Clutch level control adjustment - newbie

Hi,

I bought a 3+ years old bike half year ago after I got my licence
early this year. Now I have the following problem in the clutch level
control:

To engage the clutch of my bike, the level control has to release
almost to its maximum position (ie: my finger almost has to open up
fully).

This poses difficulty in congested traffic where I have to keep
pressing and releasing the clutch level to control the bike.

I have checked with my colleague (exprience rider) where he told me
that the clutch level knob has no more room to play with. To his
knowledge, the solution to this problem is to change the clutch.

Before I go for the workshop to seek for advice (usually the workshop
will go for easy way - ie: replace the clutch), I would appreciate any
other opinions.



Rgds,
YC

 

You didn't mention what year, make, and model your bike is, but it
shouldn't matter too much in this case.

All the cable operated clutches I have seen, have at least two places to
adjust them. The first is at the clutch lever, which you have already
tried. There should be another adjustment point either in the middle of
the cable, or near the end of the cable, where you could add more slack
to the cable. In addition, there is normally another adjustment to the
clutch actuator mechanism, but you do *not* want to use that adjuster to
add slack to the cable.

Another option to consider is a 'dog-leg' clutch lever that brings the
lever closer to the handgrip. Also, make sure the lever's position on
the handlebars isn't the problem, if the clutch lever is positioned at
an inappropriate angle, your fingers will have to reach farther than
necessary.

 

Before you replace the clutch try replacing the cable...if it's old and stretched, problem solved...if not, you've got a spare cable (and believe me, they come in handy). It's simple to do, gives you a look at how your bike works and builds confidence (really, you don't have to go to a dealer to adjust your chain).

x-- 100 Proof News - http://www.100ProofNews.com
x-- 3,500+ Binary NewsGroups, and over 90,000 other groups
x-- Access to over 800 Gigs/Day - $8.95/Month
x-- UNLIMITED DOWNLOAD

 

Hi Mark,

I'm the second owner of the bike and the first owner got the bike in 1999.

Brand: Suzuki
Model: GZ125 Marauder.


Rgds,
YC

 

Either the cable is stretched, (they tend to do that), the clutch is
showing some wear, (they do that too), or you do need a new clutch,
(possible but unlikely).
The best advice I can give you at a distance without even knowing the
model of bike you're talking about, is get a manual that covers your
bike. Haynes, Clymer, they're both pretty good and adjusting a cable
clutch actuator or replacing a cable is pretty simple on most bikes.
Read the manual, and do the simple things yourself. If you know a good
wrench, have him walk you through it the first time.
Remember, a shop mechanic does know more than you, but not a hell of
a lot if you've done your homework, - and he's in a hurry, you're not,
- and he's in business to sell you stuff, and its your dough.
Get to know your machine. It will pay off in more than money.
Pragmatist - "R75/5 Forever"