I am the 3rd owner of the bike, so don't know about any possible past abuses. Bike does not have a hitch or wiring harness for one, so thinking it has never towed. I put the last 20k miles on her. I have only been using Yamaha oil, however, I am due to change it. Did notice that this slipping started again after I had my fluids in the clutch master changed. Wonder if that could be related?