Stiff clutch?

[Fastmark]

Having just about finished rebuilding the GS1000 I went to take it for a spin around the block, only to find that the clutch is really stiff and not disengaging fully. So adjusted cable and its better but still bloody stiff. I assumed that as the engine hadn't run for about a year it was just lack of use, but even after riding for 30 minutes it is hard to pull the lever all the way back to the bars.

Does this mean it needs new clutch plates, no sign of slipping and the clutch cable is new.

Any ideas?

[BigAl]

Original lever?

Some new aftermarket ones don't have the same leverage/cable pull ratio.

[haydes55]

It most likely wouldn't be clutch plates.

Clutch springs could need adjusting or to be replaced (cheap enough, might as well replace them).

Other than that make sure the cable is pulling the lever on the engine at a right angle or as close to it as possible. Set up the lever with very minimal slack and make sure the cable is well lubed.

It might pay to check your clutch lever as well. Take the cable off and see how much up and down play it has, whether it binds anywhere, or whether the bolt has been over tightened.

[tigertim20]

is the cable lubed?
clutch springs removed at any point in the build? - were they torqued to spec?
as above, original lever? aftermarket ones have a different angle and produce a different feel

[Fastmark]

Thanks Guys
In answer to your suggestions

Cable is brand new
Clutch was not touched during the re-build
Angle of dangle on the clutch lever (on the engine) is fine, good suggestion though that one
Original clutch lever (handlebar one)


Could be that it just needs a decent run to loosen things up a bit, should be legal on the road later this week once the WOF is done so will see what happens then.

Thanks for the suggestions

[buggerit]

Check the routing of your cable , you have a tight bend somewhere?

[F5 Dave]

There is a small poss that the clutch was slipping at some stage and someone fit heavy springs to it. Too long ago to remember the GS arrangement, mine wasn't hard on the hand though.

[jellywrestler]

Could be that it just needs a decent run to loosen things up a bit,

Thanks for the suggestions they dont bed in as such unless you've got a odd problem, check routing of cable does it go between 1 and 2 carb?

[ellipsis]

...go on, pull the clutch out and fondle all the bits...you know you want to...or have to...

[Fastmark]

There is a small poss that the clutch was slipping at some stage and someone fit heavy springs to it. Too long ago to remember the GS arrangement, mine wasn't hard on the hand though.

Yep had thought of that as I did the same on an old bike, but that was due to increased power and the clutch needed upgrading. Should be on the road this week so I'll give it a while before stripping the thing down.

Of course as I haven't ridden a bike for 7 years it could just be that I am now just a weakling:(

[Fastmark]

...go on, pull the clutch out and fondle all the bits...you know you want to...or have to...

Think you may be confused with other websites you visit, please wash your hands before sullying these pages, sicko!