Stiff clutch

[MN850]

Hey all! I'm a new member but I've been looking at the site for about a year now. I put a new clutch cable in this fall and its way stiffer than the one I took out. I figured it would loosen over time but never did. What are some things I can do to make it easier to pull? Also this is a bit off topic but what is the stock rear shock length of my '80 GS850? Thanks for the help!

[Ranger]

Welcome.

New cable shouldn't really bother stiffness of the lever pull unless its dragging. Did you lubricate it and is everything properly adjusted to factory specs?

[Steve]

If the cable is the only thing you changed, look at the routing. It's rather sensitive in that regard.

Your stock shocks are 13 inches from eye center to eye center.



If you have been "looking at the site for about a year now", you should know:


.

[MN850]

I did not lube it. I didn't lube the last one and it worked fine.

[MN850]

I just got engaged and this is a photo from our engagement photo session.

[MN850]

this one too.

[Steve]

Here, let's make them bigger and put them together:





By the way, with the shape of the tank and the shorter pipes, that's an 850L.


.

[MN850]

Thanks Steve. It is an 850L. I am in the process of making it into a bobber of sorts...for 2 riders. I flipped the clubman bars and am working on a way to make a rear fender that is passenger friendly and keeping the shocks. It's tough on the wrists to take long trips on a cafe bike.

[Steve]

Just out of curiosity, what are you calling a "long trip"?

.

[Ranger]

Theres a difference between "fine" and "properly". Usually they come with a factory grease but something more wont hurt that way the small cable fibers won't bind inside the housing.

I'm guessing its slow to release, if not then the cable should be fine and you would need to check the adjustment screws. Could be the routing of it, shorter cable, etc.

[MN850]

I'd say a full tank without stopping.

[DanTheMan]

With those bars, if you're using the standard length clutch cable, I'm betting it's kinked up and binding, causing your clutch problems. A standard length clutch cable on those bars should be looping way out in front of your bike to keep it from binding.

[MN850]

Ranger,
It's a tough pull. I really just noticed it when I remounted my bars....but it was also about 12 degrees in garage and that could have been the reason.

[DanTheMan]

I'd say a full tank without stopping.

Then, you're looking at a "long trip" of 90-110 miles?

[Ranger]

Just out of curiosity, what are you calling a "long trip"?

.

You take short trips Steve, you ought to know what a long trip is.
I find 1200 miles non stop in a car to be short so you need to ride LONGER without rest!