Clutch Slippage/Wear
 

Hello all,

What signs/symptoms usually typify clutch failure? Right now during downshifting in the lower gears there's some lag & a noise/sensation that sounds/feels like velcro (hook & loop closure) pulling apart. It also occurs during launches so I'm thinkin' the clutch is about to go. Does this make sense? How much does it cost to replace? do they make dry clutches for SV's...That'd be cool....

You may find the clutch just needs adjusting. Try this first. And, no, you can't have a dry clutch on an SV. The design of the engine dictates wet!

Not sure whether it's relevant in this case, but I've been told that overfilling the oil level, even by a little bit, can cause clutch slip problems... if the oil has been topped up or changed lately, that could be the cause?

is the oil level between the 2 lines, mine was a bit over and its fine....
the wrong oil causes clutch slipping as I found out... though mainly causing the bike to want to move in 1st even though the clutch was right in.

If the clutch isn't slipping, then it's most likely not an adjustment problem, that would cause either slip - where the clutch doesn't transmit the drive fully, or drag - where the clutch doesn't disengage fully.
This sounds more like clutch judder, I suspect you notice the problem just at the very limit of lever movement just as the drive is fully taken up, and that it's worse when hot.
If so then the problem is in either; clutch release bearing - needle roller/seat/pushrod mushroom, the lifter under the sprocket cover or possibly the clutch centre bearing.