V100 Mandello Clutch feel

[azccj]

I just bought a slightly used V100s today. There is definitely a pronounced pulsation that's felt through the clutch lever. I contacted the MG dealer where I bought it and was told that it's normal. Some do it more than others. As today was the first time I've ever ridden a V100, I have no idea if it's normal, except for what the dealer says. Anyone else have the issue???

I've owned many motorcycles over the last 45 years and most have had a wet clutch. This is the first time I've ever felt a pulsation through the clutch lever.

[Huzo]

I just bought a slightly used V100s today. There is definitely a pronounced pulsation that's felt through the clutch lever. I contacted the MG dealer where I bought it and was told that it's normal. Some do it more than others. As today was the first time I've ever ridden a V100, I have no idea if it's normal, except for what the dealer says. Anyone else have the issue???

I've owned many motorcycles over the last 45 years and most have had a wet clutch. This is the first time I've ever felt a pulsation through the clutch lever.

Jeeezzzzarse…….!
I suppose I should ask, is the rate of pulsation at the same rate as the clutch is spinning ?
If it is, it may suggest some axial runout in the clutch.
If not, you’d have to expect a harmonic vibration of sorts.
Does the pulsation diminish when you let the clutch get close to total engagement ?
Does it only occur when the clutch is being slipped ?

[Moparnut72]

The clutch lever on my V100 is smooth throughout its range. One of the Harleys I owned would pulsate when the freeplay was taken up. I got it new so it wasn't from abuse etc.  Never became an issue in the 13,000 miles I owned it.
kk

[azccj]

Jeeezzzzarse…….!
I suppose I should ask, is the rate of pulsation at the same rate as the clutch is spinning ?
If it is, it may suggest some axial runout in the clutch.
If not, you’d have to expect a harmonic vibration of sorts.
Does the pulsation diminish when you let the clutch get close to total engagement ?
Does it only occur when the clutch is being slipped ?

The pulsation is at the same rate as the spinning clutch.
It is most pronounced with the lever pulled to the grip, or close to it, when I'm stopped.
If I'm doing 40-50 MPH and pull in the clutch, there is no pulsation as I'm rolling along.
The pulsation stops as I let out the clutch and start moving forward.

[Tom H]

Moparnut72,

My HD clutch also pulses at idle when you just rest your fingers on the lever. Just figured that the vibration/rocking of the engine is causing it, making the cable move.

Guzzi, never had that feel with any of them.

Tom

[Huzo]

The pulsation is at the same rate as the spinning clutch.
It is most pronounced with the lever pulled to the grip, or close to it, when I'm stopped.
If I'm doing 40-50 MPH and pull in the clutch, there is no pulsation as I'm rolling along.
The pulsation stops as I let out the clutch and start moving forward.

Okay, it sounds like the springs are not separating the clutch evenly, causing the friction plate to be not parallel with the pressure plate. Thus the throbbing when spinning. If you can feel the pulsing through the lever, there must be some axial play present which is feeding up the line to the handle.
The fact that the problem goes away when the clutch is “home” is significant, because it suggests the misalignment is not present when compressed and the pushrod (or whatever), is free of the clutch body.
I’d have the cover off and check the function of the clutch when activated, bugger the warranty.

[azccj]

Luckily it appears that it isn't too difficult to get at the clutch with the engine still in the frame, unlike Guzzis of the past. I've ordered a few clutch parts from AF-1 and once they arrive I'll dive into it. Bike only has just over 3,000 miles, of which about 400 miles I put on it.

Whether by accident or by design it appears this new Guzzi engine has easy access to many of the engine's sub-components, such as the water pump, clutch, alternator and starter. On the down side it appears this engine will be expensive to maintain. Example, the air filter is $70 and according to the manual gets replaced every 7,500 miles. AF-1 sells the 14,900 mile service kit for $420,,,,,,ouch!! I can only imagine what it would cost to have the dealer service the bike, parts+labor+KY Jelly.

I'll be doing all my own maintenance, but I still need to buy the parts which aint cheap like they are with the V85tt.

[Huzo]

Luckily it appears that it isn't too difficult to get at the clutch with the engine still in the frame, unlike Guzzis of the past. I've ordered a few clutch parts from AF-1 and once they arrive I'll dive into it. Bike only has just over 3,000 miles,  :wink:of which about 400 miles I put on it.

Whether by accident or by design it appears this new Guzzi engine has easy access to many of the engine's sub-components, such as the water pump, clutch, alternator and starter. On the down side it appears this engine will be expensive to maintain. Example, the air filter is $70 and according to the manual gets replaced every 7,500 miles. AF-1 sells the 14,900 mile service kit for $420,,,,,,ouch!! I can only imagine what it would cost to have the dealer service the bike, parts+labor+KY Jelly.

I'll be doing all my own maintenance, but I still need to buy the parts which aint cheap like they are with the V85tt.

I’d skimp on the KY and just practice my smile…

[Moparnut72]

Moparnut72,

My HD clutch also pulses at idle when you just rest your fingers on the lever. Just figured that the vibration/rocking of the engine is causing it, making the cable move.

Guzzi, never had that feel with any of them.

Tom

Mine was a Softail with a solidly mounted engine. In fact I had two Softails, my 2006 didn't do it but the 2017 did. The 2017 wasn't near the bike the 2006 was. Unfortunately the 2006 was destroyed in a garage fire. I still miss that bike.
kk

[gwensp]

Ive not noticed any pulsing on the clutch on mine at 16000 miles.

Agree about service costs it is £70 over here (UK) for the air filters and the 5 litres of oil is about £60. Oh and changing the alternator belt at 15000 is a pain requiring body work off and tank off.  Checking the valves (not reshimming) is also a complete faddle, the outer exhaust valves are easy to check but the front intake is a complete nightmare to check, you need an extra wrist and eyes on stalks to see what you are doing.

[DistriroF]

  Hi AZCCJ. 

 Service Bulletin  PSB71---V100 Clutch Actuatot Seals.

  I have no idea if this has anything to do c your problem but....


 Good luck

 Stay Out of Town