Adjustable Clutch Lever = Softer Pull: resolved

[98valk]

Q,
 please verify for everybody that u are replacing and talking about the clutch master cylinders and not the slave cylinders on the clutch cover.
 u were org posting about the C MC but then posted about the slave cylinder with a link.

[quexpress]

Q,
 please verify for everybody that u are replacing and talking about the clutch master cylinders and not the slave cylinders on the clutch cover.
 u were org posting about the C MC but then posted about the slave cylinder with a link.

I have posted about a clutch master cylinder swap only (not a slave cylinder swap).

I later added a comment about the clutch slave cylinder only to show that it (part number 22865-MJ8-003) has been used by Honda on motorcycles that have different clutch master cylinder sizes (13, 14 & 16 mm).

[quexpress]

If there was a problem with dragging clutches, could you just fabricate a new push rod, just ever so much longer?

I don't think so because this would not change the amount of oil "pushed" by the master cylinder.
I believe that adjustable levers could handle that because you can adjust them further from the handle bar than OEM ones.

[Natarie]

I know this might make a few of you riders a little nervous, however if you just practice this a little you won't need the clutch.   
This is common practice in the Semi line of work. It saves the leg from shifting 10,13, & above gear boxes, your concerned about shifting 4-5 times up or down, try one of these gear boxes.

When I drove Semi's I never used the clutch unless I was just starting off from a stopped position or coming to a stop.   I use to do the same thing when I was street dragging my 69 Mustang, some call it power shifting.
It's all a matter of timing when you do it, LET OFF THE THROTTLE & QUICKLY SHIFT UP TO THE NEXT GEAR. DOWN SHIFTING IS ANOTHER STORY, IT TAKES SOME PRACTICE BUT IT CAN BE DONE. You might grind it a few times, but once you get the hang of it you'll never use the clutch again. except to stop & start off.
These trannys are pretty much syncro-mesh, so there pretty easy to get use to. You find that your tranny will be quieter using this method as well, you won't get that clunk sound when using the clutch.

I have been behind the wheel of semis, my dad owned for some 55 yrs, traveled 48 states Canada & Mexico some 5 Million miles give or take a few & was glad he taught me how to shift without the clutch a  long time ago.     

[big poppa pump]

One word, "WOW". Never in this world would I have thought that just switching out the master cylinder would make such a HUGE difference in the clutch operation. I can use just one finger to pull the clutch, almost feather touch. Rode the bike for a couple of miles, no slipping so far. Will take it out for a longer ride in an hour and see if I encounter any issues.

Thanks Normand for being the guinea pig.

[quexpress]

One word, "WOW". Never in this world would I have thought that just switching out the master cylinder would make such a HUGE difference in the clutch operation. I can use just one finger to pull the clutch, almost feather touch. Rode the bike for a couple of miles, no slipping so far. Will take it out for a longer ride in an hour and see if I encounter any issues.

Thanks Normand for being the guinea pig.

I'm glad to hear that. I have tested this swap for at least 1000 km without any issues, glitches, etc.
However my testing is over because my Valk was severely damaged during my last ride in Stowe, VT. 
A mini van ahead of me slowed down to stop on the right side of the highway but ... as I was going by, without any warning or blinking signal lights, turned left in front of me in order to cross the highway into a park entrance.
The insurance evaluator mentioned that my Valk will most probably be declared a total lost (bent frame, etc., etc.). On the other hand, other than being bruised all over (I was wearing full riding gear), I'm OK. It could have been much worst.

[ammpro]

So sorry to hear. Very happy to know you are O.K.
Frank

[big poppa pump]

One word, "WOW". Never in this world would I have thought that just switching out the master cylinder would make such a HUGE difference in the clutch operation. I can use just one finger to pull the clutch, almost feather touch. Rode the bike for a couple of miles, no slipping so far. Will take it out for a longer ride in an hour and see if I encounter any issues.

Thanks Normand for being the guinea pig.

I'm glad to hear that. I have tested this swap for at least 1000 km without any issues, glitches, etc.
However my testing is over because my Valk was severely damaged during my last ride in Stowe, VT. 
A mini van ahead of me slowed down to stop on the right side of the highway but ... as I was going by, without any warning or blinking signal lights, turned left in front of me in order to cross the highway into a park entrance.
The insurance evaluator mentioned that my Valk will most probably be declared a total lost (bent frame, etc., etc.). On the other hand, other than being bruised all over (I was wearing full riding gear), I'm OK. It could have been much worst.

Damn Normand! I'm glad you made it out without any significant injuries. Sorry to hear about your Valk. Heal fast and heal well, my friend!

[Dusty]

 Sad to hear about your bike Normand.           Glad you are still with us   

Dusty

[quexpress]

Thanks Guys!

My Valk was declared as a total lost but I am extremely grateful to have made it without any major injuries.

It towed away a few minutes ago.  :'(



Since I will be 70 in 4 weeks, I will soon be shopping for a lighter bike (i.e.: 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650).

[hubcapsc]

Sorry about your ride, glad you're OK 

I really like the way the red 2008 versys with givi bags looks...



