Clutch Fluid...how much is enough?

[jeepman357]

I just drained and replaced my clutch fluid but with the bike straight up and handlebars turned right so the reservoir is level as possible i can only get so much fluid in. Its at the top on one side and low on the other and window shows its low. Is this enough fluid? it seems to work just fine.
Thanks for any input.

[Cracker Jack]

It'll work fine as long as there is some level in the reservoir with the clutch engaged. A problem will occur when the fluid level gets too low as fluid moves out of the reservoir to the caliper to replace the volume needed in the caliper as the pads wear. With new pads, you need to have the reservoir near full.

What I do is get an 8 inch concrete block and put it under the crash bar on the right side and and lean the bike to the right and let rest on the concrete block. Put a rag or paper on the block to keep from scratching the bottom of the crash bar.

In addition to that, mark the position of the handlebars with a marker at the riser then loosen the handlebars and tilt them up to get the reservoir as near level as possible. Then you can fill the reservoir. Put the top on the reservoir and then put things back the way they were.

Be careful that you don't spill fluid on paint and don't let the bars drop on the tank when you loosen the riser clamp.

"C' word Jack

[Cracker Jack]

I reread your post and noticed you are asking about the clutch . In that case, disregard my comments about the brakes and calipers. You still need to fill the reservoir to near full in case of leakage and to remove as much air as possible out of the reservoir.

"C" word Jack

[Chrisj CMA]

All you have to do in addition to blocking (raising) the kickstand, turning the handlebars, is to loosen the mounting bolts on the reservoir to get it more level.

[Dorkman]

Turn handlebars to right.  Loosen and raise handlebars...mark position.  Loosen and slip clutch master cylinder forward an inch or two...wires have some slack.  Level with a bubble level or just manouver until fluid shows level with the casting.

[ryord]

I have a large glass syringe, I filled and when it topped off I put the cover partly on holding a towel under the whole apparatus and shot the final bit in just under the cap to just fill up the reservoir. Nothing to take loose. Worked good for me.  

[jeepman357]

Thank you all for the replies. I took chrisj advice and loosened the reservoir mounting bracket...worked beautifully and clutch is smooth as silk again (after draining the cruddy fluid out that is)