I've recently ridden my bike when i noticed my clutch was slipping. I adjusted the clutch adjusting set screw and lock nut and was on my way again, 10 minutes went by and my clutch slipped again so I opened up my inspection cap and noticed my clutch sprocket was coming off it's main shaft. on opening my primary case up I Pushed the clutch sprocket back onto the main shaft. I took the clutch spring pate off and could see that the clutch fixing nut and washer were completely spun off. Further still the tab washer was mangled, missing a tooth, and off as well. I've ordered a new tab washer and am waiting on it now. I was wondering if this is a common occurrence and if there is anything i can do to remedy it. Furthermore are there any special tips, hints, or techniques to use for getting it back in order. My other question is do the tabs on the tab washer need to be bent around the clutch fixing nut so it does not wind itself off again?

Clutch center retaining hardware can and has come loose often enough. Once you get the right assembly process you should be all set. Since clutch center hardware changed over the years, the actual process depends on your hardware set. The early commando had a hardened thick split lock washer. Later ones had the (soft)tab washer with a thin but very hard outer washer. Yes the tab washer would normally be bent up to retain the nut. The tab washer system is soft as butter and can be improved upon. Be sure the snap ring (behind the clutch) that holds the clutch on the mainshaft is not deformed from over tightening (common). A hard washer is better up against the clutch center, then blue locktite the clutch center nut and do not over tighten...the atlas spec of 60? is too much for commando. 40-45 is better. Dave >I've recently ridden my bike when i noticed my clutch was >slipping. I adjusted the clutch adjusting set screw and lock >nut and was on my way again, 10 minutes went by and my clutch >slipped again so I opened up my inspection cap and noticed my >clutch sprocket was coming off it's main shaft. on opening my >primary case up I Pushed the clutch sprocket back onto the >main shaft. I took the clutch spring pate off and could see >that the clutch fixing nut and washer were completely spun >off. Further still the tab washer was mangled, missing a >tooth, and off as well. I've ordered a new tab washer and am >waiting on it now. > >I was wondering if this is a common occurrence and if there is >anything i can do to remedy it. Furthermore are there any >special tips, hints, or techniques to use for getting it back >in order. My other question is do the tabs on the tab washer >need to be bent around the clutch fixing nut so it does not >wind itself off again?