So, I know how to adjust the clutch lever from the nut on the lever, but how do you adjust the clutch to make it grab sooner.. seems like my clutch on my new 05 gs500f is breaking in now, but it doesnt grab till ive almost let the lever all the way out. Can i turn the major clutch cable adjuster (on the crank case) a certain way to make the clutch grab sooner?
You can make the clutch grab sooner by loosening the clutch cable, at the handlebars. Just don't loosen the cable too much, or the clutch won't totally disengage.
To loosen the cable simply back the 'retaining' part back and then thread the main screw in towards the handlebars. When the clutchlever is where you'd like it to be, simply thread the 'retaining' part back.
One of the technical gurus feel free to correct/explain what I've said.
I recently had to clean out the front sprocket cover and documented the method I used to adjust the clutch. Have a look at my Sprocket Cover Cleanout & Clutch Adjustment (http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20468) post.
You should read through the replies as I admit that I could have improved my technique.
The clutch adjustment you want is probably best achieved by tightening up on the Clutch Mechanism Release Adjustment screw, found under that little 2-screw fixed cover set in the Sprocket Cover:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/Clutch%20Adjustment/10-ClutchMechReleaseAdjustment.jpg)
If you tighten too much, you can actually engage the clutch. That's why the adjustment should allow 4mm free-play in the clutch lever. You could take that away (like I initially did) but you then maintain tension on the clutch cable and any touch of the lever may easily disengage the drive when you weren't intending to. :nono:
Adjust away. I encourage wrenching to put your own touch on your bike settings.
Roy...
I checked out your other post... thanks for all the info. I'll have to try tweaking it later. This forum is really cool for a new GS owner like myself.