Stiff Clutch?

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OldRider2
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Stiff Clutch?

#1

Post by OldRider2 »

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?

#2

Post by Rat »

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 ....

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delling3
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#3

Post by delling3 »

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.
delling3

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OldRider2
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#4

Post by OldRider2 »

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.
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salukispeed
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#5

Post by salukispeed »

Cable routing can be an issue if there are tight radius bends. Or possibly after market Heavy duty springs or shims under the springs
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OldRider2
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#6

Post by OldRider2 »

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.
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ericheath
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#7

Post by ericheath »

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.
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ericheath
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#8

Post by ericheath »

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
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OhioBill
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#9

Post by OhioBill »

In your description of the problem I didn't see where you lubed the cable. You didn't miss that, did you?
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todd54219
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#10

Post by todd54219 »

He said he replaced it but it still would not hurt to lube the new one. Couldn't hurt.

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OldRider2
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#11

Post by OldRider2 »

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.
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OldRider2
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#12

Post by OldRider2 »

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.
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tlbranth
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#13

Post by tlbranth »

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.
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ericheath
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#14

Post by ericheath »

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
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todd54219
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Re: Stiff Clutch?

#15

Post by todd54219 »

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.
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.

Todd
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1976 Yellow GL1000
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