: 7racer on July 13, 2014, 05:11:54 PM

Does anybody have Justin's contact info?

On a plane back from Portland. Will PM you when I land.
Title: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: 7racer on July 29, 2014, 10:34:31 PM
Well that was awesome!

Met Justin again today as he was kind enough to fly in and fix my Empulse.  Sure enough, it was the CRG clutch lever that was slightly activating the clutch.  Also, this explains why it would feel good cold as the clutch wasn't heated up and would grab (still had some clutch left) but when it would heat up, it would slip!

He cranked out the repair super fast and even adjusted the cable so I could keep my CRG lever on it without engaging the clutch!  I owe him many beers!

Finally, I don't know what happened but the bike feels a bit more peppy!!?!?!

LOL thanks again Justin and Brammo for the GREAT service!
Title: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: MichaelJ on August 01, 2014, 02:24:44 AM
Met Justin today at Seattle E-Bike where he was helping with the 6,000 mi service for the first Brammo customer in Washington State, and I was there for my 300 mi check-up with what is probably the most recent Brammo registered in Washington State.

In photo (left-to-right): Justin, me, Jake

Boy, he was happy to be flying home today after all that travel!
Title: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: 7racer on August 01, 2014, 01:18:43 PM
Lol. He looks tired!! 
Title: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: Auslander on August 01, 2014, 01:36:00 PM
Met Justin today at Seattle E-Bike where he was helping with the 6,000 mi service for the first Brammo customer in Washington State, and I was there for my 300 mi check-up with what is probably the most recent Brammo registered in Washington State.

Michael,

With any luck I'll be relocated to the Seattle area early next year! I've got an Enertia+ but have an ICE bike I can grab if you ever want to step out for a ride.


7racer!  Happy to hear you got sorted and back to top notch performance!!!
Title: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: 7racer on August 01, 2014, 01:47:37 PM

Met Justin today at Seattle E-Bike where he was helping with the 6,000 mi service for the first Brammo customer in Washington State, and I was there for my 300 mi check-up with what is probably the most recent Brammo registered in Washington State.

Michael,

With any luck I'll be relocated to the Seattle area early next year! I've got an Enertia+ but have an ICE bike I can grab if you ever want to step out for a ride.


7racer!  Happy to hear you got sorted and back to top notch performance!!!

Thanks man!!!

Hopefully suspension upgrades soon!
Title: Re: "clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?
Post by: MichaelJ on August 02, 2014, 09:48:15 PM
With any luck I'll be relocated to the Seattle area early next year! I've got an Enertia+ but have an ICE bike I can grab if you ever want to step out for a ride.

Cool!  It would be great to meet with fellow Brammo owners.  I've met a couple at EV events, but haven't been on any EV rides.  I think that because of how far apart we live, and the range of the bikes, that by the time we meet, we've not got a lot of ride left before a recharge will be necessary.  I'd love to challenge SR-2 over Stevens Pass with another e-biker!

Speaking of EV events next year, I suppose the next one might be Earth Day in April if you're here by then.  Maybe Microsoft will repeat the Earth Day EV Show that I organized last year.  Brammo reps showed up and so did two Brammo owners.


7racer!  Happy to hear you got sorted and back to top notch performance!!!

Hear hear!