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how do you adjust a motorcycle clutch lever

by Vanessa Swift Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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1. Pull back the rubber cover from the clutch lever, and loosen the larger lock nut by unscrewing it with your fingers. 2. Screw the smaller adjusting nut outward to reduce free play and tighten the lever, or inward for the opposite effect. Use a set of wrenches if adjusting this with your fingers is too difficult.

Part of a video titled How To Adjust A Motorcycle Clutch Lever | MC Garage
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If you need to adjust the slack. There are two places to do it you've got a barrel adjuster up onMoreIf you need to adjust the slack. There are two places to do it you've got a barrel adjuster up on the handlebar. And then instead of lock nuts. Down at the engine for bigger changes.

Full Answer

How do you adjust the clutch cable on a motorcycle?

… hit the adjuster at the other end of the cable. On my R1, that’s down at the clutch, on the other side of the bike. Loosening the nut on the left with a 12mm wrench lets you pull the cable and sheath free. Then you can shorten the sheath a bunch by spinning the right nut with your fingers in the direction that lengthens the inner cable.

How to adjust the clutch on a motorcycle?

Use the clutch adjuster near the clutch cover for larger adjustments. To adjust the clutch cable slack, start with the adjuster near the lever, check the play, and move on to the adjuster near the engine if necessary. A typically amount of slack in the lever is about 3-4mm. Refer to your motorcycle service manual for the exact steps on this ...

How to change a clutch cable on a motorcycle?

Put the cable barrel in place on the clutch lever. With the motorcycle clutch cable loosely in place, you should proceed by tightening the adjuster where the cable meets the engine. When fully tight it should sit against the clutch release. Loosen it slightly to give enough play in the clutch before you tighten the locking nut.

Do you hold clutch while braking motorcycle?

Using a clutch while braking doesn't affect the clutch in anyway. As you are already reducing the speed of the engine. However, if you do not downshift simultaneously, as soon as you leave the clutch, the engine may stall. In normal braking cases, use the engine braking and brakes to slow the bike down.

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How do you adjust the bite point on a motorcycle clutch?

0:547:18Motorcycle clutch adjustment for beginners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you turn the adjuster clockwise. And then you test your biting. Point turn the retainer. BackMoreAnd you turn the adjuster clockwise. And then you test your biting. Point turn the retainer. Back and it's as simple as that and that will adjust your clutch. This is helpful.

How do you adjust the clutch on a motorcycle free play?

0:267:03Adjusting Your Motorcycle Clutch Lever Free Play - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipObviously the clutch lever hits the perch. So what we're looking for especially when the bike is hotMoreObviously the clutch lever hits the perch. So what we're looking for especially when the bike is hot because this is the best way to do it we want a gap of one to two millimeters.

How do you adjust an adjustable lever on a motorcycle?

You want your levers to be right under your fingers in this position. Any significant angle in your wrist will make it difficult to cover the controls and reduce your effective pull strength. To adjust the lever angle, loosen the pinch bolts and rotate the controls to the desired position.

Where should motorcycle clutch biting point be?

The best way to find the biting point on a new bike is by taking it off the kickstand, turning on the engine and putting the bike into first gear. Make sure to do this on a flat surface so that you can keep your hand off the brake and not roll.

How do I know if my motorcycle clutch needs adjusting?

To tell if your motorcycle clutch is bad, you'll need to look for signs such as unexplained high revs and lowered gas mileage. Other signs of a bad clutch may also include a stuck clutch lever, hard shifts accompanied by a clunking sound or jerk, and difficulty getting the motorcycle to shift gears.

How much free play should a clutch lever have?

10-20 mmNormal clutch lever free play is 10-20 mm at the lever. To adjust the free play, loosen the lock nut.

What does a slipping clutch feel like motorcycle?

Motorcycle clutch slipping in a motorcycle is a malfunction that occurs in a motorcycle clutching system resulting in an inability to shift gears. It will not be funny to realize that your bike is moving at a slower speed than usual, even after changing gears.

