Ninja 400 & Z400 Clutch FIX | Pt. 2

[@skippypeanutbutter9136]

Did this last weekend. Improves clutch feel and bite, it is minimal but noticeable. The clutch return spring on the outside is a nice addition too. Main thing to watch out for is putting the clutch cover back on. Those little angled ramps on the cover that he mentions at 4:35 must rotate back down and under the basket for proper engagement. You'll know when it's in place when you've put the rod/bearing and springs back in and then try to pull (with your fingers) the pull rod end (as if you were using the clutch). Nothing should move. If not seated this will pull back out. Check this before you replace the gasket and cover or you'll put everything back together only to discover absolutely no clutch lever pull/feel and have to dig back in. If you're having issues with false neutrals don't expect this to fix anything. I keep dropping 2nd gear under hard shifts and accelerations from 1st to 2nd. Seems like i'll be doing this again to replace the shift rod and shift star. It's cheaper to buy all of this as a bundle from Norton and worth you're time to do it once too.

[@Jodyrides]

back when I was road racing Yamaha RDs, I did a porting job with the specs supplied by don Vesco. he was a land speed record holder that knew how to make two strokes go fast. The bike was much faster, and the clutch would slip mercilessly. The fix i came up with working trackside with basic tools-I put spark plug washers under the clutch springs, to increase preload...It worked for years.. Throw that Permatex in the trash. go to a Yamaha shop and buy yamabond vinyl sealant. OR---- In the 70s when I was a Yamaha/Honda technician/mechanic working on all those junk Honda CB 350 twins that ate camshafts. Honda sent a bulletin to all dealerships service departments and parts departments. They said for every 10 CB 350 twins you sell, stock seven camshaft and top and gasket kits. they were right.... they also put out a bulletin which I still used to this day. This was to the mechanics. when installing base gasket and head gasket and valve cover gasket that is dry paper. first get yourself a can of rustoleum aluminum paint for using a paintbrush with, not a spray can. Open the can and use a tool to scrape the paste from the bottom of that paint can. Do not shake or stir the can first. you want to get the thick paste at the bottom of the can. Put that paste on your dry gaskets both sides. while the gaskets are wet with that gooey paint from the bottom of a rust oleum aluminum colored paint, put the gaskets in their place on the engine and finish assembly while the gaskets are still wet with paint.That gooey paste is impregnated with microscopic aluminum particles. I have done this for years. Any aluminum that would get into the system will not hurt anything in the motor. It won’t plug up oil passages. Not only have I never had a gasket treated with aluminum rustoleum paint leak, if I ever had to take the engines apart again or the side covers off or whatever, the gaskets came off in one piece, and I never had to pound on them With a block of wood and a rubber mallet to get the head or the side case separated from the engine , I never use Permatex which bakes the gasket to both surfaces, and the gasket sticks to both so well, that the gasket will split in the middle and you have to scrape both surfaces with a razor blade .. every time I have used rustoleum brand aluminum paint, I was able to get the gasket off in one piece and it was not stuck to either side. I still have the small rust oleum aluminum color paint can that I bought in 1973 when I was a service mechanic at Civic Center Honda/Yamaha in Bloomfield Pennsylvania. Eric buell worked two bays down from me, as a mechanic also while he was going to pitt to get his engineering degree.. So never use PERMATEX, unless you plan on never taking that engine apart again

[@BEEBEE159]

Wow, those are great ideas. Thank you very much for sharing your tricks of the trade. I will definitely follow your advice going forward.

[@rebman5150]

Mine's a 2020 Z400 and slips in 3rd and 4th when I get on the gas. Light clutch pull is nice, sure, but I can't feel the friction zone at all. Guess I'll go ahead and do this. Edit 7/6/22: I installed the new springs and also a clutch cable return spring. The clutch lever feels like a real clutch now (has some resistance) and resets properly. With the springs upgrade, I don't get clutch slip anymore. The 2020 and newer models already have the shorter pull rod and thinner bearing, but still have the weak clutch springs. If you are patient and can turn a wrench at all, you can do this.

[@creamylinguini]

Hey I’m having this exact problem with the same bike, what clutch cable return spring did you buy

[@rebman5150]

@@creamylinguini Barnett clutch springs. They sell a return spring on the website too.

[@creamylinguini]

@@rebman5150 thank you

[@Fee.1]

9:43 so the gasket is rubber or metal? Or RTV? A bit confused since you said scrape it off

[@Redrider2k2]

It's just typical soft gasket material found on most side cases. If I were replacing it, I wouldn't use RTV

[@miguelignacio990]

Been waiting for this. Thanks! ride safe always

[@andrewshatlaw3290]

What is the part numbers on the new parts you installed

[@Redrider2k2]

Parts are shown in part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoOlo4Kpja1rqcU Also there's a couple of links in the description.

