How To Adjust A Motorcycle Clutch Lever

No video

How To Adjust A Motorcycle Clutch Lever | MC Garage

Рет қаралды 739,484

Күн бұрын

Setting the cable slack is not only easy to do, it’s necessary if you want your clutch to work properly and last a long time. We’ll show you how to set your clutch-lever free play in this video from the MC Garage.
--
For your clutch to work correctly, it needs to have the right amount of play at the cable. If you have too little slack, the clutch plates won’t be fully squeezed together when the lever is out and you’re going to get clutch slip, which will quickly lead to glazed plates that’ll need to be replaced. Too much slack and the clutch won’t fully disengage when you pull the lever, which will make it difficult to shift and the bike may creep at stops when the transmission is in gear.
How To Measure Your Clutch Freeplay
To check your free play, the engine needs to be cold since hot clutch plates will expand a bit and throw off the measurement. Usually, you check the play at the end of the lever or between the back of the lever and the perch, but you’ll want to reference your manual for the exact specifications and measurement protocol for your bike. In general, 3-4mm at the perch is a good goal, and as a rule, it’s always better to have too much slack than too little.
Where To Adjust Motorcycle Clutch Lever
If you need to make an adjustment, there are two places to do it. You use the barrel at the lever to make minor day-to-day adjustments, or you can turn the locknuts down at the engine to make larger changes. Try working with the barrel first, and if you can’t get the right amount of slack, screw it all the way into the perch and then turn the locknuts down at the engine to bring the free play into spec. Keep in mind that for maximum leverage and ease of use, you want to maintain an 80- to a 90-degree angle between the clutch arm and the cable.
Read the full how-to on adjusting your motorcycle clutch lever on Motorcyclist: www.motorcycli...
Subscribe: www.youtube.com...
Motorcyclist Shirts: teespring.com/...
Shop Products We Use: www.amazon.com...
See more from us: www.motorcyclis...
00:19 What is the proper amount of slack for my clutch lever
00:57 Where to measure the clutch slack
01:17 Where to adjust the clutch lever

Пікірлер: 369

@IstasPumaNevada 6 жыл бұрын

"Nobody is born knowing this stuff." Exactly. And even highly experienced people never know when they'll stumble across something they missed or just had wrong for years.

@tman1474 4 жыл бұрын

Very true!! No one should be criticized for not having the same knowledge as someone else even if its considered " general knowledge "

@CarsMeetsBikes 4 жыл бұрын

The only people born knowing this are the dads playing MC garage to headphones taped to the pregnant mom’s stomach

@MrDylanryan 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making these videos. I am a beginner rider, but I have always admired the motorcycle. Without guys like you doing this for all of us beginners, we would be lost. Thank you again!

@MISTAMUSIK 2 жыл бұрын

Me too! I bought a Chinese 125cc Chinese starter bike and then bought a BMW k1200s that was wrecked for a very good price. Had to pay 2k to fix it back to like it was before it went down but it still had a few issue like the clutch lever linkage bar was welded and broke on me so I had to buy a used one of Ebay so now its just about adjusting the clutch cable and linkage..

@CPUspeed 6 жыл бұрын

Definitely yes, explaining the basics is a huge boon for new riders. Good job and they will make a great playlist.

@AriH211 6 жыл бұрын

Making a playlist of the fundamentals is a great idea. Thanks!

@Rosk03 5 жыл бұрын

I fixed my new clutch cable in 5 minutes thanks to this video. Having tried and failed many times before. I did EXACTLY as described and it worked first try. Very clear instructions. Thanks

@mrpalaces 5 жыл бұрын

My brother just bought his first bike and it came out of the dealer with no slack at all, I found it very uncomfortable and don't want him to get used to that. I had the workshop manual for my own bike which is very similar to his, but seeing this video gave me more confidence to properly adjust his clutch

@zbb2stillalive 6 жыл бұрын

You're right. Not everyone is privy to these simple or "obvious" maintenance topics. Thanks and keep it simple. You guys rock.

