Stiff Clutch?
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Stiff Clutch?
My clutch is very stiff feeling, so how “Stiff” is “Stiff”? I know that is a leading question but I’m nearing finishing up this project and the clutch feels very stiff to me compared to other bikes, I’ve had. I can pull the clutch lever in but it feels more like pulling in the hand grip springs you have at a gym. This is a 1977 GL1000 with under 21000 miles showing on the speedometer. I believe that is correct but can’t confirm. I had the motor out when I first got it to paint the engine, change the belts and a couple of other things. I replaced the cable on it because I thought because of the bike's age a new cable made sense but I see no difference between the old and new cables. I have the 8” original brake and clutch levers on it so that is the maximum leverage I can expect. As far as I know I’ve routed it correctly and have carefully adjusted it 3-4 times with the same result. I don’t hear any strange noises pulling in the clutch but I haven’t started since last fall.
2001 GL1800 Illusion Red
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
Well .... the clutch action on the 1000s is heavy .... sounds like you've checked all the obvious things .... there is an hydraulic conversion using the GL1200 pieces/parts if you don't want to live with it ....
Gord
Gord
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
- delling3
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
Hey OldRider -
Just to be clear, did you follow the clutch adjustment procedure in the FSM? Meaning you adjusted the cable at the engine end of the cable before adjusting the cable at the hand lever? I know this made a big difference on both my wings ('76 and '78).
It'll never be as light as a hydraulic clutch, but I do not find it to be overly difficult to operate the clutch.
Just to be clear, did you follow the clutch adjustment procedure in the FSM? Meaning you adjusted the cable at the engine end of the cable before adjusting the cable at the hand lever? I know this made a big difference on both my wings ('76 and '78).
It'll never be as light as a hydraulic clutch, but I do not find it to be overly difficult to operate the clutch.
delling3
1979 Yamaha XS750SF
Previous:
1978 GL1000 - JUNE 2017 BOTM: Sold
2006 Kawasaki Concours: Sold
1995 Kawasaki Concours: Crashed/totalled.
1976 GL1000: LAST RESTORATION, sold
1981 Honda CB900F Supersport: 3rd restoration, sold.
1979 Yamaha XS-750F: 2nd restoration, sold.
1982 Honda FT-500 Ascot: First (only) new bike. Family forces sale.
1973 CB500 Four: First restoration, long gone.
1972 Suzuki TS-100: First bike, sold.
Only dead fish go with the flow . . .
1979 Yamaha XS750SF
Previous:
1978 GL1000 - JUNE 2017 BOTM: Sold
2006 Kawasaki Concours: Sold
1995 Kawasaki Concours: Crashed/totalled.
1976 GL1000: LAST RESTORATION, sold
1981 Honda CB900F Supersport: 3rd restoration, sold.
1979 Yamaha XS-750F: 2nd restoration, sold.
1982 Honda FT-500 Ascot: First (only) new bike. Family forces sale.
1973 CB500 Four: First restoration, long gone.
1972 Suzuki TS-100: First bike, sold.
Only dead fish go with the flow . . .
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
Yes I adjusted it by the instructions in the Maintenance Manual and also read several posts here, I think it was jdvorack that explained it well. I didn't understand that I just needed to run the lower/screwdriver adjustment in until it "just" touched before backing it back 3/4 of a turn and I think I had that part tighter than it was supposed to be at first. At this point I think I'll leave it until I complete putting all the pieces back on and see how it feels running up and down my driveway.
2001 GL1800 Illusion Red
- salukispeed
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
Cable routing can be an issue if there are tight radius bends. Or possibly after market Heavy duty springs or shims under the springs
Honda 72 CL100 sold
74 CB750 K4 nice driver
1966 CA77/305 Dream nostalgic driver
84 GL1200I work in progress
1970 CT 70
1982 GL500 Interstate
74 CB750 K4 nice driver
1966 CA77/305 Dream nostalgic driver
84 GL1200I work in progress
1970 CT 70
1982 GL500 Interstate
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
I'm going to look at the cable routing again to check it but don't think there are any sharp bends. The clutch wasn't apart so I'm thinking there aren't heavy duty springs involved but it hasn't been on the road since 2002.