[@andrewshatlaw3290]

@@Redrider2k2 thank you I knew I saw them somewhere

[@misaelleite6107]

Oi, amigo vc ainda esta com moto? Como esta a embreagem apos este período de 3 anos?

[@dylanstewart5580]

How did you disconnect the clutch wire from the lever on the casing

[@michaelmacasaet6011]

whats the part number of the pull rod?

[@AI-u-Tube]

I used to ride a cbr 500r, and the friction zone is wider and you can feel the grip of the clutch in the friction zone. With ninja 400, I can barely feel the clutch in the friction zone. Will the springs, pull rode, and bearing fix the problem?

[@Redrider2k2]

I'm used to a strong cable style clutch from a 1000+cc bike so yes the 400s clutch does feel a little vague. Doing this work didn't effect that a whole lot. Maybe a bit stiffer. I don't find it to be a deal breaker though. I get used to it pretty quick once I'm out riding it.

[@esick1000]

Ese problema en la modelo 2022 aun se sigue presentando o ya repararon el error????? Saludos desde Colombia.

[@juanestebanlugo4629]

Tengo la misma duda, si sabes algo te agradeceria comentar, soy de Bogota

[@MunsKi]

i think irridium spark plug installation for ninja/z400 would also be interesting

[@reylennanncesar3732]

I also needed that video

[@recklesz6755]

Sorry bro I’m a little confused, so there’s a recall for this? Or does everything has to be bought by oneself?

[@daddysenpai681]

Gotta buy it yourself. You can buy it on norton motorsports, for the springs, bearing, rod and the spring kit for the clutch cable should run you around $90

[@soundsonline796]

Would you recommend changing to the new springs even if you have the 2020 model?

[@Redrider2k2]

It wouldn't hurt because the 2020 is most likely going to wear prematurely too if the spring rate hasn't changed.

[@soundsonline796]

@@Redrider2k2 thank you. I'll change them out on my next oil change.

[@TheRealKing1]

If I have the 2020 model do I need to change the bearing and rod?

[@jav9888]

I have same bike and same setup love it ! Hindle sounds amazing !!! I took most of the stickers thought it was over kill

[@dano1242]

Will this work if my bikes already not grabbing in 2nd n 3rd

[@davea9946]

Is this only an issue on the 400? Are the 650’s ok?

[@jasonmendonca6061]

Thanks! I just bought a 2018 and was confused about which parts I actually needed to update the clutch

[@GhostMotoDiaries]

love your video.. very detailed and easy to follow

[@johnny_123b]

Should this be covered under the warranty?

[@Redrider2k2]

Your clutch, like your brakes, are a wear item and are not covered under warranty.

[@johnny_123b]

@@Redrider2k2 In this case it's factory defect. Original spring is too weak.

[@Redrider2k2]

For you and I, yes, it's weak and it's a problem. But Kawasaki can also make the argument that it's functioning exactly as it was designed.

[@markwalker6692]

@@Redrider2k2 I only had the stock warranty that came with the bike. They replaced the entire clutch for free but the problem wasn't fixed. The I replaced the clutch springs on my own and fixed it. At least I got a new clutch out of it.

[@Redrider2k2]

@@markwalker6692 it's good that they did that but it's not typical. It's even possible that Kawasaki could have denied that warranty claim and made the dealer eat the cost.

[@iammraymond]

I have a 2020 ninja 400 and I already burnt my clutch after a month of riding so the dealership replaced it free under warranty and said this is an updated clutch and shouldn’t burn out but again it’s burnt idk what I should do I have warranty but Idk what I should do

[@sp-qz2ki]

Same thing happened with my 2020 ninja 400! It has failed twice now! Would you like to go to take Kawasaki to court with me? There are many people having this issue!

[@joshualopez9813]

I followed all the steps and when I put the clutch cable back on it doesn't have tension no matter how much I adjust the cable any idea

[@Redrider2k2]

You're sure the clutch linkage engaged the pull rod correctly?

[@joshualopez9813]

@@Redrider2k2 I believe so I can't pull the cover off when it's on assuming it caught the pull rod

[@TheVicmaster93]

So my z400 2023 clutch just gave out after my oil change at 900 miles. Dealer told me to use conventional again for the first oil change at 600 and i rode it for 300 miles noticing high revs more than usual and hotter coolant. I am going to the dealer since it should be under warranty but if its not, should i replace all this and the clutch plates? Im pretty handy so im confident replacing parts. Just need the knowledge of what to do! This is my first video but i will he watching more.