@joeypyron3218 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting these videos. In the past month, I've successfully replaced and balanced my tires, adjusted my chain, throttle free play, and checked the steering and clutch play, which were all good. Simple, but very helpful advice here. Subbed.

@WorldMinuteOne 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks man ! JUST NEEDED THAT. I HAVE ZERO EXPERIENCE ON MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE

@Mistah242 6 жыл бұрын

Even if you know what you're doing, or are experienced with basic maintenance, these videos are a great refresher - keep 'em coming! And thanks!!

@cavinrauch 6 жыл бұрын

I searched your whole youtube channel for this simple video months ago. Finally time you brought it out. I love your channel because you cover the simple things through to the complex.

@owenhayes7886 6 жыл бұрын

Ari, Really appreciate you covering the basics like this. Yes, we’re all supposed to know this stuff, but it’s really nice to have a reliable, trustworthy, and clear source like the MC Garage videos. Keep ‘em up, they’re appreciated!

@AJMackey1 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks...my bike always creeps forward...just needed a simple adjustment. Us non-mechanics appreciate these videos.

@dmshay 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, I had troubles with my clutch lever for some time now, never knew such easy adjustments were possible.

@janissaritz7798 6 жыл бұрын

I think MC Garage is one of the highest quality channels on KZfaq about motorcycle topic. I enjoy it everytime, keep going!

@sanapung321 5 жыл бұрын

I also agree with you

@RidersInBlack 6 жыл бұрын

Well said Ari, at the end. What's obvious to some is not obvious to others. It's all about education and getting involved in taking care of the thing that gives you great pleasure. Keep up the good work!

@TheGholiday 5 жыл бұрын

I’ve been riding for 10 years and have never done my own maintenance before. I am learning all these things (finally) mainly for financial reasons. I never realised how simple some things were to do while there are other things I know I certainly lack the ability to do myself.

@650thumper 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks. This is a timely vid for me. I just finished having to remove my clutch cover to service my water pump and the freeplay got messed up. Yeah it's basic but I always learn something. This time it was the 90 degree thing. Going to check my set up again. I love MC Garage. It has helped me a lot!

@WhiteWhite60 6 жыл бұрын

I appreciate your last bit in this video, re: the simple stuff videos. It's easy to overlook the simple maintenance. For many guys, there's that learning the wrong way from someone who might wing it. Shrugging-off torque wrenches comes to mind. I'm restoring my 2002 Roadstar (I love it, love it, love it). I'm looking at delayed and some break-down maintenance issues and I want to do the restore right. All your videos are valuable to me. Keep them comeing.

@Alonso092596 5 жыл бұрын

Oh. My. Goodnes! So those problems began a couple days ago, and boom. got the solution here. Thank you Motorcyclist Magazine, MC Garage, and Ari.

@stilldajoker 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. Altho I pretty much knew this stuff, wanted to cover all the bases. And you covered that. Riding for 50 years now and also I have a Bel-Ray 50th anniversary hat. Fun stuff and thank you again

@jmannUSMC 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks dude. Haven't riden my bike for 8 year so starting from scratch again. My bite point was almost at full lever extention!

@luckyjordan8139 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for these lessons. Been riding for years and nice to know what my mechanic has been doing.

@15sixmedia Жыл бұрын

Good to know, thank you. Did a stupid lazy shift with the clutch halfway disengaged and the cable popped off the clutch arm. Think I must have stretched it a bit because there’s heaps of free play in the lever now. This will help me fix it before work tomorrow. Thank you again!

@DearMajesty 6 жыл бұрын

If only MC Garage were a thing when I first started riding!

@brandoloudly9457 5 жыл бұрын

service manuals are pretty dank too, but i agree; you cant beat these quick and simple how-to's.

