Hi Mash101, Thanks for the advice - and enjoy the good weather!
I would be surprised if the clutch was faulty as the bike has only done 550 miles! I admit, its 550 miles of up mountains and down dale but still....
Yes, winter tends to be quite cool here.... though summer temps are much better than people think. We often get 'good' days when the sun shines and the wind drops - then we all hit the beach!
I tried to change the oil last night, but to my embarrassment I couldn't find the oil dipstick on the engine! I've got the service manual showing me where its supposed to be, but no sign of it....I'll have a proper look tonight. Are there any covers to remove to find it?

regards

Red

It's up on the right hand side of the frame just behind the headstock!

Ohlins did a really good step-by-step guide to an oil change. Follow this link...

http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=18695

Thanks for the help - in my defence, I've never changed the oil before (on this bike) , and it was quite dark in the shed.....!

Red

No worries - there's a first time for everything.

Trick is to measure and fill in two stages and watch you don't overfill - it's easily done (at the first service on mine even the dealer managed to screw it up).

Hi there is the oil the wrong gradeblowup /check clutch adjustment first:popcorn2:

Reddwarf's bike has done 550 miles, so the oil would need changing anyway at 600 miles (but it would of course be prudent to check the clutch adjustment too!)

+1 on using the correct grade of oil.

...but as a quick fix (possibly) try freeing the clutch first, before you start it, that may help.
With the engine off, put it into gear, pull in the clutch lever, and push the bike backwards and forwards a couple of feet to free the clutch plates. Then back into neutral, switch on and start her up.

I often use this technique with my bikes if they haven't been started for a week or two, to reduce that "CLUNK!" when putting it into gear.

The same happened to my Ten after standing for a long time. Engageing first it sometimes jerked forward and stalled. Clutch certainly not seperating completely. Now i always give it a burst of gas when putting first in . Doesn't need a lot. Has never stalled since.
Never did it warm or after standing overnight, just after standing for weeks and cold. And the oil is correct.

Rob

Hi All

Thanks for all the advice and comments. I changed the oil over the weekend and the problem has gone - happy days! 1st gear just slipped in without a murmur this morning, so it was obviously the wrong oil.

What a useful forum! much appreciated.

Happy biking to all!

Red

Hi and welcome!, good to see you got sorted