clutch switch ?

[valku2]

Does the clutch switch physically wear out?  More specifically, the little pin that comes out of the switch does go in and out, but the clutch lever does not reach the little pin when you pull the lever in. The action of the lever does not feel right, kinda stiff, like non-hydraulic.  Bike has almost 83K on it and all fluids were changed about 2K ago.  TIA.

[tank_post142]

switch can wear the contact point on the lever can wear, but more likely the pivot bushing in the lever has worn.

[valku2]

Thanks for the idea(s).  I have replaced the bushing since the fluid change.  Felt good for less than 200 miles.  Now, not a good feeling at all.   

[sandy]

Remove the pivot bolt and clean and relube the bushing/bolt with a waterproof bearing grease. It's one of those annual things I do. A new brass bushing might be needed.

[john]

                                                graphite         

[Ricky-D]

Yep, when all the talk about maintenance abounds, there is very little about maintenance of the handlebar levers.

A drop or two of oil every once in a while does a lot to protect these things.

It's especially a good thing if you ride in rain. They are exposed to a large extent to all the bad things.

You can easily check the operation of the switch with a continuity test.

A new stock lever is cheap and is guaranteed to fit and work properly. No modification necessary as so many of the aftermarket levers require.

A little oil is the first and foremost preventive maintenance practice.

***

[valku2]

Thanks again for the helpful notes.  I took the handle, pivot rod, bushing and little push rod apart and cleaned them up.  Lightly re-oiled all parts and reassembled.  It works better, but still leaves me thinking something is soon to fail in there after 83K miles.   So I'm ordering all those little parts (including the clutch switch) and changing them out.  For further reference; I also came across this, from another bonafide Valkoholic....

http://lifeisaroad.com/clutchlever.html

Thanks Daniel.