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mfountain
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« on: August 19, 2010, 10:42:48 AM » |
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I recently bought a new GL1800 and in swapping back and forth between it and my 99 Valk, it has highlighted a difference in the clutch feel. The clutch lever recently collapsed on my 97 Valk due to bad fluid (it was probably original). I changed the fluid on the 97 and haven't had anymore problems. The 99 has the clutch engaging/disengaging very close to the resting position of the lever, in other words, it has very little if any free travel. It has been such a gradual decrease that I haven't noticed until I had something for reference. I've changed the fluid in the clutch master cylinder and bled the air from the system. No improvement. The bike has 55k on it, which, in reading other posts, doesn't seem like enough to have worn out the clutch. I don't ride the clutch, but I do ride the bike pretty hard (i.e., it isn't uncommon for me to get 29 mpg, and I've had it as low as 19 mpg  ). The lever and bushing have some pretty severe wear at the push rod into the master cylinder, but I don't see any connection between that and the free travel of the clutch lever. It really is like a switch at this point, on or off, with little to no friction zone. This leads me to believe the clutch is about worn out, but I haven't noticed any slipping during acceleration. Are these the symptoms of a worn out slave cylinder? Thanks, Marcus |
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2010, 11:11:03 AM » |
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I think the first thing to do is get the clutch lever to 100%.
Assuming this or that regarding the lever and the clutch action is foolhardy.
You may be pleasantly surprised after you fix the clutch lever and might just be satisfied enough to do no more!
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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MP
Member
Posts: 5532
1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar
North Dakota
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« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2010, 03:19:29 PM » |
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+1 Ricky-D!
Get the lever rebuilt to 100% new, then try it out. Until then, you are just guessing. May be no problem at all.
Always do the cheap/easy things first!
MP
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 "Ridin' with Cycho" |
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mfountain
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« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2010, 06:36:55 AM » |
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I had the parts ordered for that when I did the previous post, just waiting on them. I'll post back when I get that done, was just looking for ideas on what to look at next.
Thanks,
Marcus
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3W-lonerider
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« Reply #4 on: August 20, 2010, 06:48:16 PM » |
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you should'nt have to look at anything next..that bushing is probably your whole problem..when that bushing starts getting wear your handle will be closer and closer to the bars before the clutch will disengage or engage..replacing that bushing should get your handle back out to to where it should be for normal operation.
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mfountain
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« Reply #5 on: August 25, 2010, 03:32:39 PM » |
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3WL, my problem is actually the opposite of what you describe, there is no free travel of the lever. As soon as I touch the lever, the clutch is engaged and disengages very close to it's normal resting position. I still don't think the lever/bushing is the issue, as that really only affects the distance of the lever, not the travel prior to release, the plunger is moving either way, but I may be wrong.
Parts came in today, we'll see this evening if it fixes it.
Marcus
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al v
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« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2012, 04:45:27 PM » |
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mfountain, we're you able to resolve your clutch lever issue?
My clutch behaves the same way. When I'm letting the clutch lever out, it isn't fully engage until the lever is all the way out. The clutch itself is smooth and there isn't any slipping.
I only recently purchased my bike, so I really don't know what the normal behavior should be for the clutch lever.
I saw on one of the threads that there should be another 1/2 - 3/4 inch of travel when letting the clutch out and the clutch becomes fully engaged.
I do see that my clutch fluid is in need of being changed, which I will be doing soon, but I'm not sure if that will have any effect on what point the clutch engages.
There doesn't seem to be any play in the lever. The bushings seem good.
Does anyone have additional thoughts?
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3W-lonerider
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« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2012, 05:00:12 PM » |
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3WL, my problem is actually the opposite of what you describe, there is no free travel of the lever. As soon as I touch the lever, the clutch is engaged and disengages very close to it's normal resting position. I still don't think the lever/bushing is the issue, as that really only affects the distance of the lever, not the travel prior to release, the plunger is moving either way, but I may be wrong.
Parts came in today, we'll see this evening if it fixes it.
Marcus
ok..i see what your saying now..mine is the same way..has been since new..maybe a 16th inch of free travel if that..as soon as i start pulling the handle the clutch is disingauging..same with release.. 3/4 of the way out before it starts coming in.. |
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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« Reply #8 on: March 03, 2012, 10:47:39 PM » |
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I have almost 150k on my valk and still the clutch seems to be as good as new. I think you would have to really work to wearing a clutch out at such low milage. I'm thinking the lever or rod or fluid is your problem. I hope so cause those are a lot easier to fix than rebuilding a clutch. Keep us posted.
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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« Reply #9 on: March 03, 2012, 10:51:50 PM » |
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If the bushing is worn and the hole in the lever is also worn the rod ) could be worn a little to) is not pushing the piston in the master cylinder as far as it should so the clutch is not fully disengaging thus no free play. Just a thought.
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #10 on: March 04, 2012, 07:00:39 AM » |
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No free play in a hydraulic clutch system.
Maybe a little slop from wear and tolerance buildup, in which case should be minimal.
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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Skinhead
Member
Posts: 8731
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #11 on: March 04, 2012, 07:11:43 AM » |
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It sounds to me like you may be retaining pressure in the system after the lever is released, taking up any slop or clearance in the system. This may be caused by MUMPUCK (please excuse the technical jargon) remaining in the system due to the old fluid. I had changed the fluids in my standard and just recently did so again at 56,000 miles. When I changed it this last time, I could not believe the mumpuck in the fluid, semisolid debris that may clog the lines and retain a bit of pressure on release.
I agree that there is very little free play in a hydraulic system, but I would expect some.
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