Free play when adjusting the clutch lever?

Question

The manual says between 10mm and 15mm slack is called for. I think I had the cable misadjusted previously, because I have been having problems getting into neutral when the bike is stopped in gear, and also the bike sometimes "creeps" forward when the clutch is pulled in.

What I'm noticing is that the lever free play changes when you move the handlebars. For example I am at 10mm at lock left, and 15mm at lock right with the bike cold. big difference! Doesn't the freeplay also get larger when the bike is warm?

So, does it sound like I have the lever adjusted properly?

it wasn't creeping consistently, just occasionally i would notice some forward pull when stopped at a light.

to the second guy--gsxr 750

Answer 1

Sound like you've got two things going on. Free play changing has to be taken care of first. Hot and cold shouldn't make a difference. Check your cable routing, and how it moves when you turn the bars. It my be binding or getting pulled.

10-15mm is pretty standard. I like mine tighter. I believe this is a new bike. If so, they stretch a lot when they are new, and need to be adjusted frequently. This goes away after a while. If you're creeping with the clutch pulled in, there is too much free play. Set your handlebar adjuster near the middle, take out all the slack at the motor end, then fine-tune at the handlebar. Start with the manual specs, then change if you want. I set mine at about 1/8", I can't stand floppy levers.

I had to adjust the one on my new bike at least three times before the 1000 mile service. The dealer set it to spec, I had them change it back. It was adjusted again before and at 5000, and almost needs it again at 8500.

Answer 2

10-15mm slack does seem like a lot. I've always used about 1/4" which is less than 10mm(right?). Worn plates would be more likely to make the clutch slip. To heavy viscosity oil could make your clutch drag. As for the slack you could want even less than 1/4". Depends on what you are comfortable with. If you are racing you may like the clutch to engage at a certain point of release that is comfortable for your hand and gives you the best reaction time. As for the difference in play from side to side..... that should not be..... your cables may be routed incorrectly..... pretty much the only thing that can cause that.

Answer 3

You have way too much free play if the bike creeps forward on you.
Sit on the bike with it running. Put it in 1st and pull in the clutch with the left hand. With the right hand, back off the barrel adjuster until the creeping stops, then go another half turn to full turn.

I don't know how new your cable is, but clutch cables stretch when new and when old just before breaking. If it is old, replace it and adjust as indicated above.

Answer 4

Well there is another factor I want to mention to you: If the clutch cable is stretched too much, and believe me, they stretch ALOT over time, then you will have a hard time adjusting this at some point. If you cannot get it right, I would replace the cable.
You should have a small amount of play in the clutch lever, but when fully pulled in, there should not be ANY creep.
I personally would try to adjust it as tight as possible to get it to work right now. If you find this impossible, then change the cable and try again.

Answer 5

I havent worked on a sv650 in some years, yet i think of it has a hydraulic take carry of, any adjustment it has would be on the take carry of cylinder. do no longer undergo in ideas how plenty you should take off to get to it yet its a small panel on the left hand section, purely above and at the back of the stator

Answer 6

what sort of bike do you have? could be worn clutch plates or you may need to change the oil