Odd clutch cable...

Plump Kibbles · 11-19-2020, 02:12 AM

So, I changed both the brake and clutch perch / lever assembly. Set the clutch up, feels nice. Brake is nice and solid; bigger master cylinder. Now.. when I ride, after warming up - and here's where it gets weird - the clutch cable seems to gain slack?? Not really that much slack either, but just enough to not fully disengage the clutch. Do I need to warm the bike up, loosen the cable at the engine, and readjust while warm? Very odd thing - I can't seem to find an actual answer on this. Of course I read some Harley forum and the guys clutch was shot or something - and got me kind of worried. But, when the bike is cold, the cable goes RIGHT back to the same tension that it was when I set it.. or did I just make an oopsie poopsie on adjusting my clutch cable?

I'm at the second oil change, 10W-40 no additives - 200mi. I was with my buddies when I noticed this on the road.

I didn't want to do anything more if this is something a little more cryptic and mess a new clutch up.

And would synthetic be something to consider?

I'm a little worried that something bad is going on..

TxTaoRider · 11-19-2020, 04:23 AM

Does it make any difference in the clutch slack if you turn the handle bars all the way from full turn right to full turn left? If so, you may want to check your cable routing.
Also, I believe you have a pretty new bike (you should put the make and model year in your signature so everyone will know what bike we are helping you with) so I doubt the cable is worn or stretching, but it's possible. Chinese quality control is sometimes lacking. I'd start by checking to see if it's routed correctly. If it is, then lube you're cable (that's what she said-lol), and if that doesn't help, you might want to buy a brand name cable like Motion Pro or better yet, a genuine Honda brand cable for a crf230f. Then lube the new cable before installing.
The clutch assembly does expand some with heat but I've never seen it make a noticable difference in cable adjustment. However, if it's really cold out the clutch can "drag" a little until it warms up.
Good luck!

franque · 11-19-2020, 05:23 AM

It could be that the clutch needs to break in, so to speak. I put a new Chinese clutch on my Honda, and the first couple of 100s of km it was like that, now it's better.

cycleway4 · 11-19-2020, 06:31 AM

gaining slack "free play" after riding, warming up, is quite normal/common on these bikes...I had had several Japanese bikes do this also....on my Brozz, I have basically zero-none- free play cold,...then after a few miles, its about right...on hot days, I have even readjusted while riding, to keep a minimum free play, so shifts work smoother.

**JerryHawk250** · 11-19-2020, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cycleway4

I have basically zero-none- free play cold,...then after a few miles, its about right...on hot days

^^^^ This right Here is how i adjust my clutch^^^^ Never have any issues with shifting or finding neutral after it's warmed up.

Plump Kibbles · 11-19-2020, 02:45 PM

Guys - thank you!! When I switched the new clutch lever and perch on, I stupidly didn't release the slack at the bottom adjustment - so when I 'reset' my adjustment, it was way too loose. Zero free play = the right amount after warming up. Weird..

I will change my stats to reflect my year / model. Still need to put some pics of it up now..

JerryHawk - CycleWay: this is exactly my case as well. I remember thinking, "clucth is a little tight from factory... oh well" and never thought about it again. Until my lever went for a detour in the ditch LOL

Thanks everyone - I just wanted to make sure this was a normal attribute. And since it is, I think I can worry about getting back out in the dirt!

I may change the cable over in another 200mi - we'll see

Apologies for the repeat if this has been covered..

11-19-2020, 02:12 AM	#1
Plump Kibbles Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Virginia Posts: 233	Odd clutch cable... So, I changed both the brake and clutch perch / lever assembly. Set the clutch up, feels nice. Brake is nice and solid; bigger master cylinder. Now.. when I ride, after warming up - and here's where it gets weird - the clutch cable seems to gain slack?? Not really that much slack either, but just enough to not fully disengage the clutch. Do I need to warm the bike up, loosen the cable at the engine, and readjust while warm? Very odd thing - I can't seem to find an actual answer on this. Of course I read some Harley forum and the guys clutch was shot or something - and got me kind of worried. But, when the bike is cold, the cable goes RIGHT back to the same tension that it was when I set it.. or did I just make an oopsie poopsie on adjusting my clutch cable? I'm at the second oil change, 10W-40 no additives - 200mi. I was with my buddies when I noticed this on the road. I didn't want to do anything more if this is something a little more cryptic and mess a new clutch up. And would synthetic be something to consider? I'm a little worried that something bad is going on..
	0

11-19-2020, 04:23 AM	#2
TxTaoRider Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Flower Mound Texas Posts: 904	Does it make any difference in the clutch slack if you turn the handle bars all the way from full turn right to full turn left? If so, you may want to check your cable routing. Also, I believe you have a pretty new bike (you should put the make and model year in your signature so everyone will know what bike we are helping you with) so I doubt the cable is worn or stretching, but it's possible. Chinese quality control is sometimes lacking. I'd start by checking to see if it's routed correctly. If it is, then lube you're cable (that's what she said-lol), and if that doesn't help, you might want to buy a brand name cable like Motion Pro or better yet, a genuine Honda brand cable for a crf230f. Then lube the new cable before installing. The clutch assembly does expand some with heat but I've never seen it make a noticable difference in cable adjustment. However, if it's really cold out the clutch can "drag" a little until it warms up. Good luck! __________________ 2021 Tao Tbr7 - "Lucille" Mods so far- Brozz swingarm, 21" front rim (Bridgestone Tw302 rear/Dunlop D606 front tires), Digital gauge cluster, pz30b pumper carb, after market hand guards, aftermarket brake and clutch levers, round fold away mirrors, Fly handlebars shortened slightly, 13t front sprocket 2009 Q-link Legacy 250 1982 Suzuki GS1100ES - "Jolene"
	1

11-19-2020, 06:31 AM	#4
cycleway4 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 269	gaining slack "free play" after riding, warming up, is quite normal/common on these bikes...I had had several Japanese bikes do this also....on my Brozz, I have basically zero-none- free play cold,...then after a few miles, its about right...on hot days, I have even readjusted while riding, to keep a minimum free play, so shifts work smoother. __________________ <div>Steve 2006 Roketa DB-07A/RSX-200E 2008 Roketa 250 Scooter 2019 Brozz 250
	1

11-19-2020, 05:23 AM	#3
franque Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Marseille, France -> Conakry, Guinea Posts: 1,481	It could be that the clutch needs to break in, so to speak. I put a new Chinese clutch on my Honda, and the first couple of 100s of km it was like that, now it's better.
	1

11-19-2020, 02:45 PM	#6
Plump Kibbles Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Virginia Posts: 233	Guys - thank you!! When I switched the new clutch lever and perch on, I stupidly didn't release the slack at the bottom adjustment - so when I 'reset' my adjustment, it was way too loose. Zero free play = the right amount after warming up. Weird.. I will change my stats to reflect my year / model. Still need to put some pics of it up now.. JerryHawk - CycleWay: this is exactly my case as well. I remember thinking, "clucth is a little tight from factory... oh well" and never thought about it again. Until my lever went for a detour in the ditch LOL Thanks everyone - I just wanted to make sure this was a normal attribute. And since it is, I think I can worry about getting back out in the dirt! I may change the cable over in another 200mi - we'll see Apologies for the repeat if this has been covered..
	3