@elnacho5131 4 жыл бұрын

When I started out learning how to ride, I was so intimidated by clutches that would only engage near the very end of being released. Everyone could tell I was a newbie because I'd be revving the engine without moving and then suddenly fly off when the clutch finally did engage. So glad people starting to ride today have resources such as this vid.

@couperbarnard 2 жыл бұрын

Needed this, never touched a clutch cable before. About to change mine on the 1700 Roadstar

@NiklasLarssonSeglarfan 3 жыл бұрын

Having zero friends with motorcycles I completely rely on these kinds of videos and Google to fix even the basic things, much obliged!

@markmesses9624 5 жыл бұрын

A simple but very important video...I've just read on Kawa Z900 worldwide forum that many clutches were badly damaged due to an incorrect factory setting.

@warrengray610 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Ari, I am in agreement with you about gaining a feel for things, sure learn the rudimental stuff and when you know how it feels make it you're own

@SAM-zt2uy 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!! Just got a bike again after 6 years of not having one and thought the clutch lever was sloppy now it seems just fine

@GETUPANDGO 6 жыл бұрын

One of my old shops adjusted my free play a bit, and it made my bike feel like a race bike--clutch grab was so much quicker

@lamontjordan4834 4 жыл бұрын

Just played with mines it's like instant grab scared me at first wonder if I got it to tight followed Suzuki manual procedure for 09 M50 will see once I put some miles on it and get it hot

@darthvegan435 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video! You're right that not everyone knows. I was riding about 7 years before I discovered the importance of that adjustment (I had a hydraulic clutch about 5 of those years)..

@SVwindsor 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you from Canada. Mc garage . I am a new rider. I didn't know about these basics stuff. Very informative. Your the best

@geneahart5607 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for covering the basic stuff.

@MakeMajor 3 жыл бұрын

very much should explain stuff like this. As a new rider I need to learn all these basic maintenance tasks, one by one. Thank you, subscribed!

@warrengray610 6 жыл бұрын

You actually raised a good subject, I don't have a lot of time in the saddle using a hydraulic clutch although I have felt how little effort is involved pulling the lever with a bike that had one of these type. personally I felt it lacked feel not the case with my traditional cable type proper lubrication can make the levers easy to use as long as they're free And a little maintenance pays a lot in terms of feedback

@youngfeezy7969 3 жыл бұрын

Keeping the 80-90° angle explained it all for me thanksssss

@beerdedwanderer 6 жыл бұрын

I like the basic maintenance tips. We all develop bad habits or neglect these things, good for a reminder.

@JBsGarageHowTo 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Great video! Althought I consider myself a Joe of all Trades in life and I spent my younger years tinkering with my Robinson Rebel Bicycle, I am a newer Motorcycle rider and like you said, "no one is born knowing this stuff", it is a very helpful video! Keep them coming!

@YiGzit 6 жыл бұрын

I didn't know about this. Nobody ever told me. So thank you a lot for pointing out this "obvious" maintenance.

@AriH211 6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@CCsLifeExp2012 6 жыл бұрын

Perfect for my situation with too much slack on my 2007 Honda Shadow Spirit 750 recently purchased. Thanks for excellent quality video & great advice & instruction!

@garethwilliamson2618 5 жыл бұрын

Hey if it wasn't for video's like this I wouldn't have had a clue at all. Thankyou! Please keep making video's.

@Echo4Yankee 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I had no idea how to do this, and I'm not ashamed to say so.

@stfu6397 2 жыл бұрын

these are the best vids. Short and to the point, no massive 3 min blablaba intro. I like it :-)

@goldxnwolf77 2 жыл бұрын

thanks this helped my clutch would not fully go in so I would creep up and stall out when stopped so this helped me

@Jesusswe91 6 жыл бұрын

It would be nice if you guys started tips and tricks on diffrent riding techniques! Like why and how counter steering works.

@foxcatcher3864 5 жыл бұрын

Im 17 and i drive rieju mrt and these videos are really helping :)

@mography4563 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing this vital information!! I loved the way you explained clutch free play.