How can I make my clutch easier to pull?

0:4210:34Tricks To Making Your Clutch Easier To Pull! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd I would recommend getting a motion Pro or OEM one both really good quality. So whether you'reMoreAnd I would recommend getting a motion Pro or OEM one both really good quality. So whether you're using a new or used cable you definitely got a little bit up though if you're using a use cable.

Why is my clutch not engaging motorcycle?

0:249:46How to fix a motorcycle clutch [Not Engaging and Clutch slippage]YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou try to put your clutch. Into you pull your clutch. And you put the bike into gear it stallsMoreYou try to put your clutch. Into you pull your clutch. And you put the bike into gear it stalls immediately like the clutch isn't engaging. This could mean that your clutch is sticking.

What happens if you release the clutch too fast on a motorcycle?

Releasing the clutch too fast can cause the engine to lug or stall, while adding too much throttle can cause the rear wheel to spin.

How do you master clutch control on a motorcycle?

1:395:10Improving Your Throttle and Clutch Control - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's really simple pull the clutch. In feather the clutch out until the bike starts to pull pullMoreIt's really simple pull the clutch. In feather the clutch out until the bike starts to pull pull back in and then I use my foot to push myself backwards like this. And all they do is.

Can I adjust my clutch biting point?

To adjust, simply pull up on the clutch cable and loosen the locknut and the adjuster nut slightly. Next, slowly pull up on the clutch cable again. You will feel a point where the clutch fork engages. This is where the clutch cable should be adjusted to.

What can too much clutch pedal free play cause?

On the other hand, too much free play can cause clutch drag, making your car creep forward while changing gears, which can be troublesome in heavy traffic. Therefore adjusting your clutch pedal and achieving the correct amount of free play is very crucial.

What is free play on a clutch?

"Freeplay" is the distance, usually measured in inches or fractions of an inch, that the clutch pedal can be depressed before it starts to "work," or disengage the clutch.

Why is it important to set clutch free play?

Anything less than the correct amount of free play (or clearance) will result in clutch slip, because the pressure plate will be unable to exert its full pressure on the friction plate. Failure to cure this fault will quickly lead to a burned-out friction plate, and possibly a ruined pressure plate.

How do I adjust throttle free play?

Adjusting Throttle Free Play: If your free play is out by a small amount, use the inline adjuster at the handlebars: simply loosen the locknut, and turn the barrel adjuster until the movement of the grip is in the specified range.

What happens if you have too little slack on your clutch?

If you have too little slack, the clutch plates won’t be fully squeezed together when the lever is out and you’re going to get clutch slip, which will quickly lead to glazed plates that’ll need to be replaced.

How to measure clutch freeplay?

How To Measure Your Clutch Freeplay. To check your free play, the engine needs to be cold since hot clutch plates will expand a bit and throw off the measurement. Usually, you check the play at the end of the lever or between the back of the lever and the perch, but you’ll want to reference your manual for the exact specifications ...

Where to measure bike lever?

Typically you’re going to measure from the end of the lever to the grip or between the back of the lever and the lever perch, but you should check your workshop manual for the specific protocol and measurement for your bike.

What is hydraulic clutch fluid?

With a hydraulic clutch fluid is used to convey force in the same way that your hydraulic brakes work, except instead of there being a caliper at the other end of a hose there’s a slave cylinder.

Why would a manufacturer or a rider choose one over the other?

Cables are common for one very simple reason, they are cheap to make and easy to fit.

Do you have to worry about lubricant on hydraulic clutch?

On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about messy lubricants or fraying cables with a hydraulic clutch and you don’t have to worry about adjusting anything either.

Do motorcycle cables need to be adjusted?

On the topic of maintenance, cables require a fair amount of it. For starters, you have to adjust the cable tension regularly to account for clutch wear and cable stretch.

