Grabby clutch? 2017 GS

[Tricuspid]

When I first got my GS about six weeks ago I was struggling to get to grips with the clutch, butI hadn't ridden anything for a couple of years so I assumed it was just me and I'd get the hang of it, but I'm not sure now. The clutch seems to engage at random points, sometimes with the lever almost all the way in, sometimes at the other end of the travel. It doesn't seem to relate to temperature as far as I can ascertain. The bike is a 2017 with about 15k miles on it. It's getting to the point that I'm having to be very cautious pulling away, especially at junctions. I love everything else about the bike.

Are they all like that? It's the only 1200 I've ridden so I've nothing to compare it with. I have ridden a 1250 and I didn't have the same issue. Is it me being rubbish? Is it broken?

 

[littleade]

I've had 2 and neither one has had the issue you describe, the clutch biting point on both has always been constant. Did you buy it from a dealer? if so get it booked in. Does it improve after a while during each ride or is the problem random. It could be something as simple as air in the system or a seal going but could be the clutch itself. If you got it from a dealer you've missed the 30 day window allowing you to reject it under the consumer rights act so you need to allow them to attempt a repair. If it's still the same after you can reject it and get your money back (if that's what you want to do) IMO it's a safety issue so needs sorting

 

[GSTourer]

I have a 2017 and like Ade’s mine isn’t like it.

 

[Tricuspid]

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback. It came from a main dealer so I'll give them a call.

 

[littleade]

Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback. It came from a main dealer so I'll give them a call.

Don't let them fob you off saying it's a consumable item. Not saying they will but you never know.

See below for your rights under the above act

https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-ri...car-i-bought-has-a-problem-what-are-my-rights

 

[beaver]

if you search on here you'll find this reported before. I've not had it but others do... One thing I find on mine is with the grip puppies is that I'm right on my finger ends even with the lever adjusted all the way back... And I have slipped with that a few times....

 

[lkyphl]

My ‘17’s clutch gets grabby when the bike gets hot sitting at red light after bloody red light when riding home after a country excursion. I thought it must have been rider fatigue, but evidently not.
The bike is under warranty, so I’ll mention this issue at the next service.

Phil

 

[Weird Bob]

The bite point on my 2018 shifts a bit. Not by a massive amount but sometimes has shifted from where my muscle memory expects it to be.
I notice it most often when commuting in heavy traffic but it doesn’t happen every time.

 

[steadysteve]

There was a recognised issue with these, supposedly cured by the fitting of a new actuation rod in the clutch. I think you had to be very persistent with the dealer to get it addressed under warranty but it is possible to get it sorted.
The previous owner of my GS LC got it done under warranty but , as mentioned, had to be persistent with the dealer iirc.
I still have the bike and all is well....

 

[autogs]

The bite point on my 2018 shifts a bit. Not by a massive amount but sometimes has shifted from where my muscle memory expects it to be.
I notice it most often when commuting in heavy traffic but it doesn’t happen every time.

yep mine does that as well,2018 gs

 

[beaver]

There was a recognised issue with these, supposedly cured by the fitting of a new actuation rod in the clutch. I think you had to be very persistent with the dealer to get it addressed under warranty but it is possible to get it sorted.
The previous owner of my GS LC got it done under warranty but , as mentioned, had to be persistent with the dealer iirc.
I still have the bike and all is well....

Think that was sorted early 15 on...

 

[ChazzyB]

yep mine does that as well,2018 gs

You should try the clutch on a BSA after slipping it a bit in a traffic jam, on a hill. The bite point gets so far back the clutch hasn't disegaged with the lever hard against the bars. It works again when it's cooled down.

 

[Weird Bob]

You should try the clutch on a BSA after slipping it a bit in a traffic jam, on a hill. The bite point gets so far back the clutch hasn't disegaged with the lever hard against the bars. It works again when it's cooled down.

Had a Yamaha like that.
Thing is with the GS is that it’s inconsistent when it happens. It might happen at one set of lights but at the next 10 it doesn’t and the engine, gearbox is just as hot.

 

[theoneandonly]

is there a pushrod on the lever , pushing the master piston ? has it come loose ?