I took the bike out for a 50 mile ride yesterday and noticed some strange things happening.
1) the clutch started slipping when I really get on it, it 'lets go' between 4-6k RPM and catches again after I release the throttle. I read a few posts about the clutch slipping on bikes that have sat awhile due to glazing of the clutch discs, so I am hoping that is my problem. The bike only has 1450 miles on it so I assume it's not due to normal wear and tear.
2) Shortly after the clutch slipped a couple times the tachometer stopped working. It bounced around sporadically for a few minutes and then stopped working entirely, reading zero RMP while idling and cruising.
The PO installed a shut-off valve due to a leaky petcock, and I accidentally left it open a few times for 8-12 hour intervals since my last oil change about three weeks ago. On top of that I screwed up and set my brass floats to 22 mm rather than 26 mm when I rebuilt the carbs. The engine began to tick very loudly and I noticed the oil level had increased by about 1/2 to 3/4 quart. I suspected the oil was contaminated with fuel and that may have thinned out the oil to a point where it was no longer properly lubricating the system, so I changed it and the ticking has subsided for the most part. I am wondering if the oil contamination could somehow be related to my slipping clutch? Not sure what to blame for the dead tach though. (edit: I changed to fresh oil just before going for my 50 mile ride)
Thoughts anyone?
Also - Photobucket wants to charge me $399/yr to host photos. What site do you all recommend that is free and easy to setup and use?