HEAVY CLUTCH OPERATION

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wardy
Posts: 1244
Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:36 pm
Location: north lincolnshire

HEAVY CLUTCH OPERATION

Post by wardy »

hi guys!.. was just wondering if anyone can shed any light on why my 1976 gt750A clutch seems to be so heavy when you pull the lever.?
I've owned the bike since 2004 and it's done 56,000 miles. I didn't use it at all last year due to covid, but the clutch has always been heavy.
yesterday , I compared it with that of my 380 which is stood next to it and is as light as a feather, so I removed the cable, which is almost new and very free. I also adjusted the free play, according to Baz''s short video , on the operating arm behind the cover, but it still is very stiff to operate at the lever. This hasn't just happened though due to the bike being unused for 18 months; it's been like it for years. I just thought i would try and improve it as I'm currently shielding and off work for another 3 weeks!
Has anyone got any ideas as to what I could try next please?.. I suppose i'll now drain the oil and take the cover off and investigate the clutch plates and basket, but just wondered what everyone else thought! (fortunately , i have a few spare baskets so I'll compare any wear with them)
cheers everyone
Andy;
1976 gt750A; 86 FZ750
1977gt380A
1982 z400j
1981 z650f.....1988 Sufolk punch 14"
"look;it's my bike; when you own it ,you can paint it any colour you like!"
(I once painted my Z650 PINK and had the pink panther logo on the tailpiece)
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canaletto5
Posts: 5228
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2013 8:43 pm
Location: Derbyshire

Re: HEAVY CLUTCH OPERATION

Post by canaletto5 »

I've found that the grease on the release assembly (The star shaped thingy with three large ball bearings) hardens which can cause problems with operation. Take out the release asembly and give it a good clean in white spirit, regrease the parts and refit. It might help. Kev
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Alan H
Posts: 12104
Joined: Fri Aug 05, 2011 6:38 am
Location: Wombwell, Republic of South Yorkshire

Re: HEAVY CLUTCH OPERATION

Post by Alan H »

And a genuine cable is better than non standard.
Proof that four strokes are over complicated
barney01
Posts: 3118
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:33 pm
Location: Prestatyn.Wales

Re: HEAVY CLUTCH OPERATION

Post by barney01 »

When you get the cover off have a good look at the fingers of the basket. Its possible that over time the clutch plates have worn ridges on the inside. This can make the clutch action stiff. If they are you can rub them smooth with emery paper.
NO SMOKE .......NO POKE
Kettletimes3
Posts: 1620
Joined: Thu May 03, 2012 12:58 am
Location: Sunny Wales

Re: HEAVY CLUTCH OPERATION

Post by Kettletimes3 »

Also check the route of the cable.
wardy
Posts: 1244
Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2010 5:36 pm
Location: north lincolnshire

Re: HEAVY CLUTCH OPERATION

Post by wardy »

Thanks all!... I'll have a look and report back.
Andy;
1976 gt750A; 86 FZ750
1977gt380A
1982 z400j
1981 z650f.....1988 Sufolk punch 14"
"look;it's my bike; when you own it ,you can paint it any colour you like!"
(I once painted my Z650 PINK and had the pink panther logo on the tailpiece)
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