Help.... Basic Clutch adjustment

[norsseman]

After my Kawasaki Vulcan 750 took a spill while going around cones the clutch has been out of adjustment somewhat.

The clutch engages now toward the end of the release, before it engaged more toward the middle of the clutch lever release.

What is the difference between a clutch that releases early or Late(as in my case)?? How can I get the clutch engagement more toward the middle of the clutch lever throw ??

I tried adusting it at the bar, and gave it a slight bit of slack, but now the slack is gone.

The clutch makes an instantaneous, quick 1/2 second guteral sound upon
starting out sometimes.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.[/b]

[safety-boy]

Typical Kawa clutch setup is an adjuster screw at the handle, and one where it meets the arm at the transmission. I have had three Kawasakis, a 2006, 2004 and 1986, all with the same cable setup (maybe not the 2006, as I have not been behind the fairing).

If I remember correctly, the tighter these adjusters are, the closer to full-open is where the friction point lies when pulling the lever. It is possible to have it so tight that the clutch is always engaged, or so loose that the handle has no effect.

At the handle, there should be a large metal wheel with a slot in it. This holds the cable in place. Closer to the handle, is a screw-on connection, like a coaxial cable for your TV. This is where you adjust at the handle.

At the transmission, it is on the right side, on the transmission. Look for an arm with a cable attached. If you follow that toward the front of the bike, there is the other adjuster (about an inch or two away from the clutch arm). It should have a accordion-like bit of rubber near it.

It adjust at both end, in case one end is fully adjusted (fully tight, typically). Also a good failsafe in case your bike get old (like my '86) and one of the adjusters becomes fused.

Hope this helps. I'll keep an eye out for replies/questions.

--Dave

[norsseman]

Your discription of the Kaw clutch helped quite a bit. I have it in
adjustment now.

Thanks again!

[safety-boy]

Glad that helped. Kawas are extremely easy to work on.

Just looked at my ZX-6R, and it only adjusts at the gearbox, weird, but frankly, the adjuster at the lever is crap

You might look for a Clymer guide for your bike. I had the one for my 454, and it was helpful - a lot better than Chilton's or Haynes Guides are for cars. I used it to replace my drive belt, which was no small task, and it walked me through it smoothly.

--Dave