i got back from a month vacation and (of course) upon my return i've got some motorcycle issues.
my battery is all but dead so i tried push starting it and realized my clutch isn't really working. the lever has the same play it always did but it's not really engaging (disengaging? why oh why didn't i take auto-mechanics in high school?) the clutch. it'll roll if i really push on it but there's a lot of resistance.
so where do i start? after i replace the battery that is.
thanks in advance
clutch help
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Johnny Gaijin
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- Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2006 3:03 am
Are you sure it's the clutch, not a seized brake or something? Seems like it would be really tough to push at all if it's in gear (for any distance, anyway). Possibly to the point of dragging the rear wheel.
I've got a 74 CB360, and a new battery is probably a good bet (or just charging the old one if it will hold a charge). The charging system is pretty weak, especially if you run with the headlight on. Best to start with a good charge.
After that, you can adjust the clutch cable free play at the handlebar if it's just not pulling enough to disengage. Having the neutral light back will give you some indication of shifting success (as will running the bike and feeling it, probably). My guess is it ain't the clutch, but a dragging brake, which is also easy to adjust, but hey, what do I know?
And by the way, good choice in bikes. A mid-70's Honda will teach you more than auto-shop would have anyway.
PS- In the interest of science, I just went outside and tried to push the bike in gear. Couldn't do it. I think it's not the clutch.
I've got a 74 CB360, and a new battery is probably a good bet (or just charging the old one if it will hold a charge). The charging system is pretty weak, especially if you run with the headlight on. Best to start with a good charge.
After that, you can adjust the clutch cable free play at the handlebar if it's just not pulling enough to disengage. Having the neutral light back will give you some indication of shifting success (as will running the bike and feeling it, probably). My guess is it ain't the clutch, but a dragging brake, which is also easy to adjust, but hey, what do I know?
And by the way, good choice in bikes. A mid-70's Honda will teach you more than auto-shop would have anyway.
PS- In the interest of science, I just went outside and tried to push the bike in gear. Couldn't do it. I think it's not the clutch.
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Sev
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Dead battery, and clutch out of adjustment.
There are two dials on the end of the clutch lever (usually) one is a lock (the big one) one is the adjuster. Loosen off the lock, and turn the adjuster out until you have 2-3mm of freeplay. This is the gap between the lever and the mount when you start to pull the clutch BEFORE you actually do anything with the cable. Basically that's the "slop" in the clutch lever.
Charge the battery.
There are two dials on the end of the clutch lever (usually) one is a lock (the big one) one is the adjuster. Loosen off the lock, and turn the adjuster out until you have 2-3mm of freeplay. This is the gap between the lever and the mount when you start to pull the clutch BEFORE you actually do anything with the cable. Basically that's the "slop" in the clutch lever.
Charge the battery.
Of course I'm generalizing from a single example here, but everyone does that. At least I do.
[url=http://sirac-sev.blogspot.com/][img]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/Sevulturus/sig.jpg[/img][/url]
[url=http://sirac-sev.blogspot.com/][img]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/Sevulturus/sig.jpg[/img][/url]
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Johnny Gaijin
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it's definately not the brake as it rolls just fine when it's in neutral.
i messed around w/ the clutch adjustment which made the lever easier or more difficult to pull but there was no effect. it still has quite a bit of resistance when i pull the clutch lever.
any more ideas? i followed the directions for clutch adjustment out of my shop manual and i think i did it correctly...
i messed around w/ the clutch adjustment which made the lever easier or more difficult to pull but there was no effect. it still has quite a bit of resistance when i pull the clutch lever.
any more ideas? i followed the directions for clutch adjustment out of my shop manual and i think i did it correctly...
Hmm, has the bike been run?? I ask because DHs Kawasaki is a pill sometimes about immediately dying in when the bike is shifted to 1st...after sitting for several days-week. The fluid hasn't circulated so the plates are stuck together.
On my bike, the clutch was behaving the same as yours - it was out of adjustment. A few minutes on it, then a run or two down the block got it all sorted
Lube and adjust all cables (seems you've done this).
Check brakes for dragging.
Clean and lube the chain (put it up on a stand if you can). Take off front sprocket cover to take a clear look. Getting the rear wheel off the ground may help pinpoint where the problem is.
On my bike, the clutch was behaving the same as yours - it was out of adjustment. A few minutes on it, then a run or two down the block got it all sorted
Lube and adjust all cables (seems you've done this).
Check brakes for dragging.
Clean and lube the chain (put it up on a stand if you can). Take off front sprocket cover to take a clear look. Getting the rear wheel off the ground may help pinpoint where the problem is.
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Johnny Gaijin
- Regular
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looks like you're right, Shorts, all she needed was a ride to get loosened up. thanks.
p.s. are you actually a motorcycle riding, texan woman, living in japan? because if so that's the coolest thing i've ever heard of.
if you're a motorcycle riding man living in japan who just recommends against messing w/ texan women that's kinda cool but i'm hoping you're the former.
p.s. are you actually a motorcycle riding, texan woman, living in japan? because if so that's the coolest thing i've ever heard of.
if you're a motorcycle riding man living in japan who just recommends against messing w/ texan women that's kinda cool but i'm hoping you're the former.
Johnny Gaijin wrote:looks like you're right, Shorts, all she needed was a ride to get loosened up. thanks.
p.s. are you actually a motorcycle riding, texan woman, living in japan? because if so that's the coolest thing i've ever heard of.
if you're a motorcycle riding man living in japan who just recommends against messing w/ texan women that's kinda cool but i'm hoping you're the former.
I am a Texas woman riding in Japan - you're not the only Gaijin
