Clutch runs hot.

[Smokeater]

Ok so Iv had my ride now for three weeks. Done about all the dumb things a guy should never do lol. Used the wrong oil. Got clutch slip. Changed to the right stuff only partially fixed my issue but Iv been noticing from the beginning that I can feel heat from the clutch cover through my leather boot. Any buddy have a normal operating temp for the clutch? 81 cb750c

[Re-run]

Sounds like a lot of clutch slip happening. Most likely the plates are either worn or there is a lot of crud on them that are making them slip. Weak springs do that to. Pull the clutch apart and clean the plates and measure their thickness to make sure they are in spec. Measure the springs too and check to make sure none are broke.

[sgtslag]

Since it is an '81, that means that it began its life with a really old API oil standard, like SH, or so (current standard is SN).  These bikes ran hot, like around 250 F, which was the thermal limit of the oil, at that time.  There is likely a lot of carbon sludge within both the engine, and the transmission.  I would suggest a flush using SeaFoam -- it is easy, safe, and effective.

I doubt this will solve your problems, but it might improve things a bit...

Add 1.5 oz. of SeaFoam,  per quart of oil, to the crankcase.  Put the bike on the center stand, start it, and let it idle for five minutes, shifting through all gears, while the rear wheel spins freely (do NOT advance the throttle, just let it idle...).  After five minutes idling, the oil will reach 180 F, roughly, which is its minimum operating temperature; no cooling fan needed unless you go beyond five minutes.  This will percolate the SeaFoam throughout the engine, and the transmission, as well as the clutch plates, dissolving a lot of crud (if this has never been done before).  Shut it down, and check the color of the oil:  if it has turned coal black, change it out, along with the filter, using something like Shell Rotella T/T6 diesel oil, which has no friction modifiers which cause the clutch to slip.  Try riding it again, to see if the issues improve.  This is simple, it won't harm anything, and it is fast and easy.  With modern detergent oils, this flushing will not be necessary again.

If you continue to have issues, dig deeper, as already suggested, and see what condition the clutch plates, and springs, are in.  Cheers!

[LukeM]

Moving this discussion to a more appropriate section.

Luke M