Does a motorcycle clutch need slack?

Written by MotorcycleGear. in. How To. Setting the clutch cable slack is not only easy to do, it’s necessary if you want your clutch to work properly and last a long time. For your clutch to work correctly there has to be the proper amount of slack in the cable, if there’s too little slack the clutch plates won’t be fully pressed together when ...

Can you adjust a ruler by feel?

Because it’s so easy once you’ve done it with a ruler or a caliper a few times you should be able to adjust it entirely by feel.

What to do if your bike has adjustable reach levers?

If your bike came with adjustable-reach levers, turn the barrel adjuster or lever to position the blades at a distance that is comfortable for you. Preferences vary widely—it's a very subjective thing. If your bike's levers aren't adjustable (most clutch levers aren't), it might be worth investing in an aftermarket set like these.

How to adjust brake levers?

The angle of the controls should be such that you can comfortably cover the levers with two fingers. To establish a starting position, sit upright (as you would when braking hard), and form a straight line with your arms that extends from your shoulders to your fingertips. You want your levers to be right under your fingers in this position. Any significant angle in your wrist will make it difficult to cover the controls and reduce your effective pull strength. To adjust the lever angle , loosen the pinch bolts and rotate the controls to the desired position. Watch out for interference with bodywork. Some controls are pinned or have limited adjustment, so be aware and don't force the issue.

How to adjust lever angle?

To adjust the lever angle, loosen the pinch bolts and rotate the controls to the desired position. Watch out for interference with bodywork. Some controls are pinned or have limited adjustment, so be aware and don't force the issue. 2. The reach to the levers is nearly as important as their angle.

How do mirrors rotate?

All mirrors have positionable glass, and most have at least one other articulation—stalk-mounted mirrors can be rotated around their bases by loosening the collar nut, and fairing-mounted mirrors typically pivot forward and back .

Should every bike be fitted?

Every bike should be fitted to its rider. Even if your motorcycle has no apparent allowances, you can still make some basic adjustments that will improve your riding comfort and the ease with which you manage your bike’s controls. We’ll show you how. 1.

Can you adjust the seat on a bike?

5. Many bikes offer adjustable seat, handlebar, and footpeg positions. If your bike is one of them, take some time to experiment with the various options to see what suits you best. A half-inch here or there can make a world of difference. Even an ostensibly nonadjustable handlebar can be rolled forward and back in the clamps, allowing you to open up or tighten up your reach to the grips.

How to adjust clutch cable tension?

However, before any of that happens, you can adjust the clutch cable to the correct level of tension. And all you need is a wrench and a ruler or a tape measure. The first step is measuring your clutch cable’s free-play. To do this, gently pull on the clutch lever until you just feel it engaging.

How many adjusters does a motorcycle clutch cable have?

A typical motorcycle clutch cable has two adjusters: a fine one by the lever and a locknut one by the engine. If you’re only slightly outside the recommended free-play range, the fine adjuster should suffice. Moving/turning it in increases free-play and moving/turning it out decreases it.

How does a locknut adjuster work?

The locknut adjuster comes into play when the fine adjuster isn’t enough. Moving it towards the lever by loosening the front nut and tightening the rear one increases free-play. And moving the adjuster away from the lever by doing the opposite decreases free-play. When it’s time to replace the cable.

Why is my bike clutch slipping?

However, too little slack is also a problem. Too much cable tension prevents the friction discs from properly engaging, Motorcyclist reports. This leads to glazed discs which can’t grip each other securely. That leads to clutch slip, reducing performance and eventually preventing any power from reaching your rear wheel, BikeBandit explains.

What is the clutch cable?

This is where the clutch cable comes in. It’s typically made of braided steel and is held under tension between the clutch lever and a bracket by the engine. And it’s the clutch cable that transmits force between the lever and the pressure plate. Pulling and releasing the lever moves the cable and thus the plate.

How to measure clutch cable?

