Topic: Hydraulic Clutch issue...

[cjbear11]

I recently rebuilt my clutch slave cylinder as part of my winter project.  The one that had been on the bike did not like being cleaned and rebuilt, as it is now leaking.  Luckily, I won a better one on ebay and installed it.  No leaks, completely bled and air free, and I have a good feel on the lever.  The question: Is the rear wheel supposed to spin feely when the bike is off, in gear, and I am physically holding the clutch lever in, or is there supposed to be a lot of resistance?  I did not take note of this before I rebuilt the slave, and now I don't know if I did something wrong, if it's some kind of safety feature, or if it's just fine.  The bike is an '83 Nighthawk 650.  I know I know, it's a DOHC, but I figured you guys could offer some insight anyway.  Thanks! 

[my78k]

Some spin is generally fine (and I have found it is a good indicator that things like chain, axle etc are properly adjusted).

What you don't want however is much actual force being delivered...by this I mean you should be able to stop the spin by basically resting your foot or hand against the wheel. If you get alot of force then your clutch is likely out of adjustment.

Dennis

[MCRider]

I recently rebuilt my clutch slave cylinder as part of my winter project.  The one that had been on the bike did not like being cleaned and rebuilt, as it is now leaking.  Luckily, I won a better one on ebay and installed it.  No leaks, completely bled and air free, and I have a good feel on the lever.  The question: Is the rear wheel supposed to spin feely when the bike is off, in gear, and I am physically holding the clutch lever in, or is there supposed to be a lot of resistance?  I did not take note of this before I rebuilt the slave, and now I don't know if I did something wrong, if it's some kind of safety feature, or if it's just fine.  The bike is an '83 Nighthawk 650.  I know I know, it's a DOHC, but I figured you guys could offer some insight anyway.  Thanks! 

Dennis is correct, but he may not have read your explanation fully as i didn't at first either. To follow up with Dennis, the wheel should and does spin on all bikes when on the centerstand in neutral. Simply just internal friction of the oil in the clutch. Rather than touching it with a body part, just tap the rear brake. The wheel should stop with no effect to the idling engine. If the engine bogs down you should look deeper.

To follow with your description, you will get a lot of resistance in your example. again, internal friction. But the wheel should turn.

Try it up on the centerstand, idling in neutral, and tap the rear brake. If the engine doesn't bog, all should be well.