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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: faffi on May 02, 2024, 01:22:01 AM

Title: Clutch lever stick and release
Post by: faffi on May 02, 2024, 01:22:01 AM
My clutch lever sometimes have a peculiar action. After engaging the clutch after a gearchange, I have a habit of not letting the clutch lever all the way out for a split second, despite the clutch being fully engaged already. Sometimes, maybe one out of 10 or 20 releases, the lever seems to stick in the not-fully-out position for brief period, like there is no tension on the cable, before snatching back to its resting position. I only notice it because the lever does not instantly follow my fingers.

Any ideas what it could be? I have never been able to replicate it at a standstill, everything operate smoothly and effortlessly.
Title: Re: Clutch lever stick and release
Post by: pehayes on May 02, 2024, 10:33:51 AM
Follow the cable.  Is there any location where the cable is near to an exhaust header?  Flex the cable.  Is it possible that airflow at speed can move the cable and  have it contact the exhaust header?  The inside of the cable sheath has a plastic liner.  If the cable gets too hot, that liner can melt and grasp the inside actuation wire.  Usually it happens after you stop and the system cools off for the plastic to harden.  I have had clutch cables melt and go rock hard with zero movement.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
Title: Re: Clutch lever stick and release
Post by: bigbikerrick on May 02, 2024, 11:24:11 AM
Thats a good "heads up" Patrick! I had never thought of that possibility. I am going out and check my clutch cable routing. I think they are pretty close to the sources of heat, on the right side of the frame.
Thanks for that tip.
Rick
Title: Re: Clutch lever stick and release
Post by: faffi on May 02, 2024, 11:34:18 AM
Thank you for the tip, will check.
Title: Re: Clutch lever stick and release
Post by: John A on May 02, 2024, 12:20:35 PM
I would put a new cable on and put the old one Ty wrapped in a side panel. Some folks put a new one along side the old one but I never did that. It’s a useful habit to have a spare stashed on the bike somewhere though.
Title: Re: Clutch lever stick and release
Post by: Tkelly on May 02, 2024, 05:50:04 PM
I had a failing throttle cable do that,some of the strands had broken and the return spring wasn’t strong enough for it to back out when I wanted to slow down.
Title: Re: Clutch lever stick and release
Post by: faffi on May 03, 2024, 01:01:09 AM
Bike has only done 6k miles, but that does not eliminate a damage cable in some way. I will check it properly this weekend.