Clutch settings Wrong or me? What do other stormers think?

Image · Post by **Image** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 7:11 pm

Clutch lever feels to me like it has to be pulled too far in to fully engage. First time I've had a bike with a wet clutch so maybe it's just me. What do you other stormers think?

Pics below show
1/ Clutch lever released.
2/ Clutch lever at which clutch starts to engage.
3/ Clutch lever at which clutch is fully engaged and can change gear

Clutch lever released

Clutch lever at which clutch starts to engage

Clutch lever at which clutch is fully engaged and can change gear

Wicky · Post by **Wicky** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 7:45 pm

Try bleeding it. It's a smaller reservoir than the brake one so fill it up little and often between pumping.

tony.mon · Post by **tony.mon** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 7:52 pm

Just stating the bleedin' obvious, but you have worked out the wheel on the lever is a span adjuster, haven't you?

Try a dogleg lever, or perhaps if it really irritates, a different reservoir.
The VFR rectangular one fits on ok.

Or fit the Varadero cable operated clutch cover and a cable one...

Image · Post by **Image** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:00 pm

Yeah, got the span out to max but still requires almost all the way in to change gear. Might try bleeding it.

tony.mon · Post by **tony.mon** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:04 pm

Could also be the clutch top hat bearing (you'll know what I mean when you open it up) or possibly a worn pushrod, but that's much more common on cable ones....
Or maybe slave cylinder?
Try taking the sprocket cover off, clean round the slave and pushrod properly, then put it back on and bleed.....and bleed.................and bleed- it takes forever....

Image · Post by **Image** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:07 pm

All works fine apart from the positioning of the lever.

Image · Post by **Image** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:49 pm

Hmm, clutch fluid was slightly low (bottom of reservoir). I wonder if I have a leak. That might explain it!

benny hedges · Post by **benny hedges** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:56 pm

Image wrote:Hmm, clutch fluid was slightly low (bottom of reservoir). I wonder if I have a leak. That might explain it!

pop the sprocket cover off.... it's more than likely the clutch slave cyl thats leaking, where you cant see it.
(take the clutch lever off before removing the cover though) ;)

Wicky · Post by **Wicky** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 8:57 pm

If its a slow leak then there might be signs of it nr the front spocket. Top it up and bleed and see what happens - if the bite point subsequently changes and the fluid level drops then you'll need to poke around deeper and check the slave cylinder for scratches on the bore from grit/ seal condition. You might get away with a polish of the bore and new seal or just pick up a 2nd hand unit (Blackbird one's are the same) for about Â£15 and plumb it in.

Image · Post by **Image** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 9:16 pm

Thanks for that. Looks like we're onto it!

tony.mon · Post by **tony.mon** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 9:24 pm

I have lots of spare slaves....
let me know if you need one.

gilson · Post by **gilson** » Tue Mar 20, 2012 10:13 pm

Doesn't the push pin near the front sprocket also become covered in chain lube and cause issues? Whip it off and clean it up whilst you are at it.

seb421 · Post by **seb421** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 4:04 am

tony.mon wrote:I have lots of spare slaves....
let me know if you need one.

always wanted a slave.... one day, one day

tony.mon · Post by **tony.mon** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 9:31 am

gilson wrote:Doesn't the push pin near the front sprocket also become covered in chain lube and cause issues? Whip it off and clean it up whilst you are at it.

That's the exposed end of the clutch pushrod..
Pull the rod out an inch or two and clean it, if you pull it completely out,
a. don't bend it, and
b. put it back the right way round.

If it's really grotty, with lots of grit and abrasive material, consider replacing the small seal in the crankcases.
It just pops out, then push a new one in. No oil will fall out.

benny hedges · Post by **benny hedges** » Wed Mar 21, 2012 9:59 am

I prefer proper home grown bud over soap bar any day, with kingsize riz or volcano, though they are still a bit pricey.

Oh sry, it says what do stormers think, not stoners. Must get my lamps tested :/

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