clutch problems on 1997 tour

[terlee]

The clutch will not engage until lever is pulled almost to the handle. The lines just bled with no change. Any other adjustments or suggestions?  Thanks

[Chrisj CMA]

First of all the clutch is engaged when the handle is released.  As you pull it in it disengages.  Now, It seems you tried to bleed the line to fix this, but you didnt indicate much more history to go on.  Have you had the bike a long time and this issue just happened?  Is this a new to you bike and this is how it was when you got it?.  If it used to work properly did it degrade slowly or all of a sudden. 

You really didnt give anyone much to go on to try to help.

[uturn]

agreed, could be simply a leverage issue with the handle or if its slipping back to engaged with the handle squeezed then probably a slave cylinder needs cleaning. both are pretty quick and easy fixes...

[Ricky-D]

If it worked fine beforehand, I would say bleed it again.

Very easily could be a faulty bleed job.

***

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Could be the bushing in the lever or the hole is enlarged in the lever.

[BnB Tom]

Could be the bushing in the lever . . .

 Yep  

Inexpensive and easy fix. 

[uturn]

i just put a '98 back on the road, after having the engine out for starter gear replacement i couldnt get the clutch to disengage for anything...searched on the tech board and followed directions to clean the slave cylinder. it worked before i dropped the motor, but not when i had reassembled it. heres what i found in the slave....

http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w622/bitikofer72/image_zpsf723e3b7.jpg

[Highbinder]

Does the lever feel like it has pressure on it before it touches the grip? If it does start getting pressure just before it bottoms outs, you probably still have air in the line somewhere...usually up by the banjo nut on the master cyclinder thats usually where a air bubble likes to hang out..it can be a real bitch to get all the air out sometimes....had a simaliar problem not to long ago...good luck..your handle should start engaging about mid way in the throw..

[Skinhead]

Does the lever feel like it has pressure on it before it touches the grip? If it does start getting pressure just before it bottoms outs, you probably still have air in the line somewhere...usually up by the banjo nut on the master cyclinder thats usually where a air bubble likes to hang out..it can be a real bitch to get all the air out sometimes....had a simaliar problem not to long ago...good luck..your handle should start engaging about mid way in the throw..

If that is the case, I've had good results covering everything with rags and loosening the banjo bolts to get the air out.  JUST BE SURE YOU DON'T GET BRAKE FLUID ON YOUR PAINT!

[Chrisj CMA]

He gone......did you notice that was post #1.