Pork Chop

Fixed the slipping problem. All I needed to do was adjusted the clutch adjuster screw - all good now.

Update: I ended up putting in 5 friction plates as per Yamaha instructions and replaced the clutch cable and springs. but now it seems like the clutch does not have enough pressure to fully engage. Can any one tell me if putting in extra plates to investigate the problem will cause any issues? Cheers.

Thanks for the offer Mervin but I live in Australia so might be a bit far to post the plates. I will try and pick up a couple this weekend. Also thanks for the other replies - I need all the info I can get.

Thanks for the replies. The kit has 7 friction plates. I read somewhere that the '81 has 6 plates but I can't remember where I saw that. Can I just add 2 more plain steel plates to the old ones or should I replace all the plain plates? Can anyone with an xs400 help out as they are pretty much the same bike.? Cheers...

I need a little help with the clutch on my '81 xs250. My clutch was slipping and no amount of adjusting would fix it so I ordered new EBC friction plates and clutch cable. When I removed the existing clutch I discovered that it only had 5 friction plates and 4 plain plates. According to the Haynes manual there should be 7 friction and 6 plain plates. Should I just replace the 5 friction plates or get another 2 plain plates so I have the full pack as per the manual? All feed back is really appreciated as this is my first bike and I want to get it back on the road ASAP.

Thanks for the reply mate. the carby is leaking back into the filter - just a bit. I will have more of a play with the clutch but I wouldn't be suprised if it needed a new clutch cable as the throttle cable was rubbish too. I will have a look at the fork springs this weekend when I get the new tyres. The starter is not a big issue, just don't use it so thought I should get rid of it. Cheers, mate

I got my first bike, it is an '81 xs250. It needs some TLC and I have only ridden it to Bondi and back a couple of times but I am really enjoying it already. I plan on fixing it up while it is still on the road and I am on a really tight budget so I guess the build is going to take some time. I have replaced the throttle cable, rubber inlets and mildly cleaned the carbies and now it starts and runs kind of OK but I need some help with some problems. 1. left hand spark plug fouls after about 1 minute of running - black and powdery. As the left hand carby leaks fuel if I leave it on the side stand, could this be a carby problem and any suggestions on how to fix it? How do I check the coils to see if they are the problem? Will iridium plugs help this? 2. I think I have BS32 carby's, how do I confirm this and will the jets for a BS34 fit? I have fitted Unifilter pod filters (the original air filters were shot) and short reverse cone mufflers and I am wondering if anyone can suggest some jet sizes I should get for testing? 3. The clutch engages almost all the way out. I have replaced the oil and adjusted the clutch as per but it doesn't fix it so I guess I need new clutch plates. Also, when the bike is in gear and the clutch is all the way in the bike will not roll backwards and I have to put it in neutral to roll backwards which is a bit of a pain when parking. Does this indicate that the clutch needs replacing or something else.? 4. The front suspension is really spongy and will replacing the fork oil help to reduce this. I have been quoted $200 for new springs but want to know if new oil could help. 5. The starter motor does not work and just makes a ticking sound. This doesn't bother me as it kick starts in 3-4 tries when cold and first kick when hot. Can I just remove the starter motor and wiring for it or will that mess up something? I will post some pics when I charge my camera. Cheers.