Topic: Newbie (clutch?) question ...

[Zane]

I have such little experience - I'm sure the answer to this is simple.  But I just can't figure it out for myself.

When I put my motorcycle on the centre stand, start the engine, and let the motorcycle idle in neutral, is it okay if the back wheel rotates a bit?  (Even though the drive wheel is rotating, it takes almost nothing to stop it.)  

It concerns me that this characteristic is a symptom of an improper setting or adjustment; most likely with the clutch.  I did take the time to adjust the two little threaded brass rings, at the clutch lever; that got rid of the rear wheel spinning.  But then the clutch was so difficult and uncomfortable to operate, I put it back the way it was.

I guess I'm just worried that somehow this wheel rotation in neutral,  is a sign that the clutch is not adjusted properly, and is, in fact, doing some harm somehow.

Thanks for your patience, in advance, everyone.

Bill

[mutters]

Here's a simple answer,they're my favorite, yes!! it's o.k
the wheel spinning in neutral is just ....um.....it's o.k
   
   like it say's on the cover "don't panic!!"
    later Jeff

[TwoTired]

The clutch is engaged if you let out the lever.

Neutral is a transmission selection.  Gears on shafts are still turning but aren't locked to shafts in neutral.  However, the oil between gear and shaft is not frictionless and there is aslo a bit of fluid coupling.  Thus, the rear wheel turns in neutral.

The same fluid coupling can take place between the plates of a disengaged wet clutch.

Cheers,

[Jim Shea]

TT,
Nice explanation, I knew it was OK, but never knew why..
Jim.

[Zane]

Thanks men.

It is a good explanation.  Friction in the oil would be about right when you consider how little drag is required to stop the wheel when it is turning in neutral.

I feel better. (small sigh)

[Zane]

I think I witnessed a graphic illustration of your post here, TT.

I've mentioned on other topics that I zoom around in my (warmish) underground parking lot during the winter.  Today however, even the parking lot was uncomfortably cold and since my spot happens to have the big exhaust fan for the level, I just started my bike and ran it for about 10 minutes on the centre stand. 

I don't think 've ever run my bike stationary on the centre stand for so long, so it was new for me.  After about 5 minutes I noticed the back wheel was slowing down and after about 8 to 10 minutes it had stopped completely.  I'm assuming as the oil heats up the friction it creates decreases to the point where it is insufficient to move the gears.

Funny, I understood pretty well what you said in your post about friction in "the oil between gear and shaft".  I understood (understand) less well about fluid coupling.  Whatever those two processes actually are, one or the other or the both of them become less as the oil temperature goes up, I think.

It was good to see that happen, becasue it gives me a better feeling for what's going on inside there.....

Thanks again for the help, and for not making feel like a dummy asking such a question, guys.

Z.