1100GS Clutch lever drag

[dannyb]

hi, I noticed my clutch lever was getting pretty heavy and after inspecting it, saw that there was alot of metal wear on the lever. I bought a new one, applied all the right grease etc, but a month down the line I have the same problem. Any ideas? cheers, DB

 

[Wrigsby1]

Don't know the specifics of your lever wear but grease around the lever surfaces usually attracts grit which causes wear and frayed clutch cables. I use WD40 or similar on the sliding surfaces and cable top and only use a bit of grease on the bolt if really necessary.

Never really had a prob with my clutch lever.

 

[uncle dick]

A cable would probably make a huge difference.

 

[dannyb]

sorry, forgot to mention that i replaced the cable at the same time as lever. will try de-greasing. cheers.

 

[ogri-nic]

In the past, I have found that it is the linkage after where the cable joins ( at rear of gearbox) which gets fouled and needs cleaning/lubricating.
once done made a huge difference to the clutch pull

 

[MattW]

As others have said, check the clutch operating arm at the gearbox. It should be set up with some free play at the arm and it move with no resistance (the freeplay should allow it to move backwards and forwards 10mm or so easily with your fingertip).

There are two potential problems if the clutch operating arm is seized - you will have a heavy feel at the lever and the operating arm can break which is a real pain in the backside as it's very hard to replace it with the swingarm in situ (not actually impossible but not something you'd want to do outside a workshop). If there's no freeplay you need to adjust your clutch as it'll wear very quickly.

If the operating arm is free and the cable is new and correctly routed, did you check / change the lever pivot bolt when you changed the lever? If the pivot bolt is badly worn it could quickly wear the soft alloy lever.

 

[Steptoe]

Did you change the barrel nipple holder that locates into the lever. This wears oval so causes the cable to turn and twist rather then the nipple holder revolving smoothly as the lever is pulled.

 

[dannyb]

Thanks all, didnt replace the nipple holder or pivot as i couldnt find them sold on the likes of motoworks etc. anyone know where I can get them? Also, is GSshop / Steptoe's really accessible from the A3...? cheers, db

 

[davegs]

Thanks all, didnt replace the nipple holder or pivot as i couldnt find them sold on the likes of motoworks etc. anyone know where I can get them? Also, is GSshop / Steptoe's really accessible from the A3...? cheers, db

Right near it, just PM the man or phone he'll sort it no probs.