[@Redrider2k2]

Who did the oil change, you or the dealer? If you, what oil did you use?

[@TheVicmaster93]

@@Redrider2k2 the dealer gave me the oil and oil filter, and I changed it myself

[@Redrider2k2]

@@TheVicmaster93 ok. Certain oils don't mix well with motorcycle wet clutches. I'd like to think that a motorcycle dealer would stick to what works but still, if the bike is under warranty, they should be made aware of what's going on.

[@TheVicmaster93]

@@Redrider2k2 they just gave me the runaround and said most likely it won’t fall under warranty. They’re saying it’s probably because I’m a new rider and I fried the clutch system which is ridiculous because this is supposed to be a beginner, friendly bike

[@DaKirbZ]

This is probably a dumb question, but what grease did you use for the pull rod?

[@Redrider2k2]

I can't remember exactly what I grabbed but I know it was nothing special. Just some basic grease with Moly in it.

[@DaKirbZ]

@@Redrider2k2 Alright thanks, I just didn't want to screw anything up.

[@El_Psy_Kongroo_]

Would you recommend doing this upgrade on a Ninja 400 2023 with 800km to prevent future problems with the clutch? I am worried about the warranty, as this would definately void it. Yet, to keep the warranty I have must do maintanance at dealership (european laws) and they charge me 130+€ for a stupid 10€ oil change. So I'm already considering ditching the dam warranty and doing maintanences myself. I don't know.

[@kyleh5356]

I just got a 2023 z400 same engine as the ninja’s it’s got less than 100 miles so I’m going to finish breaking it in and not go hard on it and when I change oil at 600miles with synthetic I’m going to replace theses springs that’s it in hopes I don’t have this issue in the future

[@willbernhardt4163]

I’m probably about to but the 2021 ninja 400, any ideas if this clutch issue is still prevalent? I didn’t notice it too bad with the one I was test riding, but if y’all have had a different experience please let me know.

[@tom24gr46]

After 2020 they addressed this problem. The replacement parts that he had to go buy in the video now comes installed from factory.

[@Redrider2k2]

The rod and bearing should be addressed but are the clutch springs any stronger in the 2020+?

[@tom24gr46]

@@Redrider2k2 i dont believe so. In my case though the springs were stiff enough to prevent slippage. Once i changed the bearing and rod it went back to normal 100%

[@willbernhardt4163]

@@tom24gr46 thank you for the info. I’ll double check to make sure you are correct but after some more riding on one it seems like you are on to something. Still haven’t committed to buying one, but it’s still top of my list so this was very helpful to hear.

[@arellano408]

I was gonna do this modification but I just realized my ninja 400 is a 2020 do I still need to do it or it should fine? Is just the springs even worth doing?

[@Redrider2k2]

The springs are what help keep the clutch from wearing out prematurely. As far as I know, the 2020+ bikes still use the weaker ones.

[@arellano408]

@@Redrider2k2 thanks I’ll do the springs I’m currently at 100 miles I’ll probably wait to do them on the first oil change at 600 miles, how does the clutch feel after the stiffer springs?

[@Redrider2k2]

Feels fine to me. Still a nice light pull at the lever for my wife but no slipping

[@otochechelashvili8222]

what if i dont have torque wrench isthere any other way of doing this?

[@Redrider2k2]

Either buy one or take your chances..

[@davidespinosa4367]

So we're can I get these parts at ?and my Kawasaki Z400 is a 2019 model.

[@finkthreely7089]

Spears racing or Norton motorsports have many upgrades for n400. Spears is where i got my kit which also addresses the sloppy shifting and false neutrals. Mine would slip at wide open throttle pulls. I did not replace the friction discs just the heavier springs and revised 2020 pull rod

[@EvanSaenz]

I had the The Barnett springs & hot bodies spring clutch cable tensioner installed 1.5k ago. My bike is now at 5k and it starting to slip at from 5th to 6th on full load! Damn! lol

[@850Ninjaguy]

so i have just over 9k on my 2020 400 and the clutch has already started to slip around 7ish. i can get on it still but not only around 80%.

[@Redrider2k2]

Your bike 'should' have the updated pull rod in it already. Stiffer springs should probably be your first move. Then again, if I were in that position, I would probably attempt to bring it in for warranty. It may not work, but it's worth a shot..

[@850Ninjaguy]

@@Redrider2k2 they wont do it, ive already put a alarm system on it. granted i work at an accessories shop. yeah ill have to take it to them and see while its cold and i cant ride it. not a bad idea tho

[@miel_Z900]

Thanks for this vid.🔥🔥🔥👍 my clutch is dead, i have 2019 Ninja 400 on 6,000miles only., clutch completely shut, bike doesnt wanna move.moves only 10mph. 🤣Clutch is stuck,burned or whatever .great vid👌🏼✨

[@Mrbridge11]

Me too

[@MrTomcatpl]

Great video. Thank u im doing it tomorrow

[@Fee.1]

So my 2020 model won’t benefit from any of this ?

