best source for clutch components 82 650GL

[Guest]

Wife is complaining of a stiff clutch lever - I've lubed and adjusted it, but for her it still feels stiff. Was going to completely refresh the clutch (springs, friction components, cable) as it has 16k miles and it did take quite a bit of adjusting to get it within spec. Are OEM parts still available? If so, who do you guys recommend ordering from?

Thanks,
Mike

[Nessism]

New clutch plates won't affect lever pull, and fresh springs will increase effort. I'd try a new OEM cable and see if that helps. Purchase from dealer or on-line source like Boulevard Suzuki. A new cable will pull smoother than a used cable, even if it's lubed.

[almarconi]

How about a stronger left hand?

[Badooka]

For her,

http://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Cathe-Starter-Hand-Grip/dp/B001FB614W/ref=sr_1_13?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1369748243&sr=1-13&keywords=hand+exerciser

For you,

http://www.vintagecellar.com/sku13494.html

[tkent02]

Make sure the lever pivot and the perch are lubed and not worn. Usually they are both worn out. Grease the cable end bearing where it fits into the lever. Make sure the new cable is routed correctly, with as few curves as possible. Check the bearing in the clutch cover. Make sure some bonehead didn't install stronger aftermarket clutch springs. It should be possible to pull any Suzuki GS clutch with the pinky alone if all is working well.

[bwringer]

Make sure the lever pivot and the perch are lubed and not worn. Usually they are both worn out. Grease the cable end bearing where it fits into the lever. Make sure the new cable is routed correctly, with as few curves as possible. Check the bearing in the clutch cover. Make sure some bonehead didn't install stronger aftermarket clutch springs. It should be possible to pull any Suzuki GS clutch with the pinky alone if all is working well.

Exactly what I was thinking. The aftermarket springs are way too stiff. If everything else checks out, I'd order up a new OEM set of springs and a clutch cover gasket.

As for the cable and lever, if you decide to replace them don't even bother with the aftermarket junk. The Suzuki levers and cables are much better quality.

[tkent02]

Depends on the junk. Some expensive aftermarket lever sets are really really nice. But the stock Suzuki stuff is plenty good enough for the featherpull clutch.

[bwringer]

Depends on the junk. Some expensive aftermarket lever sets are really really nice. But the stock Suzuki stuff is plenty good enough for the featherpull clutch.

True.

Let me be more specific -- the Motion Pro and Parts Unlimited generic replacement levers and cables are crap.

Genuine Suzuki stuff costs maybe a couple bucks more (if that) and is excellent quality.

As far as clutch springs, the EBC springs are good quality, but they are much heavier than OEM Suzuki springs and will make the clutch pull quite a bit more "manly". Really annoying in traffic even if you have the grip strength of a lowland gorilla.

[recycled64]

If you don't have an OEM Service Manual, (which would show you the correct routing), the clutch cable goes between carbs #1 and #2, underneath the airbox/carb/boots. Nice easy bend from there across to the clutch actuator lever.

[mhobryan]

Thanks for all the posts. She's got small hands, so it's as much as the reach as it is the effort. I have lubed the cable, although moves better, feels kinda notchy. A new cable is probably in order. I bought an aftermarket lever and slightly recurved it so that the reach wasn't as far. Effort doesn't seem too bad .... only reason I was going to replace the friction pads and springs is that I suspect that they need it based on how much I had to adjust.

What kind of lube do you use? I was using an aerosol silicone spray.

[Nessism]

Thanks for all the posts. She's got small hands, so it's as much as the reach as it is the effort. I have lubed the cable, although moves better, feels kinda notchy. A new cable is probably in order. I bought an aftermarket lever and slightly recurved it so that the reach wasn't as far. Effort doesn't seem too bad .... only reason I was going to replace the friction pads and springs is that I suspect that they need it based on how much I had to adjust.

What kind of lube do you use? I was using an aerosol silicone spray.

Silicone spray like WD-40 is a terrible lubricant.

I seriously doubt there is anything wrong with the clutch plates, and it's silly to replace something without inspecting it first. GS clutches routinely last the lifetime of the bike - 100k miles. 16k is nothing.

[mhobryan]

Silicone spray like WD-40 is a terrible lubricant.

I seriously doubt there is anything wrong with the clutch plates, and it's silly to replace something without inspecting it first. GS clutches routinely last the lifetime of the bike - 100k miles. 16k is nothing.

okay - now that I know that silicone spray is a terrible lubricant, would you like to tell me what you do recommend?

[tkent02]

Cable lube is great on cables.

[Nessism]

okay - now that I know that silicone spray is a terrible lubricant, would you like to tell me what you do recommend?

Get a new OEM cable, as already mentioned in the first response to this thread.

[recycled64]

Possibly useful page

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/partno/08-0182/