Clutch Feel

[yeti585]

Ive been riding my 07 GS500F for about a season and a 1/4, and have a good idea of what the clutch felt like. It had 12k miles on it when i bought it (3rd owner i believe), and currently is sitting at 14k and change. I remember the clutch grabbing at half throw on the lever, but now it feels like it isnt grabbing until almost all the way out, and jerks unless it is released gently to the full extent of the lever.

1. Would an adjustment possibly fix this? And, if so, which adjustment? 2. Is my riding style killing the clutch? 3. Is this an indication that the bike is due for a new clutch?

Im pretty sure its been a first bike for all 3 riders; myself included. So, it wouldnt surprise me if one of us burnt through the clutch

[Watcher]

Look up a 3-point clutch adjustment and do one.

Usually an aggressive riding style is easier on the clutch.  If you slip it on every gear change that can be detrimental.

"End of lever bite" is factory spec.  Middle of the lever isn't exactly a good position.

[alpo]

The clutch lever has adjusters for setting the "bite", where the clutch disengages, where you like it. Free play at the lever is generally around 10-15mm.

The engine oil can play a role in how grabby the clutch feels. The wrong oil can make the friction plates too slick, so it feels like it grabs all of a sudden.

[ShowBizWolf]

Helpful wiki links:

http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Maintenance.AdjustClutch

http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Maintenance.FrontSproketCoverRemoval