stiff clutch

[Labrat]

I have a 92 GS.  The clutch seems very stiff.  Any thoughts on lubrication or adjustment.  The only spec i found for adjustment was free play.

[Kerry]

How many miles do you have on the odometer?  I ask because of what I experienced with my '99.  The original clutch cable snapped at around 18,000(?) miles.  During the week or two before it broke the clutch got harder and harder to pull.

I'm sure that if I had EVER lubed the cable it would have lasted a lot longer, and been easier to operate.  When I installed a new cable the difference was like night and day.

For starters you probably want to try lubing the cable.  The clutch cable is just about the easiest one on the bike to get to - the upper end, anyway.  Once you have removed the cable from the lever there are several ways you can choose to lubricate it:

1) Buy a cable luber and a spray can of lube with a "straw" that fits into it.  (See http://www.protectall.com/cable_life.htm for info on the one that I now use.)  The first time I tried it the lube sprayed everywhere BUT into the cable housing.  I have since gotten a better feel for using the luber device.

2) Apply a suitable oil/lube drop by drop to the end of the cable housing.  Maybe 30-50 drops?

3) Similar to 2) except that you don't have to pay as much attention.  Wrap some Saran Wrap around the end of the cable housing in the shape of a small cone and tape it tightly in place.  Then let your oil/lube pool up in the cone and wait for it to drain down the cable.  Done!

[Labrat]

Thanks for the info.  Just turned 5000 miles.