She Fired Up Today! (Clutch and Tire Question)

[Cooked]

Thank you to every one who has been helping me with my bike... if it were for this site and all your wisdom... I'd still be far from turning the key.

Today I turn the key and after a little priming.... she fired up! She needs some adjustments... heading to play with that now... but I was happy happy (yes written twice) to hear her running.

Two questions... 82 GS650E (That actually runs now! \\/)

The clutch is "stiff" (not a strong guy... but it takes some muscle to pull in) I removed the cable from the engine side and tired it while it was free... and the cable itself is very free moving... which means it seems to be internal. Is it possible that this will loosen up with a little usage? (Bike has been sitting for awhile... in fact I am not sure how long) Or could it mean I need to address something?

Second Question...

I am trying to keep my cost down (like everyone else) The bike needs new rubber... at least in the back. The shop said $55 for labor and balance if I drive the bike in.... $30 if I bring just the tire in. I have never removed and reinstalled tires from a bike before... is it worth the $25?

Thanks folks!

[doggscube]

I just removed/replaced my wheel for the first time, it wasn't difficult. You need a large adjustable wrench in addition to your socket set. The time-consuming part for me was getting the chain tension right. Also, you get the chance to check out your shoes (if applicable).

Jeff

[bwringer]

Second Question...

I am trying to keep my cost down (like everyone else) The bike needs new rubber... at least in the back. The shop said $55 for labor and balance if I drive the bike in.... $30 if I bring just the tire in. I have never removed and reinstalled tires from a bike before... is it worth the $25?

Thanks folks!

You need to know how to remove and reinstall the wheels anyway, so if I were you, I'd go ahead and do it.

You'll probably also want to replace that front tire soon, too -- I've always hated the feel of a worn front tire, and it really feels awful when the rear is new. But one thing at a time -- there's only so much money one can throw at one's bike.

[Calvin Blackmore]

25 dollars is almost 24 beer
yes it is worth it

changing a whell isnt hard and once you do it a few times you will be an expert

there si an added bonus to doing it yourself in that you get to insepct breake linings chain\sprocket conditin etc.

[Dave8338]

As for the clutch, there is a good chance that it will loosen up with use. As long as the cable is free moving (I'd take it off and give a good oiling) the clutch is most likely stiff from non use.

As for the price on the tire...unless you have the place and the time to do the work, that price seems very fair to me.

[Dave8338]

25 dollars is almost 24 beer
yes it is worth it

changing a whell isnt hard and once you do it a few times you will be an expert

there si an added bonus to doing it yourself in that you get to insepct breake linings chain\sprocket conditin etc.

Nothing like using the Beer / Barter system to make an educated decision...that is befor the addition of the beer! :-D

[catfishk]

you should pull the wheels yourself. it is fun, saves cash, and is an easy way to build a little confidence working on your own

do you have a Climbers manual? you could try to adjust the clutch via the manual, and make sure you have the proper oil in there. also, if your bike fell, it might have bent the clutch lever in an odd way, binding on the bolt or bracket making it harder to pull? chances are it will loosen a little as you work it if the bike hasn't moved around in a while

please don't mess around with tires. get some decent rubber on there and maintain your tire pressures! if money is tight, get some Cheng Shins online and bring them in with the wheels

[Cooked]

I am going to move forward with pulling the tires myself. The money saved can be used for new mirrors... bike came with none. And as many of you have stated... the experience is worth it!

I can't believe I may get to ride it before winter hits! Keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks folks!

~ Russ

[Billy Ricks]

Once you get a manual and a little confidence in your wrenching you can go into the clutch and check to see how tight the springs have been cranked down. They may be stiffer than they need to be.

[Steve]

I can't believe I may get to ride it before winter hits! Keeping my fingers crossed.

You might be too late there, Russ. Your two weeks of decent weather might already be up. 8-[


.

[koolaid_kid]

.... The money saved can be used for new mirrors... bike came with none. And as many of you have stated... the experience is worth it...

As Brian said, new rubber makes such a difference. When I bought my KZ (81) in 96, the front tire was original. Very scary. I rode it home and immediately replaced it, the rear the next year. Nothing so impressive as new rubber.
"What is behind me, is not important". Quote from movie Cannonball Run. But for a mere mortal as myself, I like knowing.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Re the clutch, the previous owner may have put in heavy duty springs.

[Nessism]

Once you get a manual and a little confidence in your wrenching you can go into the clutch and check to see how tight the springs have been cranked down. They may be stiffer than they need to be.

Sorry it this sound contrary to what you posted Billy but there is no adjustment on the springs in terms of how stiff they are. The springs are what the springs are - and they are most likely stock.

Lubing the cable is a good idea but in my experience, if the cable has more than 15k on it, a new cable will be smoother still. Well worth the $15 a new one costs. This is particularly true if the original cable has not been maintained - which most aren't.

[chef1366]

You might be too late there, Russ. Your two weeks of decent weather might already be up. 8-[


.

Yep! His goose might be "Cooked".