@m_s7155 6 жыл бұрын

Yes!!! You did my Video!!! +Motorcyclist Magazine

@AriH211 6 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

@shazwanmanjung 6 жыл бұрын

The best motorcycles channel ever plus the host is awesome guy..keep it going

@Alan-xy2vb 5 жыл бұрын

My current two bikes both have hydraulics instead of cables for the clutch and I haven't had to worry about clutch adjustment but then I need to replace the fluid as one would with the brakes.

@elnacho5131 4 жыл бұрын

I've adjusted my clutch to engage ~8-10mm from full squeeze, with slack well within what the manual allows, and I've never experienced any creep. However I find it disconcerting how, after taking my bike in for servicing, I pick it up at the end of the day and find that the mechanic decreased the slack on my clutch. More than just being annoying (and might damage the clutch plates as Ari mentioned on the vid), I think it's also dangerous as the changed clutch setting won't let me ride off at the exact point that I'm used to riding off (at a busy intersection for example). Thankfully, it's easy enough to re-adjust the clutch as shown on the vid. But still, I wish the mechanic would just leave my original clutch settings alone. Kudos for the vids! Thumbed up and Subscribed!

@ryanrogers8211 2 жыл бұрын

You can always let the mechanic know you want the setting left alone or become your own motorcycle mechanic

@StevenSchoolAlchemy Жыл бұрын

Thank you, Laid my bike down. Replacement handle is slightly different and doesn't fit. Working on it!

@Cyneathra 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the instructions and quality of the videos. Could you please let know about the up and down(vertical) slack of the clutch lever is a bad thing? Is it neutral? If not, how do i fix it? Thanks in advance.

@Dashport-ih7ww 5 жыл бұрын

I think I'm getting addicted to " MC GARAGE " ! Good stuff

@BigDaddyBetke 6 жыл бұрын

Hello MC Garage, Thank you for your tutorials on the 'basics'. I'm hoping to buy my 2nd bike ('17 FZ10) soon. And although I can identify the difference between a brake caliper & a handlebar:) I want to be able to perform routine adjustments on my bike. Couldn't have gotten the foundation, so easily without ya!

@brendonfernandez 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this - was just wondering about the impact of clutch adjustment on gears slipping. Cold engine tip is useful too!

@AriH211 6 жыл бұрын

Gears don't slip, your clutch does. If the cable slack is properly adjusted and the clutch is slipping, then the plates may be worn or glazed and will need to be replaced.

@brendonfernandez 6 жыл бұрын

Ah I see! Thanks for the clarification.

@vero0992 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for these "back to basics" videos!

@Samuel-fw8rq 6 жыл бұрын

Finally you have the 2018 mt07! I hope you'll be putting out a review video soon

@stekkerbox 6 жыл бұрын

yeah!

@GETUPANDGO 6 жыл бұрын

Love my 2015

@Samuel-fw8rq 6 жыл бұрын

GETUP AND GO will be picking up my 2018 next week. Restricted to 48hp though

@GETUPANDGO 6 жыл бұрын

Nice, I'm excited for you!

@emperorofdarkness3096 6 жыл бұрын

MC garage is the best. Thanks buddy

@AriH211 6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome.

@emperorofdarkness3096 6 жыл бұрын

Ari Henning please make a vlog on how to remove chain cleaning spray unnecessary grease, dust from swing arm and alloys along with painted parts.

@AriH211 6 жыл бұрын

One word: WD-40

@emperorofdarkness3096 6 жыл бұрын

Ari Henning oh ty budd and I am look forward to watch more vlogs on maintenance and reviews as well.

@massoudzadeh3394 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much, great explanation

@williamstones1773 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, just what i needed to view, and just the right amount of info to reassure my gut feeling of what I needed to do. Well done!

@rintupaul7 6 жыл бұрын

Biking made easy with MC's! Thank You!

@MrRusty7911 4 жыл бұрын

New biker here, thanks for lesson!

