GP Style Clutch Lever, any good?

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1983lux
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GP Style Clutch Lever, any good?

#1

Post by 1983lux »

Hey Guys,

I've been thinking about trying to improve the clutch pull on my '75. I find the clutch doesn't seem to be fully disengaged when I pull it in, making it hard to get it into neutral while the bike is running and sometimes causing the shifter to 'shudder' once in a while when shifting gears. If I reduce the freeplay in the clutch handle any more (not much there to begin with) by adjusting it down near the engine, then I find my hand gets so sore from reaching with the tips of my fingers and pulling it in traffic that I can't really put up with it. Also doesn't seem terribly safe if I needed to react quickly in an emergency.

I thought maybe replacing my clutch cable with a fresh one would help as I have no idea how old this one is. Also thought about switching the OEM style clutch lever to the GP style one on this page (scroll down a bit): https://www.partsnmore.com/parts/honda/ ... ng]=custom Has anyone tried one of these? Would it make my problem worse as maybe I couldn't pull the cable as far before the lever hits the grips?

Also would consider cutting off the old clutch perch, bypassing the clutch switch if needed, and replacing the perch/lever with an aftermarket unit that works really well if not too pricey. Any suggestions on reasonably priced perch/lever assemblies?

Any suggestions appreciated!
1975 Honda GL1000 - Naked
Motor from 1979 Model
1975 Cams and Carbs
Dyna S Ignition
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Whiskerfish
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Re: GP Style Clutch Lever, any good?

#2

Post by Whiskerfish »

The later 1000's have a longer handle with a different throw. But the perch setup would have to be changed also. Usually the first question when discussing clutch operation is what type of oil are you using.
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1983lux
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Re: GP Style Clutch Lever, any good?

#3

Post by 1983lux »

Ah too bad, I used to have an engine-less '78 parts bike sitting in my yard, but somebody stole it! Wish I had've gotten the clutch lever/perch and driveshaft off of it first. I use Castrol 10W40 4-stroke motorcycle oil in it, comes in a white bottle. Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think my clutch plates are the issue, as the problem is more with the clutch not fully disengaging, it doesn't slip or anything. If I adjust the clutch so that there is no free play in the clutch handle, it works better but then the clutch pull is just too hard and too long of a reach for stop/go traffic.
1975 Honda GL1000 - Naked
Motor from 1979 Model
1975 Cams and Carbs
Dyna S Ignition
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Whiskerfish
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Re: GP Style Clutch Lever, any good?

#4

Post by Whiskerfish »

Difficulty finding neutral is often a indication of the oil not working properly with a wet clutch. Were it me I would try Honda oil or Shell Rotella just to see if there was a difference. Also one option is the 1200 hydraulic clutch conversion.
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!

Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
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gltriker
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Re: GP Style Clutch Lever, any good?

#5

Post by gltriker »

;)
Last edited by gltriker on Fri Jul 19, 2019 1:13 am, edited 2 times in total.
Cliff (74yrs ;) )

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Re: GP Style Clutch Lever, any good?

#6

Post by Shadowjack »

I put the hydraulic system from an '84 1200 on mine. If you don't have 1200-style bars, the master cylinder will be sloped funny. I used one from a VF1100 or something. Very good feel and easier than the new cable I had before.
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Re: GP Style Clutch Lever, any good?

#7

Post by 1983lux »

Cool, thanks guys. I will try a different oil next time and see if that makes a difference. Will also see what changing the cable does, properly adjust the cable in the process, and maybe try either an aftermarket perch or buy a used 78-79 one and see how that feels. My current perch has the first few threads for the cable adjuster near the lever stripped so I can't really back it out any without it getting too wiggly. Maybe I'll see about a 1200 clutch if I ever have to pull the engine again.
1975 Honda GL1000 - Naked
Motor from 1979 Model
1975 Cams and Carbs
Dyna S Ignition
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Re: GP Style Clutch Lever, any good?

#8

Post by Shadowjack »

You just change the clutch cover without removing the engine.
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Re: GP Style Clutch Lever, any good?

#9

Post by flyday58 »

I tried a GP lever for the same reasons on my 76. Didn’t work because the GP is shorter, making the problem worse. A Honda oem cable and a longer lever from whichever ones had them helped quite a bit. Can’t tell you for sure because now I’ve heard it both ways on the longer levers (i.e., early vs later years).
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1983lux
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Re: GP Style Clutch Lever, any good?

#10

Post by 1983lux »

Ah, good to know the GP lever didn't work out, flyday. I'm pretty sure it's the 78/79 levers that are supposed to have a better pull.
1975 Honda GL1000 - Naked
Motor from 1979 Model
1975 Cams and Carbs
Dyna S Ignition
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