Clutch lever adjustment

[Dima26]

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum and new to bikes. I bought new GS500F last Friday and already love her. However I have a couple of questions that I couldn't figure out by reading the posts.

My friction zone is confined to the last inch or so of clutch lever travel before the clutch lever is fully open (away from the hand grip). Is it how it is supposed to be? It is a little incovenient, since I need to let the lever almost all the way till the bike starts moving.

Thanks, I will appreciate if somebody could answer that.

D.

[sys49152]

Yes, mine is about the same.  I wasn't sure about this, but figured as long as you've got 10-15mm of play (as per the specs in our manual) in the clutch when fully open, you're ok.

[Kerry]

as long as you've got 10-15mm of play (as per the specs in our manual) in the clutch when fully open, you're ok.

I'm not sure which manual you're referring to, but here is how the Haynes manual shows the measurement:

[Dima26]

Thanks a lot for quick answers!!!

[sys49152]

as long as you've got 10-15mm of play (as per the specs in our manual) in the clutch when fully open, you're ok.

I'm not sure which manual you're referring to, but here is how the Haynes manual shows the measurement:

The owner's manual.  Not sure if "fully open" was the correct term (can't seem to find the english version, and my french is just about as good as my russian ), but it looks like the above diagram also shows approximately 10mm of free play.

[Kerry]

Yep - the Haynes manual specifies the same 10-15mm that you found in the owner's manual.  It's all good.  

BTW, the Clymer manual uses a different measurement method and value.  It specifies a freeplay amount of 4mm and hints (rather than says) to measure it at the other end of the clutch lever - where the pivoting lever leaves a space between itself and the clutch perch.

[EDIT: Fixed typo and "dunno" smiley.]