Friction Zone

[DocFree]

Is there a way to adjust the friction zone on the clutch.  I feel like I have to let my clutch almost all the way out before the gear catches. It never slips out of gear or anything, it just seems the friction zone is small less than 1/4 of the total clutch handle travel.  Is this a sign of something bad?  Keep in mind that I have only been riding the bike for a month or so and have nothing to compare it to besides the MSFs small nighthawks. Its a 2001 GS with 7000 miles.

[3imo]

I believe all you need to do is adjust the clutch cable.

Everytime I removed my clutch cable for whatever reason, it took a bit of adjusting to get the Clutch feeling like it should.

[Trwhouse]

Hi Doc,

There's more to adjusting the clutch on the GS500 than just adjusting the clutch cable.
You really need to adjust the clutch lever arm, which is what pushes on the clutch rod inside the transmission. The adjuster is under the small cover (held on by two phillips-head screws) just to the upper left of the shift lever on the left side of the engine. Remove the cover, then look at the adjuster that sits inside there. You loosen the locknut, turn the screw in all the way until it seats, then turn it out a specified amount and retighten the locknut.
The factory manual calls for you to loosen the locknut, turn the bolt into the shaft until it stops moving, then back it out  1/4 to 1/2 turn and retighten the locknut. I find that 1/4 turn out gives me the best clutch adjustment and feel, then adjust the cable freeplay so the lever freeplay is correct.
That's all there is to it.
Your clutch should feel much better.

Best wishes,
Todd

[3imo]

TRW is right...You CAN adjust your clutch like that...

BUT your riding an 01' with 7000miles on the odometer and you've only had the bike a month....

I would try adjusting the cable first. 

**no offense intended TRW, but I believe all he needs to do is adjust the clutch cable.

[TadMC]

but the lever is soooooo easy, why would you not want to do that

[3imo]

but the lever is soooooo easy, why would you not want to do that

TADMC - for you and me  your right.

read this guys post...He's only had the bike one month and is only used to the 250cc bikes from the MSF.

Why send a noob to rebuild his carbs, when he could possibly fix the problem by adjusting his IDLE.

[scratch]

I believe all you need to do is adjust the clutch cable.

Yes, it's true, all you have to do is adjust the clutch cable.  Start with the fine adjuster under the rubber cover inboard of the clutch lever.  Loosen the lockwheel, and screw in the adjuster a little bit at a time until you get the feel you want.

You only really want to mess with the clutch lever arm when you feel the clutch is not disengaging or is slipping.  This indicates that something like your clutch fiber plates are wearing, or the metal plates are warping (rare).  So if you leave it alone, you'll have a better idea as to when it's time to replace your clutch fiber plates.

[Kerry]

Since nobody is going to mention it for me...

Adjusting the Clutch Lever (1 min video)[/list]

Not my best video (in fact it was my first) but it should help with visualization.  One thing I don't mention in the video is:

The friction zone follows the adjuster.  If you screw the adjuster in towards the handgrip, the friction zone moves closer to the handgrip too.

[DocFree]

Thank you guys for all you help. I'll adjust the cable when I get home tonight.  I'm really glad I found this board.. Its Great 

[TadMC]

This is great, so many nice new people!!