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3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Posted: 02 Mar 2025 08:37
by Andy_C
Quick question.

If I adjust the cable free play as per the handbook, when the engine is cold clutch action is OK, however once warmed up with the clutch fully in the bike will creep forward, in fact no way can you ride it through town as it would creep into the back of whatever is in front of you.

The only way I can fix this this is to adjust the lever for zero play, if I do that the clutch action is absolutley brilliant - no issues at all.

I am wondering if perhaps the outer of the cable is compressing so I am losing clutch lift, the cable looks quite old so may be the cause of the problem, as I say with zero play at the lever the clutch works just fine.

Crossed my mind that perhaps the clutch lever has been replaced at some point in time with one that does not give as much pull on the cable - anyone able to measure the distance between the grip and the inside edge of the lever so that I can compare it to mine ?

Anyone any thoughts ?

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Posted: 04 Mar 2025 18:35
by Morini Jen
Andy_C wrote: 02 Mar 2025 08:37
... anyone able to measure the distance between the grip and the inside edge of the lever so that I can compare it to mine ?
Hi Andy.

My K1 Sport has it's original clutch lever. There is 2.5mm free play at the cable end. With the play taken up, the distance between the back of the clutch lever and the handlebar grip is roughly 79mm. The grip is a thin Renthal type.

Hope this helps.
Jen.

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Posted: 05 Mar 2025 18:07
by Andy_C
Thanks for that Jen - on my 3 1/2 there is a lot more lever movement than that - nearer 90mm, might be worth me renewing the cable I think,

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Posted: 05 Mar 2025 19:12
by 'It must be a .....'
Being a dry clutch the plates/stack expands when hot then you get more free play at the lever and less movement of the pressure plate causing dragging, even more heat etc.
Experiment with minimal lever free play when cold and never sit in traffic with the clutch in.

You could keep the lever adjuster finger tight so the cable free play can be adjusteded if things get too hot/difficult in traffic.

Experiment and you'll get there, have fun Ian

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Posted: 06 Mar 2025 06:54
by Andy_C
Thanks for that, I'll have a fiddle.

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Posted: 06 Mar 2025 11:58
by simonnorthroad
Or just fit a Venhill clutch cable and see if the problem goes away

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Posted: 06 Mar 2025 18:53
by Andy_C
simonnorthroad wrote: 06 Mar 2025 11:58 Or just fit a Venhill clutch cable and see if the problem goes away
That is plan B :D