-Mike

[quexpress]

Sorry about your ride, glad you're OK 

I really like the way the red 2008 versys with givi bags looks...

-Mike

Thanks Mike,
This last spring, I have "demo ridden" many medium/light touring bikes such as Yamaha Super Tenere, FJ09, V-Strom (650 & 1000), Kawasaki Versys (650 & 1000), etc.
My favorite ended out being the 2015 Versys 650 (many enhancements: many suspension, motor, comfort, etc.).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUIN-MiKT2Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB4wo9kBmXI

[..]

Relying on independent parts houses for OEM parts information is ludicrous and laughable.

***

Yep, because a company like Ron Ayers is going to want all their customers for all the bikes this part fits to get pissed off and have to pay for ALL the returns.

You did look at the dozens of bikes this part is used in???

[Ricky-D]

To think that this clutch slave cylinder will work on a Valkyrie 1500, and a Goldwing 1800 might be plausible to someone that hasn't an inkling, but to

then also accept the same part will work on a V-Twin is downright motorcycle ignorance. I can see where they would also think the part will work on a

Harley too, if the parts company says it will.

[98valk]

To think that this clutch slave cylinder will work on a Valkyrie 1500, and a Goldwing 1800 might be plausible to someone that hasn't an inkling, but to

then also accept the same part will work on a V-Twin is downright motorcycle ignorance. I can see where they would also think the part will work on a

Harley too, if the parts company says it will.

RD,
he never was talking about a slave cylinder swap,
he was talking about swapping the clutch master cylinder with another. something that has been done for decades on cars btwn all of them and different manufacturers.
just for your info some parts are used by other honda bikes including the actual slave cylinder.
http://www.procaliber.com/oemparts/p/honda/22863-mj8-003/piston-slave-cylinder

[..]

Wow just WOW.

I thought all the all knowing people were all on the General Board.

[Pappy!]

Ricky is wearing his Troll undies again today!

[ammpro]

There is nothing magic about a master cylinder. If it fits the handlebars, and the fitting is compatible (if not, custom hoses can be made), all it has to do is push enough fluid, and it's job is done.
Be nice, guys...

[The emperor has no clothes]

There is nothing magic about a master cylinder. If it fits the handlebars, and the fitting is compatible (if not, custom hoses can be made), all it has to do is push enough fluid, and it's job is done.
Be nice, guys...

Yep, I've put one from a 4 wheeler on a CM400 with no problems. 

[Ricky-D]

Your failure to completely read a reply is pretty normal and then to criticize me for your own stupidty is expected. You know who you are, Lemmings included.

This is reply #31 if you have a doubt.

I just got back from a 3-day ride and am very happy with the results of this clutch master cylinder swap.
The clutch works flawlessly (easy shifts, very soft lever pull, no slipping, no dragging, etc.).
I cannot predict the future but I'm quite confident that that my clutch will continue operating as it should.

FYI: Clutch master cylinder identifications.

If you look underneath (or on the back) of your Valk OEM clutch master cylinder, you will see a stamped ID of 5/8 (5/8 inches = 15.875 mm).
The VTX1800 clutch master cylinder shows a stamped ID of 1/2 (1/2 inches = 12.7 mm).
If I had wanted a 14 mm clutch master cylinder, I would have looked for a GL1800 one. It is stamped as 14 (for 14 mm).

All 3 of the above use the same clutch slave cylinder.  

[Ricky-D]

And just to clarify this was then posted. This is posted reply #34  And of course, then the Lemmings started jumping in.

In all the years that I have been involved with Honda motorcycles I recognize Honda's penchant for individuality when it comes to similar looking parts.

And even though I will not go into a detailed investigation of the different parts lists and such, I say with absolute confidence that there is no way

the slave cylinders on the Valkyrie, the VTV1800, and the GL1800, are the same.

Prove me wrong!

***

I have nothing to prove ... but here goes:

Part number: 22863-MJ8-003

http://www.ronayers.com/oemparts/p/honda/22863-mj8-003/piston-slave-cylinder

Parts fiche shows this slave cylinder is used on all 3 of above mentioned bikes + many others ...

And you should notice that I was simply commenting on the stupidity of relying on parts houses for reliable information.

As anybody with a modicum of intelligence would realize and understand that what I was expressing was truthful and accurate.

***

[Blackduck]

RD, can you give me the prescription for what you are on?
It obviously has good mind distorting qualities.

The whole article is on changing master cylinders to reduce the effort to operate.
The reference to clutch slaves was just to show that various master cylinders will operate the same slave.
Just because that does not suit YOUR views is no reason to slag off people who have actually made it work or had a go.
He fitted it, it works and that is that!
Unless you have tried it and have proof that it does not work I respectfully ask you to respect his findings.

[Mtn Valk]

Thanks Blackduck. You couldn't have said it any better. I visit this board when I need advice or perhaps help someone else with my limited knowledge. There are alot of really helpful individuals that are willing to share their knowledge and expertise because they want to help. It doesn't take long to distinguish between those that want to help and those that want to be right.

I have observed from time to time there have been folks that have asked for information and received replies that are just despicable. Advice to all those: Humble yourselves and become teachable.