This is probably just the spring plate with loose rivets. I would not ride this bike until the spring plate is checked - damage can be severe. You can buy two steel plates and one friction plate and toss the spring plate, they do not last long.

 

My GF's 98 883 had a similar problem and it turned out to be the spring plate was coming apart. Caught it in time, all the rivets stayed in the clutch basket and didn't get into the transmission.

 

Sounds like your spring plate's brass rivets have deteriorated. They're known for doing that. My Sporty had that issue with the same symptoms. If the bike's under warranty, take it in ASAP. If it's not, pull the clutch and take a look at the spring plate. It is possible you simply misadjusted it and burned up the friction plates, but the spring plate is my first assumption.

 

Make sure that you have all the parts as shown here before you replace the clutch, if one is missing that could be your problem. Below is a link to a list of all the parts of your clutch assembly. You may also want to check if there are any brass particles in the bottom of the case where the clutch is. If there is, there is a good chance that the spring plate rivets have sheered off. The spring plate is item #27 in the parts view and list. It is two metal plates held together with brass rivets that have been know to sheer off. If that is the case you should get a new clutch kit that includes regular clutch plates to that replace that spring plate. You can also find some deals that will include the clutch pressure spring compressor at a lower price than buying it separately.

Here is the link to the list and view of parts:

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....TCH%20ASSEMBLY

 

To minimize the budget on this repair you can get the plates from J&P.

1x J&P Part: 630-571
2x J&P Part: 630-573

Total less than $20 shipped.

 

I Von.

 

UPDATE:

Sorry for the delay. My work schedule has been hectic.

First the bad news. The rivets did their damage. Gouging the inside of the clutch basket.

I took it to a buddy of mine that has a shop. He was only charging me $65 for the labor. A deal because the compression tool itself costs more. It was a wise choice in the end.

When the clutch plates had to be pryed out of the basket instead of just sliding out we knew there was a problem. Those damn rivets. What a stupid design.

I thought I had to buy a new $375 basket. Had I done the work myself I would have. My buddy said he knew a guy that could machine out the gouge that the rivets caused.

The guy did excellent work and saved me $300. I did buy a new bearing because of metal shavings. Everything was then cleaned out in the primary, the Energy One pack installed and everything buttoned up.

Now it shifts better than with the old clutch pack before it was slipping. I do notice a slight increase in clutch lever pull. That'll be a pain during my rush hour traffic commuting. Overall though it is back and better than ever!

Thanks for everyone's help!

 

Yeah so my bike just started doing the same thing. After riding the other day I noticed I couldn't get it into neutral while it was running. Had to shut it off, then get it in neutral and start it up.

Clutch has started slipping on uphill acceleration in 4th and 5th gear.

It always slipped a little in 5th if I really tried to hammer it, but I didn't have problems at the shifter like this. Glad I saw this post. I was already going to install a new clutch this week. I guess I'll not be riding it until I do so. Really hope it's not ****ed up in there, but I have a feeling it is. Last primary oil change I did had no metal on the plug, so fingers crossed.

EDIT: Oh the best part, I just found a nail in my cars tire. Cool.

My bikes used from the dealer. I opted for the extra 1 year extension. So it has a 3 year warranty but I'm not sure what the expiration date is. It's a 2014 iron 883. I think it should still be under warranty.

 

I'd check with your dealer. I don't think a clutch will be covered under warranty. It's usually considered a wear item like brakes and tires.

 

Even if massive damage is caused by a design flaw? If the clutch is just worn out no problem, I have a new kit ready to install.