[@Redrider2k2]

From what I understand, the 2020+ will most likely still have weak springs.

[@Fee.1]

@@Redrider2k2 oh, that’s confusing. So they added a fix but only sell it sperately ? Helllllo lawsuits. How much difference did it make the the clutch lever feel? Like the vagueness? Mine only has 1800 miles but tbh I’m not sure I would know if it was slipping because I’m still a noob

[@Redrider2k2]

In this video, I'm addressing more than one issue. The fix that Kawasaki implemented addresses the clutch basket not being able to utilize the full life of the clutch disks. Kawasaki probably doesn't see the springs as an issue. They're technically operating exactly as they were designed. It's just that what they were designed to do, doesn't quite cut it for some people. I'll get into the results in a later video but so far, nothing negative..

[@Fee.1]

@@Redrider2k2 thanks for clarifying, I should have grasped that from the video

[@TheRealKing1]

I have the 2020 model and mine still went out at about 5500 miles.

[@diegocristiano5762]

on your clutch I didn't see the 92145-1829 judder spring.

[@Redrider2k2]

Because the Judder Spring is buried in the clutch pack. I only removed the outer Pressure Plate

[@Jasonk7479]

My 2022 400 clutch is slipping, seems to be only 3rd gear. I would have thought I would have this fix already done, maybe not.

[@steveforbes6845]

Thanks, nice video. Just to confirm then...The replacement bearing and pull rod you used from your part 1 video which are oem Kawasaki parts belong to or come from a 2020 model ninja 400 ?.

[@Redrider2k2]

Correct!

[@titobautista5191]

Did it works??? It STOP SLIPPING??? I have that problem too

[@Redrider2k2]

First ride after the clutch work will be in the next video. Out VERY soon. Stay tuned!

[@Redrider2k2]

Video is up, check it out!

[@MattFellowswasHere]

I don't believe you would want to grease the pull-rod shaft. ONLY grease the end (on top) where it meets the clutch rod. The reason I'm saying this is because I believe the pull-rod channel is actually one of the oil channels for the clutch system and the grease might not get warm enough to let oil pass through. I noticed the factory made sure not to grease that part on assembly. Some folks, like Brian at STG, are actually saying for race purposes they grind a channel in the pull-rod to allow a tiny bit more engine oil to pass through...kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoHGoGuwZpeqja8

[@Redrider2k2]

There was zero grease added to the pull rod shaft..

[@MattFellowswasHere]

@@Redrider2k2 --- At roughly 6:50 there is grease added to the shaft of the pull-rod...which I think COULD cause obstruction of the oil channel...

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

Nice video.

[@Michael-f6p2h]

Actually the ninja 400 the cover has different size bolts not just one

[@MadStylee619]

I had to change my clutch twice in Three months, seriously wtf is going on Kawasaki!? My clutch is fucking slipping again! What is it?! I have the spring that pushes back the clutch cable and new Kevlar plates from Barnett. Is there a nut to tighten the basket? Fuck me

[@reylennanncesar3732]

Can I just grind grind off a millimeter in that pull rod? 🤣

[@Redrider2k2]

You can do whatever you like but I can't guarantee the results 😆

[@tom24gr46]

You can't because the part of the rod they shortened is the part that goes into the clutch cover :(

[@andrewshatlaw3290]

The dealer is fixing my 2019 and putting the 2020 parts in it for free

[@PtchersWR]

My dealer didn't do shit. Fuck em 😂😂

[@David-pr3rm]

Tried this now I need a new clutch 😭

[@kenforrester4580]

company called Norton Motorsports I believe sells a proper length push rod.. you putting in another Kawasaki push rod that's to long isn't fixing your issue.

[@Redrider2k2]

Someone's obviously not paying attention..

[@MattFellowswasHere]

@@Redrider2k2 -- For sure he's not paying attention. They take the 1mm out of the bearing to even things out. The downside is you might lose that in clutch adjust, BUT you can spend every inch of Kevlar on the friction plates....

[@v2airsoftgaming]

My 2021 is doing this so it's not fixed

[@Redrider2k2]

The 2020 update gave them full life from the clutch but they'll most definitely still wear out quickly

[@recklesz6755]

Sorry bro I’m a little confused, so there’s a recall for this? Or does everything has to be bought by oneself?

[@Redrider2k2]

There's no recall that I know of. So far anyway