Dave, if it the same area I'm thinking of then it's probably because the previous owner has put the wrong plastic fixing in the last panel hole. What I've seen happen is the owner mixes up the fixings and puts a longer one in that last hole by mistake. Then when the bike is being ridden the snorkel pipe continually hits that fixing which is protruding too far, as the suspension rises and falls. It stresses the fixing and panel tab making it weak, or until it breaks. It should have a very short stubby fixing in that last hole so it doesn't collide with the snorkel pipe. Then again you prolly know that but just for everyone elses benefit. Can be handy to know. Have you tried to plastic weld with the soldering iron? It works quite well I've found.

Well a couple of weeks ago I got a boat trailer stck on the sloping drive, too heavy for me to push, no way to shift it.
In desperation I harnessed the scoot to it and dragged it up, burning smells from transmission etc but the clutch has been smooth as silk since then.
Kill or cure I guess.

Yes, there's no harm in doing a burn out like that now and again. It does work! But maybe not with a boat trailer everytime!! At least you weren't dragging the boat as well...were you?

Dave, is the process the same for the 400K8 ? My bike is new to me with 10,000 miles on it, I would feel happier if I knew the filter was clean before I start riding... which won't be until next year as I've just had heart surgery too, you take it easy now - ok?

How much easier would this job be if I had a bike lift?

Jim

I can't be the only one who saw the topic heading and thought of a
Porn Movie??? Can I??

All problems with crutch judder now solved for me, well done Piaggio, the Beverly 350 sport touring wet crutch has solved it. Try either the 350 X10 or Beverly 350, I will be interested what others think, maybe I'm lucky with my recent purchase.

Nice one Dave. Wet crutches are lovely on those bikes and I've yet to see one judder. The two X10's I've ridden were smooth as silk and to be fair, the same as my Burgman. The GTS 300 Vespa's dry clutch was also super smooth too. But of course, dry clutches are more prone to a bit of roughness if used lots in town.

Jimo, the K8's are the same, or should be. Suzuki should have upgraded your transmission cooling system to the later model type with a snorkel system when the bike was newer. It was done to all 2007+ bikes over a period of time and this included a new 5 shoe clutch too. But even if your bike was missed for some reason, the filter is the same as far as I know and it's even easier to get to it to clean. It should be cleaned at 1800 mile intervals.