Topic: Clutch Question

[Bob Wessner]

Recently installed a new clutch cable and it was adjusted at the time. I was rechecking it today, followed the manual instructions, etc.

The bike is on its center stand getting ready for some more tuning work so I wasn't able to take it out for a ride. I never checked it this way before, but I thought, hmm, if I put the bike in gear (first) and pull the clutch in, I should be able to turn the rear wheel. Well, not really. I can budge it with considerable effort, but when I release the clutch I can't at all because of the engine compression. Is this normal behavior under the circumstances, or should the rear wheel turn easily, in gear with clutch pulled in? Engine, trans and oil in same are cold.

[Jonesy]

My bike did the same thing in a way, but I had mine running while on the center stand. Now you can put it in first, pull in the clutch and there is a slight drag that will keep the wheel spinning, but you can stop it with the brake. I did this too over at your house when we first got yours up and running. I put it in gear and pulled the clutch in while trying to stop the wheel with my foot, and it wouldn't quite stop. That was why I initially thought your clutch was stuck. But, if it doesn't stall when you put it into gear and it shifts OK, I don't think there is much to worry about. It will probably get better the more you ride it, as they tend to get sticky after sitting a long time. Mine took about 2 weeks of riding about every other day before it was freed up completely.

Then again, someone might have a different opinion...

[Robert]

This is normal behavor but I can only reckon why  : cold oil + operating the clutch in "reversed order"
i.e.: drive sprocket/countershaft - transmission - clutch - primary shaft...

[Bob Wessner]

Dan,

I recall doing the same thing at a later time with the engine running with the same results you had.

Thanks all. I guess I was expecting some different behaviour, but what I was expecting might have been more likely with a dry clutch arrangement so it probably is a combination of the cold oil, long period in storage, etc. Seems OK when riding. Actually, the bike never had a center stand until I started this resurrection so I never tried this before.

[eldar]

my 78k does this too. I think it is normal design.

[Terry in Australia]

Situation normal, always a good idea to operate your clutch while your engine is warming up in neutral with the bike on the centre stand, it'll reduce the "CLUNK" when you slip it into first. Cheers, Terry.

[Harry]

The clutch sticks when cold. This is the nature of the SOHC. Put in gear before starting and push a couple of feet with clutch pulled in. You will feel the clutch release. This eliminates the early morning "clunk".