@unclequack5445 5 жыл бұрын

Hey man you need a few more cans of spray and oil on your shelf ?

@Truth-Bomb-7 6 жыл бұрын

Love from India, you have educated me a lot

@gb-nz 3 жыл бұрын

Instant like for using Metric System

@theroadhound 6 жыл бұрын

Best Motorcycle related channel on KZfaq!

@Mercury__- 5 ай бұрын

Yes, this stuff is new to me.

@bear304inc5 5 жыл бұрын

I've always just used a nickel in the gap. Works well if you don't have a tape or calipers handy..

@funonthebun888 2 жыл бұрын

Been riding for a couple years.. I have a street triple rs.. clutch was slipping in 5th gear, every time I went to 8k rpm, it would jump to red line but not I screws speed.. I’d shift to 6th, the clutch would engage and the speed would rise until red line.. and even at the top speed it would slip.. revs going all over the place, speed struggle to get to the top (135mph to 150mph) (I know I shouldn’t but it was for science) I was scared the clutch was dead, or I needed heavier springs inside the clutch, or something really sinister.. I checked my clutch lever, and there was literally no free play.. the adjuster at the lever was fully out.. I put it fully in, which gives about 4mm of play.. now the clutch never slips, the rpms remain smooth and steady predictable rise.. 5th gear fully engages and is useable at the top end now.. couldn’t be happier.. Really felt like a noob after this journey this afternoon..

@biofall38 5 жыл бұрын

I was wondering why I was having problems with my bike moving forward very slowly at stops hopefully this dose the trick

@MatteoBurroni 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I've always done it by myself, and after seeing this I'm sure to have done it correctly.

@disekjoumoer 6 жыл бұрын

Ari Henning, the man of the year (along with Zack, of course).

@renostubbs8504 3 жыл бұрын

This was not obvious to me, thanks a million bro. New subscriber

@3niknicholson 3 жыл бұрын

2:10 ... I think you're wrong: I think it is not ok to adjust the slack/free play adjustment to suit your hand size or clutch engagement preference. The adjustment is made for the well-being of the clutch mechanism, and if you eliminate play in the cable, the actuator lever will be in constant contact with the pushrod and will cause unnecessary wear. The same as resting your left foot on the clutch pedal of a manual transmission car. My opinion is that if you need to make adjustments to suit your own hand, you should change your clutch lever to suit it, not deviate from the maker's clutch cable free play specs. I don't think this is pedantic, it's understanding that the mechanics of the motor have to be respected. Apart from that, I think the vid is good, clear and well presented as are the others of yours that I've watched, and I'd be interested in any reasoned discussion on the issue I've raised. Thanks.

@zuhailishufller8046 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks man, you a life saver. Now I can enjoy my ride more after this.

@rodsjohnson831 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks , I was wondering about that!

@KwetsNaTa 5 жыл бұрын

Very informative! Thank you.

@user-sw2lv3zp6o 6 жыл бұрын

These are very helpful videos.

@abhisheka704 6 жыл бұрын

Need more simple topics !! Beginner here 😁😁

@AriH211 6 жыл бұрын

Will do! What would you like to learn about?

@abhisheka704 6 жыл бұрын

Ari Could u please run over the basic ways to know if a part needs replacing or just repairing ! Coz we newbies get cheated all the time by the company mechanics. Last time I had to replace my swing arm (as told by the mechanic ) due to balancing issues , which still continued until I saw ur vedio and realised it was the misaligned tire ! So plzz plzz help us newbies out 🤗🙂☺️ And ur diy repairs are really a boon !! #love_from_India

@UtsavGhosh24 6 жыл бұрын

This is really important to know this stuff...

@DaddyScribbles 3 жыл бұрын

awesome content as usual

@icecreamdaddy 5 жыл бұрын

i fuckin love these guys at MC garage. Greetings from Ireland

@rammyify 6 жыл бұрын

I love your channel. It brings educational content in a wonderfully engaging manner. Keep it up guys. A request, can you guys make a video about you and Zack like how you all started and stuff. Really great to see you guys together. 👌👌👌💓💓

@AriH211 6 жыл бұрын

That's a good idea, and one we've considered doing. On Two Wheels ran on BeIn sports for a while and we recorded a bit about our back story. It's actually pretty rad-we've known each other since we were about 8 or 9!

@rammyify 6 жыл бұрын

Ari Thanks for replying buddy. Yeah i heard you saying this in one of your videos and you showed a picture as well of both of you racing dirt bikes. I think you guys are like 12 or 13 years old in that pic. Looking forward for that video. BTW you guys ROCK 🤘🤘🤘👌👌👌

@tjjohnson7565 6 жыл бұрын

Hey I'm a beginner rider. Your videos have been amazingly helpful towards helping me learn more about my bike. I was wondering if you could explain what a push and pull throttle is and what are the benifits

@petermorton7594 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that ive just had a new engine put in my triumph but i have no drive and its down to the clutch cable adjustments thanks!

@K113-A 6 жыл бұрын

I thought you guys already did this topic ? I learned it from you guys !

@AriH211 6 жыл бұрын

Oh shoot, did we?!? No, that was the throttle-cable slack vid. Same concept, other side of the handlebar ;)

@K113-A 6 жыл бұрын

Ari Henning ah so that's why it felt familiar ! Hahahah

@humzaahmed6843 6 жыл бұрын

Great videos guys. Totally love them. I need you to do a video on types of carburettors. I'm really interested to see them.

@tenn4647 4 жыл бұрын

nice video for newbie like me

@calvinteh3297 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. My new bike has too much free play. I was just thinking how I could fix it.

@ambikaprasannakumar4765 6 жыл бұрын

Our hero

@massi940 6 жыл бұрын

I've heard that a good reference for the freeplay adjustment is to adjust and then rotate the steering fully and check the slack. if there isn't any you should loosen the tension. Check both directions. Does this make any sense?

@Bladsmith 6 жыл бұрын

If the position of the steering affects free play on any of your cables, something's wrong. Things shouldn't be getting pulled tight by the forks.

@AriH211 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah, definitely makes sense. But ultimately your cables should be long enough/routed in a way that steering doesn't impact the tension.

@deepakanair5032 6 жыл бұрын

Hey there I am new to this channel but loved it a lot. All these videos are highly informative and I have watched most of them. I would like to see a video on how to fit a projector light (devil eye or angel eye) on a naked bike. Please do it Also please tell the advantages and disadvantages of it

@thebear6529 Жыл бұрын

dang, great vid guys.

@bhishamchandiramani2230 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks your videos are very informative, like them all.

@onetapster6987 4 жыл бұрын

today i neded to change the whole clutch cabble and when i did put it on and everything and i started and bike and tryed to get out of first gear and ride you know. i was relesing the clutch and when i relest it to like 90% it started to gain speed. how do i adjust when it start to gain speed when relesing im probleby just dumb at this but can someone explain pls??? btw my main Language is Swedish so my English is bad as hell doe so sorry for bad Writing

@WhiteWhite60 6 жыл бұрын

Would you mind posting a video on cleaning parts while dissembling/restoring a bike that hasn't been serviced/maintained properly over the years?

@tarokurusu82 6 жыл бұрын

Something I learned recently...on my 07 Yamaha R1 that has a slipper clutch, I had to adjust out all of the play when installing aftermarket levers or else the idle went wonky. This maybe specific to Yamahas with early applications of slipper clutches, but it frustrated me for awhile. HTH

@williangoncalves5237 Жыл бұрын

Nobody is born knowing anything other than cry 😝😏 So this episode was very useful to me, I came from very cheaper bike, a whole different world than my fz8 now, so I put some work tomorrow morning in order to tackle some weird rattles when lunching in first gear from a dead stop.