The sticky clutch; the problem with a poor friction zone.

By admin – Posted on
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
0 Shares

Age plays a toll on all our components, making them dry out, stiffen up, and generally become uncooperative.   We are talking about your clutch…

If you’re hanging onto that vintage motorcycle , you may find the simplest of actions to be more complicated than should be. The clutch and much needed friction zone may become uncooperative.

What is a friction zone?

The friction zone is a term to describe a balance of clutch engagement and drive train power .  You obtain that by slowly releasing the clutch .  As you release the clutch, the power begins to engage through your drive train.   By keeping your clutch pulled into just the right spot (or zone), you will keep a steady and controlled release of power to your rear wheel.   This ensures you stay in control over your machine during stop/start transitions, slow speed maneuvers, and  advancing through a busy 4-Way stop.   Without a functioning friction zone, you’ll find these simple tasks taking on a life of their own.  Jerky and erratic control places you at risk and lets face it, makes you look like a total newb.

There are multiple points to adjust your motorcycle clutch.  On many bikes, this includes at the handle, at the case, and even the rod its self. Examples from  my 1980 GS550. Check your repair manual for specifics for your bike .

By backing off the bottom nut , you can screw in or out the line . Once you have it just right, you tighten up the bottom nut and slide the rubber boot back over it.
In the center is the clutch rod adjustment. By backing off the small nut, you can tighten the screw down to the point that it meets resistance. Then dial it back 1/4 of a turn. Tighten up the small nut and you are done

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was after a month of adjusting,  spraying, tightening, and relaxing that i hit a wall.   My friction zone was TERRIBLE.   I would be OK for a week or so, and then back to sticky action.   Killing the bike at stoplights is not a confidence builder for a new rider.    It was at this point that i slowed down and realized that the rod moving in and out when you pull the clutch lever must need to be lubed.   BINGO.   Grease gun in hand, I focused on the one thing i had yet to address.

Once this quick step was checked off my list,  i noticed an immediate improvement .  And unlike my previous efforts of readjusting the clutch at the case, backing off the rod bolt and re-tightening, this improvement had staying power.   Months later and thousands of miles of riding on this vintage GS 550, i have yet to encounter that sticky feeling.   There will always be things to repair and adjust, that’s one of the joys of owning a motorcycle.

Ride more & Ride Safe.

 

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
0 Shares