Clutch Adjustment - 1/2 to 3/4 Off

[Bricks]

My clutch cable has about 1/2 to 3/4 in of play in it, and I beleive this started after the 1k service. I was looking at the manual and I think that maybe they just didn't tighten up the nut that is on the cable located at the frame. I just bought the manual and was looking through it. I've never worked on a motorcycle but after not being happy with my 1k i don't want to take it back. I figured I work on cars for a living why not my bike. I am going to change my oil, trans, primary fluids for my 5k and switch to amsoil. I want to know if I should adjusted just the cable there or should I do the adjustment behind the derby cover. I have no problem getting into gear and no problem with engagement, the only thing I am concerned about is how much freeplay there is in the handle. the book says 1/16th to 1/18th and i have a ton.

EDIT: Sorry Mods if I posted this in the wrong section.

[DevilDog]

Just adjust the cable for now. the cable and clutch basket are at 1k 5k and every 5k miles during your service intervals.

[Bricks]

Well I'm at 5k and would like to do the adjustment if its needed. I just don't want to mess it up but want to work on my own bike so i know its done and done right!

[DevilDog]

Well I'm at 5k and would like to do the adjustment if its needed. I just don't want to mess it up but want to work on my own bike so i know its done and done right!

If you have a service manual it will explain in great detail how do your services. You stated you work on cars for a living, then service interval maintenance with a manual and assuming you have tools you will not have a problem. If you get into it and have questions don't hesitate to ask on here.

[Strat HD]

Adjusting the clutch at the derby cover is a piece of cake. If I can do it anyone can. LOL. Take you all of 5 minutes to do. Then adjust the cable. Just sayin.

[Bricks]

ok, i guess i didn't understand at first what they meant in the book. I re-read it a few times and now I understand it. lol. I will have the derby cover off anyways to fill the primary. I think i'm going to change the primary and transmission fluid while its cold because it says to adjust the clutch cold. Then I'll go drive it and test it out and change the oil!...lol and check the belt and such!

[o8h0g]

If you are gonna try to adjust the clutch in the primary make sure you loosen the cable all the way first.

[Bricks]

Thanks hog

[Strat HD]

Just stumbled across this how to video.

http://vodpod.com/bikersplaygroundcom

It's the 12'th vid down from the top.

[B-Man]

Finally made my way to the clutch adjustment video!!!..............took a bit of time!!!!

[Bricks]

I have a question, I performed the clutch adjustment at the clutch basket and the cable, I turned like the manual said 1/2 turn to 1 full turn after the freeplay is gone, but I only went 1/2 turn. it seems that I only have like 1" of slippage when letting out the clutch, it is almost instant engagement. My question is do I have it too tight? Do I need another 1/2 turn and also do I have to replace the derby cover gasket again even though I just replaced it this evening.

[MrMarty51]

Back the jam nut off several turns,turn the adjustment screw in unil it "just touches" the throwout bearing,I always screw it in then back it out several times just to make sure that "I , HAVE THE FEEL FOR IT" before deciding that I have it properly bottomed then back it off usually one full turn,I would rather have a bit of extra play between the screw and the throwout bearing than not enough.
Sometimes getting the "FEEL" for some of the adjustment takes a little bit of experience/time.
Then it is time to adjust the cable,You did have the cable backed off all the way,yes??? LOL
a good cable lubeing is sometimes a good idea at this point,I like to use a good teflon lube for this,after slathering the cable thoroughly and makeing sa generous mess of everything adjust the cable lengthening it until there is NO slack between the lever and fixture,pull the lever several times to make sure everything is seated then make that 1/8th inch of slack between the lever and the levers fixture and check the operation.
If the clutch seems to engage too quickly the slack in the cable/lever can be decreased slightly.
Try it and see if it works.

[Bricks]

damn I knew it soon as I drove it I didn't have enough freeplay, yes I followed the directions in the manual to a tee, other than not letting enough freeplay in the clutch basket

[MrMarty51]

damn I knew it soon as I drove it I didn't have enough freeplay, yes I followed the directions in the manual to a tee, other than not letting enough freeplay in the clutch basket

UHHhhhh Yup,I fergot to tell yuh to be sure an retighten the jamnut.
After a while yuh kinda picks up a "feel" for adjusting different components.

[o8h0g]

You also have to back the screw out an 1/8 turn before tightening the jamd nut.