gs1100 clutch problems

[rspector]

Hi I am new to the forum, I just purchased a 1980 gs1100 bike starts right up and runs strong , but the clutch is dragging it has about 13000 miles on itI.E. when I put it in first gear and pull the clutch lever in it doesn't fully disengange, which at the same time keeps me from being able to shift it from in gear to neutral, the bike sat for a while , also My rear brake lever sticks on, any suggestions on where to start with the clutch and is there an easy way to lube the lever assembly and get it running smoothly again.
Thanks
Rob Spector

[Jethro]

Put the bike on the centerstand, start it up and put it in 1st gear and let it idle. You should be able to stop the tire from turning with two fingers. If not, something is up with your clutch adjustment.

[rspector]

i tryed adujsting

I tried to adjust the clutch cable at the clutch lever but that didnt seem to make much of a differnce. Is there any other adjustment you would suggest, also any idea about the brake lever?

[Jethro]

If it were me, I'd pony up $30 for new brake and clutch cables. Make sure the clutch cable has some free play, whatever the manual suggests. It makes a difference, both with grip and slip. If the brake cable doesn't solve your woes, start taking the lever apart, and check that the master cyl is functioning properly. Remove the linkage and move the piston by hand. That should tell you if there is any resistance. If so, you might need to rebuild the master. If all that checks out, move to the calipers. Check that the brake pads stillm have the reccomended pad left. You may need to replace the seals in your caliper.

[rspector]

tried that

no matter how much slack i give the clutch cable it still catchs, even when i move the clutch arm (thing the cables attached to) to its most extream position, *towards center of bike , I am wondering if maybe running it a littl ebit will make the problem clear up or if by doing that I'm in danger of breaking something beyond the clutch

[Anonymous]

Re: clutch and brakes

RS just curious but what type 1100 is this? Mine is a '80 1100 ET, I dont see many of them.

I had the same two problems you are having. For the clutch, I played with the adjustments both at the lever and at the clutch. You have an adjustment screw there also. You have to loosen the bolt and then you can screw the cable in or out. I eventually had to buy clutch plates, which are easy to install. You can find those most anywhere, from $45 to $110. I got the ones made out of kevlar which are more expensive.

BTW, my bike had sat up for quite awhile before I got it. For the brakes, I took the rear master cylinder off and apart (couldnt find a rebuild kit for it at the time), cleaned it real good. The push rod out the bottom was especially rusted and gummed up. The brake lever still wouldnt release however. Eventually, I kept spraying it with WD-40, and between that and constantly using it, it freed up completely. (had to put toe under it and pull it up when I used it).

Hope this helps.
Steve

[Mr. Jiggles]

Since it sounds like you've ruled out the cable as the culprit the next step is to have a look at the metal clutch plates to see if they are warped. Also double check your oil level. Sometimes if it is too high it can make the clutch drag.

[dgeorge]

Since it sounds like you've ruled out the cable as the culprit the next step is to have a look at the metal clutch plates to see if they are warped. Also double check your oil level. Sometimes if it is too high it can make the clutch drag.

Also along those lines I know with mine if I use 20w50 instead of 10w40 the clutch doesn't disengage correctly.