How to check clutch on used bike?
- flw
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How to check clutch on used bike?
I'm going to look at a used bike and want to be sure the clutch is not almost dead.
In a car with a manual trans, you find a (big) tree and make solid contact with the trunck. Then at idle, slowly let the clutch out. It should kill the engine and show you have a solid clutch. But if it allows the engine to rotate at all the clutch is almost dead.
Now on a bike, how can I test the clutch to be sure its not on deaths door step?
Thank
In a car with a manual trans, you find a (big) tree and make solid contact with the trunck. Then at idle, slowly let the clutch out. It should kill the engine and show you have a solid clutch. But if it allows the engine to rotate at all the clutch is almost dead.
Now on a bike, how can I test the clutch to be sure its not on deaths door step?
Thank
Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
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Re: How to check clutch on used bike?
You could do the same thing, except rev it a little. Hold it around 2000 and let the clutch out slowly while sitting on the bike so the tire doesn't try to spin.
Or go out and rev it to redline, drop the clutch, and if it wheelies you're good! haha
Or go out and rev it to redline, drop the clutch, and if it wheelies you're good! haha
Have owned - 2001 Suzuki Volusia
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
- flw
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Re: How to check clutch on used bike?
Holding it at 2k seems bit high, no? I may buy the ibke and don't want to damage a otherwise good bike.
Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
- gsJack
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Re: How to check clutch on used bike?
Hold the rear brake tight to prevent wheel spin, rev engine, let clutch out slowly to stall engine. About 2000 rpm sounds good to me, I do it that way. Letting clutch out slowly will help induce clutch slippage if clutch is marginal, good clutch will kill engine.flw wrote:Holding it at 2k seems bit high, no? I may buy the ibke and don't want to damage a otherwise good bike.
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Re: How to check clutch on used bike?
Yup, we usually hit 3K in the shops while testing clutches.gsJack wrote:Hold the rear brake tight to prevent wheel spin, rev engine, let clutch out slowly to stall engine. About 2000 rpm sounds good to me, I do it that way. Letting clutch out slowly will help induce clutch slippage if clutch is marginal, good clutch will kill engine.flw wrote:Holding it at 2k seems bit high, no? I may buy the ibke and don't want to damage a otherwise good bike.
Have owned - 2001 Suzuki Volusia
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
- HYPERR
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Re: How to check clutch on used bike?
I'm feeling a strong case of déjà vu here...flw wrote:I'm going to look at a used bike and want to be sure the clutch is not almost dead.
In a car with a manual trans, you find a (big) tree and make solid contact with the trunck. Then at idle, slowly let the clutch out. It should kill the engine and show you have a solid clutch. But if it allows the engine to rotate at all the clutch is almost dead.
Now on a bike, how can I test the clutch to be sure its not on deaths door step?
Thank
Wasn't there an almost identical thread here recently?

EDIT: Suspicion confirmed

2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100
2006 Kawasaki KLX250S
2004 Honda CBR600RR
2002 BMW R1150R
1996 Ducati 900SS
2006 Kawasaki KLX250S
2004 Honda CBR600RR
2002 BMW R1150R
1996 Ducati 900SS
- Hondagirl
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Re: How to check clutch on used bike?
haha, and almost all the same people replied too!
Well, flw yer not the only one, lol, I always need to be told at least twice before I get-it-mechanics and even then..
Well, flw yer not the only one, lol, I always need to be told at least twice before I get-it-mechanics and even then..

Honda Motard XR400
Traded: Honda SL230 and Yamaha XJR400
Traded: Honda SL230 and Yamaha XJR400
- flw
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Re: How to check clutch on used bike?
Holding the idle to about 2k plus worked well as a simple clutch test.
I'm not sure about the subject of clutch testing on a motorcycle has come up before? Or maybe I'm just forgetful.
Thanks to those that responded.
I'm not sure about the subject of clutch testing on a motorcycle has come up before? Or maybe I'm just forgetful.
Thanks to those that responded.
Goldwing 1500se '98
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
VN500 LTD '07 Sold
- storysunfolding
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Re: How to check clutch on used bike?
Someone should have clicked the linkflw wrote:Holding the idle to about 2k plus worked well as a simple clutch test.
I'm not sure about the subject of clutch testing on a motorcycle has come up before? Or maybe I'm just forgetful.
Thanks to those that responded.

- HYPERR
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Re: How to check clutch on used bike?
storysunfolding wrote:Someone should have clicked the linkflw wrote:Holding the idle to about 2k plus worked well as a simple clutch test.
I'm not sure about the subject of clutch testing on a motorcycle has come up before? Or maybe I'm just forgetful.
Thanks to those that responded.

2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100
2006 Kawasaki KLX250S
2004 Honda CBR600RR
2002 BMW R1150R
1996 Ducati 900SS
2006 Kawasaki KLX250S
2004 Honda CBR600RR
2002 BMW R1150R
1996 Ducati 900SS