Recently i've started noticing odd problems that when you add them all together, they seem to point toward the clutch. The bike is a Suzuki GS 125 ESX (1999, W reg) and has about 12,200 miles on it.

Firstly, when the bike is cold (Just started) and you drop it into first and hold it on the clutch, the bike will slowly creep forward (Although this may be due to the oil being heavy and cold and causing clutch drag)

Secondly it will very occasionally get stuck 'between' gears. I had an embarrassing incident where I pulled up at a roundabout and it got stuck somewhere between first and second but not in neutral (Nothing was showing on the gear indicator) as it would still stall. It took quite the kicking to get it down into first again.

Thirdly it hates idling. Usually when it's cold I have to keep it at about 2000 RPM when stationary to stop it dying, even if it's been running a while. It won't idle at all without the 2000 method in the rain and even when it's warm and you go from about 7000 to 1000 (normal idle) when stopping at a junction it still dies occasionally. It leads me to think the clutch isn't disengaging properly.

Finally it bitches when you try and drop it into neutral when the engine is running. It slips between first and second and it usually takes me about 3 or 4 tries of gently tapping the gear lever when it's 'between' gears to get it into neutral.

I thought i'd drop a post here to hopefully confirm my suspicions before I take it in to the garage for what is obviously going to be a costly clutch overhaul (Which I really can't afford to be honest). I also just checked the free play in the cable as per the Haynes Manual and it's at exactly the specified 4mm, so the cable is fine.

Cheers for any help in advance

I'd give it an oil and filter change - it won't solve all your problems (there sounds like there is a clutch problem there as well) but it may stop the missing of gears

Sounds to me like the clutch cable has stretched a tad and the clutch is not quite clearing. one end or the other of the cable is a threded adjuster, move it so you are very slightly lengthening the outer cable. I would wind it out perhaps 3-4 turns and try it.

Oh and btw, the manual may specify 4mm - but it's a thing you have to do by feel.... apparently

It very recently had one actually, couple of weeks ago.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean. Do you mean the adjuster on the handlebar end (Example pictured) and what do you mean by the 'outer cable'?

Do you do everything by feel?

Seeing as it can be hard to drop in to gear it may have a bent/worn selector fork as for the clucth creep that may be down to being badly adjusted or worn friction plates.

I am becoming quite concerned Bonner that your mechanical knowledge is limited and you are delving into changes which could make your bike worse.

I would advise you go to a dealer or mechanic and ask for a quote on this fault. I know you have to learn but seeing experts is part of the learning curve.

Oh in no way would I attempt to do this myself. I can do various odds and ends to the bike but I know when i'm out of my depth. If anything is getting done to it, it's getting done at the local bike shop. However, I simply cannot afford it so i'm trying to work out whether i'm jumping at shadows or whether I have an actual clutch problem before I go scrounging every penny from down the back of my sofa

Cheers for the concern though

I'll probably give them a ring tomorrow morning, and see what the financial damage is going to be.

The clutch cable consists of a thin wire cable in an outer sheath. When you pull the clutch lever in, the inner cable is oulled through the outer and operates on the actuating mechanism.

Ahhh! I see, the little cable protector jobby. Thanks

Well, i've been out and had a play with the cable adjuster and a potter 'round locally and low and behold, she now slips in and out of gears no problem. There's no creeping forward when I hold it on the clutch in first and it actually idles (Even in the cold with the lights on!). You can't believe how relieved I am that I don't have to fork out for a new clutch! I can't thank you all enough.

Many thanks!

No probs mate , that`s the benifits of a forum like this: you young pups get the benifit of the cock ups that us old farts have made and sorted out over the years

Glad its worked out for you.

Aye, there's plenty of us cut our teeth on this forum asking about mechanical problems. Once you get started, most of it is fairly straightforward with a little time, patience, and the right tools. This place has certainly saved me a few coins...

Glad your problem was nice and straightforward!