hard clutch

[gsbobber]

i have a 80 gs750l the bike runs great goes in and out the gears no problem but the clutch lever is hard after a while of riding my hand starts hurting any ideas why that is

[BassCliff]

Hi,





Or maybe the cable needs lubrication. Did you recently install aftermarket clutch springs? I've heard that six APE springs can be quite difficult to actuate. But using three stock springs along with three APE springs works well.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[mike_of_bbg]

Yeah, I replaced my tired, 27-year-old OEM springs with EBC springs. Figured that 10% stiffer would be a good thing (tm) - 10% doesn't sound like much. But man is it stiff. As my friends say, "that clutch will make a man out of you". Next time I change the oil I'll probably swap a few OEM springs back in. Make sure you lube it up by the lever pivot, etc.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Another thought. What is the clutch lever position? If it's too high (rotated too far up) it could be uncomfortable. Generally you'll want to extend your arms and fingers in a straight line with your palms on the grips. Your levers should be just touching under your fingers. In other words, you should'nt have to twist your wrists in order to put your fingers on top of the levers. Am I making any sense at all?


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Coady]

If not tight cable then check your springs. I replaced mine with OEM springs after 2nd snapped clutch cable. When I measured the existing springs they were 6mm longer than spec.

[wrgum]

I recently experienced "tight clutch" syndrome. I'd adjusted the cable a few times over the last few months and noticed that the lever arm atop the engine case was at a pronounced obtuse angle relative to the clutch cable. I adjusted the lever arm out one notch making the angle aprox. right (90 deg). This improved ease of clutch lever pull greatly. Give it a shot.

wrgum

[bonanzadave]

Next time I change the oil I'll probably swap a few OEM springs back in.

You wont lose any oil if you do it on the side stand.

[spyder2120]

if you put some of the old springs back in make sure they are within tolerance.

[mike_of_bbg]

I ordered all new OEM springs. They were only $1.15 each IIRC. The old ones were outside of normal, though not quite at the service limit yet. Considered replacing 3 of the very stiff EBC springs with the old ones would probably be a good combination, but was ordering OEM parts anyway.

Since my throttle cable snapped, I went ahead and ordered a new clutch cable too. Between the two it ought to be a lot less stiff. And it will leave me with a spare clutch cable.

[spyder2120]

when my clutch started slipping i used all oem springs and did the sandpaper trick to the metal plates and have had no more slippage...even when being stupid.

[mike_of_bbg]

Replaced with new, OEM. Yes, took the cover off on the side stand and not a drip of oil. Much better - doesn't feel like exercise any more. I might be able to handle about-town riding again