2001 GL1800 Illusion Red
- ericheath
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
They lack a bearing in the handle, so sometimes they bind quite a bit there. Several years ago there was a write up here on installing a small bearing. I cannot remember if it was in the handle or the mount, but the poster felt it eased operation. You probably lived it when you installed the cable. If not, try some lube there.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
- ericheath
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
- OhioBill
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
In your description of the problem I didn't see where you lubed the cable. You didn't miss that, did you?
OhioBill
I now have GPS so I no longer get lost, just confused.
Retired and Loving it.
When I die send my body to the scrap yard.
Two hips and a shoulder replaced.
1975 Blue/ Green (Now Black) My main ride
1975 Red Gone to my son! (Burned Feb 2013)
1979 Black (to be restored)
1979 Blue (Sold)
1978 Black (back in the fold) sold again. Bought it back, again
1993 blue 1500 Sold
1976 Restoring
I now have GPS so I no longer get lost, just confused.
Retired and Loving it.
When I die send my body to the scrap yard.
Two hips and a shoulder replaced.
1975 Blue/ Green (Now Black) My main ride
1975 Red Gone to my son! (Burned Feb 2013)
1979 Black (to be restored)
1979 Blue (Sold)
1978 Black (back in the fold) sold again. Bought it back, again
1993 blue 1500 Sold
1976 Restoring
- todd54219
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- Location: Overland Park, KS
Re: Stiff Clutch?
He said he replaced it but it still would not hurt to lube the new one. Couldn't hurt.
Todd
Todd
Todd54219 - Common sense is not so common anymore
1976 Yellow GL1000
1966 White Honda CA95 (Baby Dream) under restoration - Done and sold
1976 Yellow GL1000
1966 White Honda CA95 (Baby Dream) under restoration - Done and sold
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
No I didn't lube the new one. I think I looked at it when I took it out of the wrapper and it felt and looked like it was lubed enough. Soooo I may pull it off again, what is the best lube to use? I have several I could try.
2001 GL1800 Illusion Red
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
I just read Eric's post with the link to the bearing being added. That makes all the sense in the world but I don't have the machine shop or expertise that it looks like to precisely bore out a hole in the handle and the retaining bolt. I'm surprised Dave's idea hasn't been copied by one of the parts manufacturers.
2001 GL1800 Illusion Red
- tlbranth
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
Mine took Steve Reeves to pull it. I checked and the PO had routed the cable over and under and round and round.....Jeez, it's a wonder even Steve could pull it. I bought a new cable and routed it correctly and it's pretty easy going now.
Terry
Don't own a Vanagon
Don't work at Boeing
Life is good
1999 GL1500 SE
2002 Honda VT750 "ACE"
1975 GL1000
1970 CB750
Don't own a Vanagon
Don't work at Boeing
Life is good
1999 GL1500 SE
2002 Honda VT750 "ACE"
1975 GL1000
1970 CB750
- ericheath
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
You can improvise a collector to lube the cable. I use an automotive spark plug boot. Loosen both ends. With the handle end removed, press the spark plug boot over the handle end and add some lubricant. Work the cable until the lube flows freely out the bottom end. See if it helps.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
- todd54219
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- Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:00 pm
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Re: Stiff Clutch?
I use chain lube for my cables. As mentioned in another post, run the lube in the cable until it comes out the other end. So it does not make such a mess on the engine, remove and hang the cable with something to catch what comes out. Let it sit/hang for a few days while running the cable in and out until it stops dripping and re-install.No I didn't lube the new one. I think I looked at it when I took it out of the wrapper and it felt and looked like it was lubed enough. Soooo I may pull it off again, what is the best lube to use? I have several I could try.
Todd
Todd54219 - Common sense is not so common anymore
1976 Yellow GL1000
1966 White Honda CA95 (Baby Dream) under restoration - Done and sold
1976 Yellow GL1000
1966 White Honda CA95 (Baby Dream) under restoration - Done and sold
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