The first step is measuring your clutch cable’s free-play. To do this, gently pull on the clutch lever until you just feel it engaging . Then, measure the distance between the back of the lever and the perch, as shown in the video above. If the free-play falls outside of the manufacturer’s recommended setting, your clutch cable needs adjustment.

When will motorcycles be replaced with electronic?

on May 30, 2021. From the throttle body to the ignition system, many mechanical motorcycle components have been supplanted by electronic ones. And, to be fair, in many cases, that’s to the benefit of riders. But even on some new bikes, a few mechanical parts remain, such as the clutch cable.

How Do You Change a Hydraulic Clutch Lever?

Surprisingly, changing a hydraulic clutch lever is easier than a cable lever. This means you can replace a hydraulic clutch lever in the above-described way, except that you don’t have to deal with the clutch cable. Just make sure to check if the clutch is engaging and disengaging properly after the replacement!

How Do You Tighten a Motorcycle Clutch Cable?

For smaller changes you can use the barrel adjuster, which is placed where the cable enters the clutch lever .

How do You Check a Motorcycle Clutch?

When it comes to checking a motorcycle clutch, it’s typically much easier to inspect a dry clutch as it’s far more accessible. In contrast, a wet clutch is typically hidden under a cover on the side of the engine. Therefore, to check a wet clutch you have to first remove the cover. But there’s no need to worry, as the clutch on your bike always “lets you know” if it is malfunctioning!

How Can You Tell if Your Motorcycle Clutch is Going Bad?

There are many signs that a motorcycle clutch is going bad, which are as follows:

What Happens When a Motorcycle Clutch Slips?

If a motorcycle clutch slips it simply means that the plates inside the clutch assembly can’t engage perfectly. In other words, the plates slip on each other, so the clutch can’t transmit all the engine power towards the transmission.

How do You Fix a Slipping Motorcycle Clutch?

To fix a slipping motorcycle clutch always try adjusting the clutch cable first. Clutch slippage is often caused by an improper cable adjustment, so playing with the cable can solve the issue in most cases. If this doesn’t help, you should check the friction plates in your clutch. If they are worn out, replacing them will probably fix the clutch slippage. Also, make sure to use fresh and appropriate engine oil!

How Do You Fix Clutch Drag on a Motorcycle?

To fix clutch drag on your motorcycle, it’s recommended that you first adjust and lube the clutch cable. If it seems worn out, you may want to even replace the cable. If this does not solve the problem, you should inspect the cutch assembly. Worn out/damaged clutch release mechanism and plates can all cause the problem. So, to fix the drag you should probably adjust or replace these parts. Finally, change the oil and the filter as well.

How do you adjust a self adjusting clutch?

Self – Adjusting Clutch Adjustment When the engine is running and you have the parking brake on, put your foot under the clutch pedal and lift it up toward yourself. This way, you can test and verify the results of your adjustment when you depress the clutch pedal and put the vehicle into gear.

How do you tell if your clutch is slipping on a motorcycle?

If the clutch slips a lot the bike revs up faster than normal but doesn’t move so you would be forced to shift through the gears rather quickly. If the clutch was worn out entirely you couldn’t move at all without feathering the throttle and clutch. The slipping clutch, even when slight, is pretty obvious.

How do you adjust the friction zone on a motorcycle?

With the bike in neutral, pull the clutch lever all the way toward the handlebar and let it go, pulling the clutch cable’s housing away from the barrel adjuster with your right hand as you release the lever. This takes the tension off the barrel adjuster so you can easily turn it either way with your left hand.

How do you adjust clutch engagement points?

To adjust, simply pull up on the clutch cable and loosen the locknut and the adjuster nut slightly. Next, slowly pull up on the clutch cable again. You will feel a point where the clutch fork engages. This is where the clutch cable should be adjusted to.

How do you adjust a free travel clutch?

