86 spree, Slipping Belt? Slipping Clutch? Both!?

[coolgangsta24]

So I recently got this spree running and it runs great without a rider (on the kickstand with the back wheel off the ground). The back wheel engages perfectly without weight on the bike. However, when I step on, it's a crap shoot. Sometimes the bike won't get up to 15, other times the bike will make it all the way up to 33 or so. Other times the bike feels like it's constantly engaged and I have to feather the throttle. From there it either just barely accelerates (no throttle) or stalls (too much). From what I've read on these forums, and from the owners manual, these are symptoms of a slipping clutch or belt. Is there any way to make sure without taking the clutch off?

As a follow up to my first question: The acceleration I do get is pretty slow on the low end, but if it gets past 15 it takes off pretty quick. Is there any way to remedy the slow acceleration?

Any ideas or help is appreciated.

Thanks!

[pasha1]

Dear coolgangsta24:
I just got a '88 Honda Pal running just like you and experienced the same problems. From what i know the start from a dead stop is usually slow then as you describe it picks up fast (like mine). Make sure your carb is clean, no vacuum leaks and run with your stock airbox (it makes a huge difference). I traced my slow takeoff due to a dirty front variator and flatspotted rollers. Make sure clutch and variator are clean and dry (no lube on the rollers/center bushing).

[wiguy05]

I traced my slow takeoff due to a dirty front variator and flatspotted rollers. Make sure clutch and variator are clean and dry (no lube on the rollers/center bushing).

Unlike your Pal, his Spree doesn't have a variator. So don't worry at all about that.

Thoroughly clean the carburetor and then go from there... report back if necessary.

[Kenny_McCormic]

Its a pretty easy job to pull the belt cover and hut the belt with some calipers(if its under 10.5mm wide replace). Just have a new gasket ready because that gasket does some important stuff related to clearance for the electric start. If the belt check out as good its time to pull the clutch off which is also easy with an impact gun, disassembling the clutch is somewhat difficult and dangerous if you aren't careful(BIG belt tensioner spring).