Clutch isn't releasing.

[dean]

I started up my bike recently and noticed that when I put it in gear, the bike would lurch and die, with the clutch lever pulled in.  I have taken the clutch off and inspected it and everything looks okay and is within specs.  I've also just replaced the clutch cable with a new one and adjusted it to specs.  Can anyone offer a suggestion that I can do to remedy this problem?  I've searched through the message boards and haven't come across anything that sounds like it might help.  

If the clutch is grabbing, can I assume that it's still good?  It just won't disengage when the lever is squeezed.  The most recent change I did was an oil change and I rode the bike afterwards and it did fine.  The next time I went to ride it, a couple of weeks later, the problem surfaced.  

Any help offered would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dean

[ollie357]

Dumb question: Was your side-stand up?

[scratch]

The 'lurch and die' tells me that the cable is too loose, but you said that it was adjusted to spec. I'm thinking to adjust it tighter anyway.

You did say that it was grabbing, so yes, it's maybe safe to say that the clutch is ok. Try adjusting the cable tighter to see if that takes care of the problem.

[dean]

I'll try adjusting the clutch cable further to see if that helps.  Also, I did double-check to make sure the side stand was up.  Unfortunately, I've done that before.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Roadstergal]

Another silly question, but did you let the bike warm up?  We've had a few chilly days here where I had to start the bike in neutral, because the clutch wouldn't release with the oil cold.

[dean]

Another silly question, but did you let the bike warm up?  We've had a few chilly days here where I had to start the bike in neutral, because the clutch wouldn't release with the oil cold.

I tried letting it warm up, too.  It didn't help either.  I'm going to replace the clutch and springs and see how that works.  There just isn't anything else that could be wrong.   That'll be all the pieces of the clutch system.

[davipu]

if your clutch springs are too loose, than no matter how far you adjust the cable it won't disengage.

[dean]

if your clutch springs are too loose, than no matter how far you adjust the cable it won't disengage.

I was wondering about that.  Thank you very much.  I've got a new set on order with a new clutch.  Thanks for everyone's help.

[davipu]

also if they are worn (too soft) they won't release the pressure being applied to the clutch,  is there any way that the discs dried out? if they are dry it could cause them to stick real easy.  I'd say take it apart again and check each part twice when you put it back together.  you should be able to isolate your problem that way.

[Dr. J]

Hi. I'm Jay. I'm having this same problem. The only way I can start & drive my 01 gs500 that I just bought with only 3100 miles is to 'bash' it into first gear (often by hand) then push the start button while giving it gas and holding on bloody tight. Then I must shift like a race bike madman...slam throttle and shift without thought of clutch usage.    

Soo...my question is: if my cable connections on both sides (hadle grip and engine block) ((forgive my novicine lingo)) are adjusted so that the threaded metal cable sleves are completely detatched from their counterparts, would the cable be tought as can be or loose as a goose?
And am I even warm with this direction?

Thanks'
J

[dean]

J,

If you thread the clutch cable adjusters out all the way until they're just barely threaded in, the clutch would most likely be adjusted to the point where it is not engaging all the way.  It would be like you always have the clutch lever pulled in, which shouldn't make it hard to shift, it shouldn't make the bike go at all.  I replaced the cable on my bike and it did not solve the problem.  So, I replaced the clutch and springs and the bike works flawlessly now.

I don't now if your bike needs a new clutch or springs yet, with only 3100 miles on it.  However, I would check and make sure the cable is adjusted correcyl as that is a cheaper fix than buying a new clutch and springs.  There is also a screw on the side of the bike where the clutch cable goes into the engine block that is used to adjust the clutch.  It is behind a little oblong shaped cover plate with two screws.  My bike is 1993 so I'm not sure if it's exactly the same.  I hope this helps.

[Jenerator]

Ohhhh that poor GS...  

[scratch]

J -

Start by adjusting both adjusters all the way in.
Feel the clutch lever to see how loose it is.
Adjust the lower adjuster so that you have about 4mm of play at the lever; the 4mm of play is measured at the pivot (Kerry, pictures!?).

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4306&highlight=clutch

Doin' a search on "clutch" with Kerry's name is how I found the link above, but there is many more that could be useful.

[Kerry]

if my cable connections on both sides (hadle grip and engine block) ((forgive my novicine lingo)) are adjusted so that the threaded metal cable sleves are completely detatched from their counterparts, would the cable be tought as can be or loose as a goose?

You're talking about these two sets of threads, yes?





The usual reason to expose more of those threads is to take up slack as the cable stretches.  In other words, to "tighten" the cable.  Do you feel any resistance when you pull on the clutch lever?  I'm trying to get a better feel for where you're at right now, as a starting point  for diagnosis.

[Dr. J]

Thanks guys. I took her into my local bike shop and the tech there said that these parts in the image below need replaced.



He adjusted them so that it would work for maybe a week, but I guess they're stripped badly. Even though it 'does' work now, it isn't very smooth and is most likely not kind to her. I ordered these parts from BikeBandit.com, but they are on backorder.  :dunno:  Anyone know where I could get these guys on the quick like?

Cheers'
J

[Kerry]

Did you try Ron Ayers?

[Dr. J]

Not yet, thank you. I'll send em an email right now.

Cheers'
J

[Dr. J]

Crud..Ron Ayers is out of them too.    Seems I always buy the things that have the worst parts availabilities. Must be a curse. :dunno:

Oh well, I still like the bike no doubt. I just wish it wasn't so top heavy. My GS likes to take advantage of any and every opportunity to lay down she can get. And I can't even get her on the center stand on my own.    I weigh 165 and am 5'10 and when I go to put it on the center stand...you guessed it..lay it on down.  :x  On the way back from Detroit with it, I managed to get myself wrestling style pinned on the ground by the old girl in front of dozens of Kalamazo service station patrons.  Kodak moment eh?  



Cheers'
J

[davipu]

I got a used one if your interested?

[Dr. J]

I got a used one if your interested?

Sure am!  :mrgreen:  How much with priority shipping to 55408?


J