GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

maybe it's my lack of searching skills; but my clymer doesn't say what EXACTLY this adjusts.  I understand how to adjust the clutch at the lever, and where it enters the case, but is this tension? is it another freeplay adjustment? point of engagement?  :dunno:

I think it does the same as the one by the lever.

Quote from: tdan553527I think it does the same as the one by the lever.

I don't *think* so... but I dunno.  I'm going to take a closer look tonight..

It screws inward on the clutch rod. It's also the first thing to adjust when you adjust freeplay, but if you always adjust this you may not know how stretched your cable is.

Quote from: scratchIt screws inward on the clutch rod. It's also the first thing to adjust when you adjust freeplay, but if you always adjust this you may not know how stretched your cable is.

hmm... ok because I'm having some slight clutch slippage problems.  It is still really 'grabby', but when accelerating hard it starts slipping above about 8k or so

Go ahead and adjust that...thing.

Quote from: scratchGo ahead and adjust that...thing.

hmm... ok/..... how? my clymer's doesn't show anything about it

OK that oval oblongoid plate on the sprocket cover isn't supposed to be adjusted. That bolt and threaded sleeve on the top and the handle bar post are all the adjustments you got.
Cool.
Srinath.

Just to make sure ... are we talking about this?

(http://www.bbburma.net/MiscFotos/100_1212_LowerClutchAdjuster.jpg)

If so, then yeah ... it's just another adjustment mechanism like the one at the clutch lever.  They work together.  Conventional wisdom seems to be that you

adjust the tension at the lever until you run out of "adjustability", then

use the adjuster in the picture to recover adjustability range, and then

go back to adjusting at the lever[/list:u]

We're talking about the one that's behind the little cover on the sprocket cover.

I agree it should be set, and left alone. For the reason I stated above (cable stretch) and slippage, which is potentially worn out fiber plates.

I suggested adjusting it to see if it aleviates the clutch slippage. Bein' a cheap bastard an' all.

Quote from: scratchWe're talking about the one that's behind the little cover on the sprocket cover.

Ah, OK.  Then I guess I'm picture-less on this one.  Sorry....

QuoteIt screws inward on the clutch rod. It's also the first thing to adjust when you adjust freeplay, but if you always adjust this you may not know how stretched your cable is.

Agreed except for last part.  Let's get some clarity here....  

The adjustment being discussed lies under the oblong plate fastened with 2 screws into the sprocket cover.  

Very simple to adjust.  1] Loosen the locknut.  2] Loosen the screw a bit.  3] Tighten screw lightly until it seats.  4]  Then back it off a 1/4 turn.  5] Tighten locknut.

This adjustment is to set the specified clearance in the clutch pushrod.  Without clearance, the pushrod is slightly releasing the clutch as well as overworking the flat throwout bearing.  Bad.  This adjustment does not affect freeplay in the clutch cable.

I think the pushrod loses clearance as the fiber plates wear thinner, so this should be a periodic adjustment, although mine never required adjustment even after 20,000 miles.

Nor have I ever needed to replace clutch plates.  A light sanding to remove glaze and discoloration has always been good enough.  :thumb:

OK that pic from Kerry is the only adjustment on the sproket ... you cant adjust anyhitng under that little oblong bit. Now I have seen clutches last 100K, I have seen them die in 100 ... misuse, clue less use, misadjustment, and general poor clutch design cause the accelerated wear. The GS doesn't have the last, the other 3 are choices made by the owner. I have 47K on a stock clutch ... any one want to top that ... I am sure there are ... cos there were a few on the mailing list few years ago that had near 100K on the bike wiht it all stock or some like that.
Cool.
Srinath.

Quote from: Kerry

Quote from: scratchWe're talking about the one that's behind the little cover on the sprocket cover.

Ah, OK.  Then I guess I'm picture-less on this one.  Sorry....

Clarification:  I have a picture of the cover, but not of the stuff behind it:



So, if there's nothing behind the cover that is adjustable, why is it removeable?  To allow for easy replacement of a part, perhaps?

Quote from: Kerry

Quote from: Kerry

Quote from: scratchWe're talking about the one that's behind the little cover on the sprocket cover.

Ah, OK.  Then I guess I'm picture-less on this one.  Sorry....

Clarification:  I have a picture of the cover, but not of the stuff behind it:



So, if there's nothing behind the cover that is adjustable, why is it removeable?  To allow for easy replacement of a part, perhaps?

if you take it off, you can see there's a bolt-end with a notch for a screwdriver, then a locknut to keep it from moving.   It's something that CAN be adjusted... I dunno if it should be adjusted

QuoteSo, if there's nothing behind the cover that is adjustable, why is it removeable?

Gee, I thought we'd just cleared up the confusion. :roll:    

There is an adjustment beneath that cover.  

It does not adjust freeplay in the cable.  

It adjusts clearance in the clutch actuator and pushrod--primarily so that the fragile clutch release bearing is not placed under a constant load. :nono:

OK I guess I have to plead ignorance at this point ... never opened up that little hatch ... so not a clue.
Cool.
Srinath.