"clutch slip" like sensation on hard acceleration?

[7racer]

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

[00049 (AKA SopFu)]

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.

[7racer]

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

[Shinysideup]

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!

[7racer]

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

[7racer]

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

[Brammofan]

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.

[7racer]

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!

[Brammofan]

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.

[Gavin]

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

G

[7racer]

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

G

That's the guy!

[Auslander]

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

G

Justin's absolutely ace and clearly knows what he's doing!

[werm_works]

Does anybody have Justin's contact info?

[7racer]

Does anybody have Justin's contact info?

On a plane back from Portland. Will PM you when I land.

[7racer]

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!