Clutch 81' 650 maxim

When shifting from neutral to first gear the bike jumps, like a jerky matron. Is this normal or would this be my idle set too high?

 

It sounds like your clutch is not adjusted quite right. there are good write ups on proper clutch adjustment on the site but I don't have the links handy.

 

I don't know the exact spec, but in general for a coarse adjustment...you've got a threaded cable end and thumb wheel at the lever.

You should just have a little bit of lever free play, maybe 1/4" of pull before it actually starts pulling the cable.

If it's worn to where you have more than that, you won't get a full release from the clutch and it'll do that when you shift into gear.

Back the thumb wheel away so the threaded end is unlocked, screw the cable end out until the lever has no free play, then run it in just enough to get that slight bit of slop in the lever. Hold it there, and run the thumb wheel down to lock it in place.

Should be about right.

 

nickbrit16, where are you located in OHIO ??

I could be your next door neighbor... idk ...

Do a search on "xjbikes.com, clutch adjustment" in google search engine. I have found a lot of my information easier using google; type in the website first, followed by a specific topic. I've found the search 'feature' on this website to be a pain sometimes.

Anyhow, here's a simple clutch adjustment by RickCoMatic that you may want to read if you haven't stumbled across it

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2 ... art=0.html

 

Thanks Moellear, im from Dayton, southwestern Ohio...

 

I lived there for five years while attending school, and know my way around the place. Finished my degree a year ago and moved away since then after obtaining a full-time job.

btw: you have a lot of people around your neck of the woods. Its best to put a generalized area of where you are located because you'd be surprised who just might lend a hand if you get stumped on something

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=9 ... art=0.html

 

Freeplay of 1/4" is too much. The book calls for 1mm~3mm; just enough to keep from pulling in the clutch when turning the bars. You don't want it dead tight, that will lead to premature failure of the throwout "wafer" bearing.

 

Adjusted it as described, same thing...

 

Your idle should be at 1050~. If it's higher than that, you can get the symptom you describe, in my experience--not sure if that's because of something I've done wrong, but I've experienced it on more than one bike.

But what is a "jerky matron"?

 

Well, when i shift into first to start my ride, the bike kind of "hops", that was meant to say "jerky motion". So my rpm at idle should be 1050?

 

Cool...like I said I don't know the spec...but all cable clutches need a little freeplay. I figured he might be not getting a full release...

I dunno. Suppose the cable could be stretching and about to go...my Goldwing did that for a week or so before the cable snapped...kept playing with it, but felt like something weird was happening...

 

Yeah i cecked my rpm at dle and its at exactly 1050

 

A slight bump when you shift into gear is normal (especially on a cold engine with heavy oil). If you can hold it still, at idle, in 1st gear without fighting it you're probably ok.

 

I've said this before-- it never ceases to amaze me that people expect 30-year old, petrified from sitting half in and half out of oil clutches to work flawlessly. Because it can't be seen?

Honestly? If you want your clutch to work correctly, rebuild it. New friction plates and springs, Scotchbrite the plain plates, and if you want to get all hinky do a new cable too. If it has a lot of miles, then the hub or basket might need to be replaced; but in most cases, not usually. It's old, just like your brakes. Rebuild it.

THEN it'll work like it's supposed to. Anything less will result in an on-going fight.

 

True dat...I would only add that when I did the 650, I also installed a set of 20% over strength springs...really didn't affect lever pull as much as I thought it might, but the clutch felt really good, could power wheelie it easily after that...it would never do that before. Gotta increase clutch life too, I'd think...unless you're a nut like me, but that's another issue... :lol:

 

Thanks for the input