Use the internal adjuster & set the gap to 1/2 inch. As the clutch wears the gap increases & you loose free pedal. Set the gap & the free pedal will return. After the linkage is set, it only needs adjustment to compensate for wear within the linkage itself.

How often do you need to check clutch freeplay?

Over time the clutch wears down and requires adjustments. The clutch freeplay must checked and adjusted at every 6,000 miles or as specified in the maker’s service schedule. Newer vehicles use a hydraulic clutch and slave cylinder that are self adjusting and do not require adjustments.

Why is my clutch stiff?

There are several factors that can contribute to a stiff clutch. An old, worn or dirty clutch cable is one reason. Other factors include dirty lever, stiff clutch springs, dirty or worn actuator arm or push rod. Clutch position and hand strength can also be a factor.

What Does A Motorcycle Clutch Cable Do?

Transmissions on cars and motorcycles aren’t exactly the same, but they do have some things in common. The rider’s ability to change gears is made possible by a clutch on manual models. Except for some vintage models, motorcycles don’t have clutch pedals; they have clutch levers.

How Do Motorcycle Clutches Operate?

The way your motorcycle clutch operates is by sending power from the crankshaft to the transmission and final drive.

Why Is It Necessary To Adjust A Motorcycle Clutch?

There are some motorcycles without clutch cables. Some bikes use hydraulically-operated clutches, RevZilla notes, which work like the ones found on cars. These motorcycles connect the lever and pressure plate with pressurized fluid rather than a clutch cable.

What Should The Ideal Clutch Cable Tension Be?

It’s generally a good idea to aim for 3 to 4 mm at the perch, and it’s always preferable to have extra slack than not enough.

What Are The Standards For Your Clutch Freeplay?

The engine must be cold in order to check your free play because hot clutch plates will slightly expand and affect the measurement. However, you’ll want to consult your manual for the precise specifications and measurement procedures for your bike. Typically, you check the play at the end of the lever or between the back of the lever and the perch.

Where Should A Motorcycle Clutch Lever Be Adjusted?

There are two locations where adjustments can be made. To make tinier, more frequent adjustments, you can turn the locknuts down at the engine, or you can use the barrel at the lever.

How To Adjust Motorcycle Clutch?

Step 1: Remove the rubber covering from the clutch lever, then use your fingers to unscrew the larger lock nut in order to loosen it.

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1.Videos of How Do You Adjust a Motorcycle Clutch Lever

Url:/videos/search?q=how+do+you+adjust+a+motorcycle+clutch+lever&qpvt=how+do+you+adjust+a+motorcycle+clutch+lever&FORM=VDRE

35 hours ago  · Setting the cable slack is not only easy to do, it’s necessary if you want your clutch to work properly and last a long time. We’ll show you how to set your ...

2.How To Adjust A Motorcycle Clutch Lever | MC Garage

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DJyTxX-u_c

36 hours ago  · 1. Pull back the rubber cover from the clutch lever, and loosen the larger lock nut by unscrewing it with your fingers. 2. Screw the smaller adjusting nut outward to reduce free …

3.How To Check And Adjust A Motorcycle Clutch Lever

Url:https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/how-to-check-and-adjust-clutch-lever-free-play/

2 hours ago  · How to adjust a motorcycle clutch lever, shown on a Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe. The principle is the same on all bikes using cable actuated clutches, not...

4.How to Adjust the Clutch Lever on a Motorcycle - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylMbD1o6G2o

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23 hours ago  · To adjust, simply pull up on the clutch cable and loosen the locknut and the adjuster nut slightly. Next, slowly pull up on the clutch cable again. You will feel a point …

6.TECH TIPS: How To Adjust Your Clutch and Brake …

Url:https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/how-to-set-and-adjust-your-controls-basic-rider-tips-mc-garage/

16 hours ago  · Step 2: To tighten the lever and reduce free play, turn the smaller “adjusting nut” outward. On the contrary, turn it inward. If adjusting this with your fingers is too challenging, …

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