clutch engaging to quick

[97 valk rider]

I took my bike out today, 97' standard, 22,500 miles on it. The clutch engages as soon as you let it out an eighth of an inch.  There also seems to be to much play in the handle and its at the point were its hard to get the bike in neutral when its running.  There doesnt seem to be any adjustment for the clutch, any help would be great, Thanks, Mike T Memeber #26295

[mario]

here's one thread i found.  you may want to do a search as well.  i hope this helps.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,38062.0.html

[six2go #152]

"Rivets". If so, it's the lowest mileage I've heard of this problem.

[Challenger]

Do the easiest things first, change the clutch fluid and bleed the system until all the crap is out, Mine did that early last spring and that is all it took to fix it. Good luck!

[Patrick]

I guess I don't understand, you have too much play in the handle but it engages too soon ?  That doesn't compute for me.. How does the clutch act when it engages?? Is it smooth or jerky ? Generally if its jerky you have a clutch issue like sheared rivets.. If its still smooth then there should be an actuation issue like from a lever bushing problem  to a hydraulic problem..

[Chiefy]

Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir before you don anything else......

[olddog1946]

Sounds like you are low on fluid or have air in the system...drain the old crap out, flush and refill the system, and bleed it...I use a mighty vac to do mine..

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Sounds like you are low on fluid or have air in the system...drain the old crap out, flush and refill the system, and bleed it...I use a mighty vac to do mine..

Yep. That's the easiest and cheapest possible fix that I know of so it's the place to start.

[bscrive]

While your at it you might as well do a master rebuild, only about $30 for the kit.

[sugerbear]

and check the bushing.

[97 valk rider]

the play in the handle is more on mine than my buddys Valk, his seems to like mine used to be.  The bike isnt jerky on releasing the clutch, just that there is no  way it should engage that quick, its still a smooth pull out when it does engage.  I'm afraid if i continue to ride it  i'm going to come to a stop , try to pull in the clutch and its not going to disengage and stall. About the speed Vac, where would you suggest i pick one up from, Is that like a speed bleeder for brakes?  I think my buddy and i are going to attempt the fix, He has a lot more experience than me on working on bikes.  Thanks for all the reply's,  Much appreciated.  Mike

[R J]

Pick a Mighty Vac up at almost any parts outlet.

I got mine from O/Reilly's several years ago.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

the play in the handle is more on mine than my buddys Valk, his seems to like mine used to be.  The bike isnt jerky on releasing the clutch, just that there is no  way it should engage that quick, its still a smooth pull out when it does engage.  I'm afraid if i continue to ride it  i'm going to come to a stop , try to pull in the clutch and its not going to disengage and stall. About the speed Vac, where would you suggest i pick one up from, Is that like a speed bleeder for brakes?  I think my buddy and i are going to attempt the fix, He has a lot more experience than me on working on bikes.  Thanks for all the reply's,  Much appreciated.  Mike

Well his buddy would be me.  Im no expert but I think its something we can handle as well as the clutch if need be.  Plus, with the help of guys on this board, most things are doable.  

[olddog1946]

Rude, if you have the skills to swap all those parts from your previous bike to the new one, you got all you need to tackle this job.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I agree with Sugarbear check the bushing and pushrod.Also the lever hole can be worn out and the hole can be egg shaped..

[97 valk rider]

Thanks for all the advice on the clutch,  My buddy John and i got a Mighty Vac and new fluid and cleaned out the resevoir. The clutch is perfect again.  Really surprised that the fluid was that cruddy. 

[JC]

I'd recommend that you go ahead and do the same for the brakes, especially if the fluid was that bad.  I always change the fluid in the brakes and clutch at the same time.

[salty1]

Glad you found the cause. You should change out the fluid probably every other year or so. It's very hygroscopic and water makes for a mess.