Page 1 of 2

How to check clutch on used bike?

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 1:13 pm
by flw
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

Re: How to check clutch on used bike?

Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2011 5:37 pm
by Wrider
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

Re: How to check clutch on used bike?

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 1:00 am
by flw
Holding it at 2k seems bit high, no? I may buy the ibke and don't want to damage a otherwise good bike.

Re: How to check clutch on used bike?

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 2:51 am
by gsJack
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.
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.

Re: How to check clutch on used bike?

Posted: Tue Jul 12, 2011 4:29 am
by Wrider
gsJack wrote:
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.
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.
Yup, we usually hit 3K in the shops while testing clutches.

Re: How to check clutch on used bike?

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 1:34 am
by HYPERR
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
I'm feeling a strong case of déjà vu here...
Wasn't there an almost identical thread here recently? :humm:

EDIT: Suspicion confirmed :laughing:

Re: How to check clutch on used bike?

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 1:48 am
by Hondagirl
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.. :confused2:

Re: How to check clutch on used bike?

Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2011 2:17 am
by flw
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.

Re: How to check clutch on used bike?

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 7:43 am
by storysunfolding
flw 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.
Someone should have clicked the link :laughing:

Re: How to check clutch on used bike?

Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2011 2:12 pm
by HYPERR
storysunfolding wrote:
flw 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.
Someone should have clicked the link :laughing:
:shifty: