| Author | Message | ||
     Irideabuell |
I just replaced the clutch lever on my 2004 XB12S today. After riding for about an hour it occured to me that I am not sure how tight the cable tension adjustment should be. The clutch engages at the very stop of the clutch lever. I was thinking it should have just a little space after engaging before the lever hits the stop. Any suggestions or advice? | ||
| Alanshouse |
I don't know, but since I replaced mine last week, it seems very stiff. | ||
| 44mag2 |
I just replaced mine. Mine engages at the top 20% or so of the pull as well ... I think that it is normal. The service manual says that you should adjust the tension in the cable so that you have 1/16 to 1/8 inch free play in the clutch lever before it starts pulling the cable. That is how I adjusted mine and it seems to work great. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
An often overlooked item is properly lubricating both the cable, and the end of the cable that fits into the handlebar lever. I believe that failure to lubricate is the main cause of premature cable failure and stiff clutch pull. One of the first things I did when I got my latest XB was to remove the clutch cable from the handle, drip gun oil down the cable, ( about 20 drops more or less), and put some waterproof grease on the ferrule. Boy, did I feel virtuous!  As the ferrule is steel and the lever is aluminum, they can easily corrode due to galvanic action, so they do need a good greasing. Otherwise, the lever just bends the cable every time the clutch is activated, instead of rotating around the ferrule, until the wire fatigues and breaks. PS. Whilst we are on the subject of clutch cable maintenance, checking the mid cable boot over the cable length adjuster, and taping it to prevent water ingress, has been previously mentioned to keep water out of the primary case, especially if one rides frequently in the rain. Hmmmmmm......think I will take a look at mine today. | ||
| Shea |
I like just a little bit of play in the lever, but not too much. I also like it engaging as close to the end as possible. THis way, if you make fast shifts, you don't have to pull in the clutch the whole way. It also saves your hand a bit by not having to move it as far. I will do ANYTHING for relief of that hand. lol |
