Difficulty pulling in clutch lever

[baz666]

I've tried searching for this subject in the forums but no luck.
The bike is a 1983 GS750ES with 53,000kms (approx. 32,000 miles).
It runs really sweet but recently the clutch lever has become more and more difficult to pull in. It's become so bad, I now get a cramp in my left hand after a while pulling the in the clutch.
I've adjusted the clutch cable several times and at both ends, at the handlebar and at the gearbox but it doesn't help much, if at all.
Does this mean my clutch is going? It doesn't seem to slip. The bike still launches nicely off a light and changes gears easily when on the move. But I do sometimes have trouble getting the bike to go into first while stopped, especially when the engine is still cold.
Thanks in advance for any help. Much appreciated.
baz

[Nessism]

Have you considered a new clutch cable?
Part# 58200-31300
Desc CABLE,CLUTCH

[spyug]

What Ed. said. New clutch cable. The problem is that cables seldom get lubed. When they are dry they can abrade against the inside of the cover. Individual stands can break and cause jamming inside the cover and that is likely what has happened.

Once you get a new cable buy some cable lube as well and lube it up well before installing. Everytime you change the oil and lube the chain give the cable a shot too ( also the throttle cable) and it will last a lot longer.

Let us know when you get it sorted.

cheers,
spyug

[Steve]

Yep, what they said.

The cable has a plastic liner, which allows the inner cable to slide very easily. Without proper lubrication, the cable will eventually wear a groove in the liner. Besides increasing the surface area that interacts with the cable as it moves, it eventually wears down even further, causing metal-on-metal friction as the inner cable drags on the inside surface of the outer cable.

Simply installing a new cable will make it MUCH easier.

.

[gearhead13]

You need a cable luber as well, or it will help until you get a new cable. I run WD-40 through mine until it comes out the other end.
Link:

http://www.scootertherapy.com/clubepage.html

[Dave8338]

Marvel Mystery Oil, for me. Lightly clamp one end in the vise and let it hang there for a day, while every so often...I stop by and give it another few drops. When the paper towel I place on the floor, starts showing an oil spot, I remove it from the vise and install.

[GabrielGoes]

frequent adjustments at the handlebar = fraying cable, get a new one! when i got one it was like i was riding a hydraulic clutch lever

[hjfisk]

I've tried searching for this subject in the forums but no luck.
The bike is a 1983 GS750ES with 53,000kms (approx. 32,000 miles).
It runs really sweet but recently the clutch lever has become more and more difficult to pull in. It's become so bad, I now get a cramp in my left hand after a while pulling the in the clutch.
I've adjusted the clutch cable several times and at both ends, at the handlebar and at the gearbox but it doesn't help much, if at all.
Does this mean my clutch is going? It doesn't seem to slip. The bike still launches nicely off a light and changes gears easily when on the move. But I do sometimes have trouble getting the bike to go into first while stopped, especially when the engine is still cold.
Thanks in advance for any help. Much appreciated.
baz

You can try 2 things , 1st cheapest is to take the left side cover off the bike and cleanup and lube the clutch release screw assembly, and make sure that is working the way it should be 2nd is if that don't work get a new clutch cable get OEM if possible they will out last the after market stuff by far.

[baz666]

Thanks for all the prompt replies. I should have mentioned that when I bought the bike last spring, almost a year ago now, the PO said the clutch cable was "less than a year old." I figured a clutch cable that less than 2 years old shouldn't be wearing out. Asking if it was an OEM or pattern part would have probably been a good idea.
So I've ordered an OEM cable.
Thanks again. I wouldn't be riding my lovely ol' GS750ES without this forum.
baz

[koolaid_kid]

I suggest that hjfisk has come closer to the mark. Your particular engine has a worm screw assembly to activate the clutch. It is located on the left side of the engine under the sprocket cover. You will have to go there anyway when you replace the cable. Remove that assembly, clean it very well in kerosene or brake cleaner, then assemble it, using a good quality waterproof grease on the worm gear. (I use marine grease from TSC.)
Be sure to lube the new cable prior to installation as advised. I used to hang the cable and drip machine oil into the top until it flowed freely out the bottom. I am going to try the cable lube device next time, it is a lot quicker.
Next, don't throw the old cable away. If you freshen it up, you can carry it as a spare. Take the cable lube attachment and spray a good quality cleaner down the cable until it flows clear. Let it dry. Now use the cable lube attachment to lube the cable. It will now be an excellent backup cable for you. There is nothing like riding in the middle of a National Forest with a busted cable to make you appreciate backups.
Even if you used the old cable, after these procedures, I suspect you will be pleaseantly surprised at the results.

[baz666]

I suggest that hjfisk has come closer to the mark...

Thanks a million for the excellent instructions.
I took off the sprocket cover and it was pretty disgusting back there, the entire assembly covered in a hardened but oily gunk. I'm surprised the clutch mechanism worked at all! After a thorough clean and re-lube (I went out and picked up a tube of marine grease as advised), along with thoroughly lubing the new cable. When I first tried the refubished cable and mechanism, the action was so easy, I thought I'd forgot to hook it up at one end. What with the snow on the ground here I couldn't go far but did manage to try a few launches and as someone in this thread said, it now feels like the clutch is hydraulic.
Much gratitude to all who responded. Can never say enough good things about this forum. Like so many other old bike forums, it'd be impossible to keep the old beauties running without all the good people who share so freely.

'83 GS750ESD (With much improved gear changing)
'81 Yam XJ650 Maxim (cafe conversion)
'79 GS850G (Just purchased basketcase)

[SVSooke]

Good info for me to.Mine not bad but while the covers off I'm going to clean out the mechanism.Yes I lubed the cable.