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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Jimbob on June 25, 2018, 11:48:46 PM

Title: Tight clutch lever
Post by: Jimbob on June 25, 2018, 11:48:46 PM
Hey guys I had to replace my clutch lever because I broke the original  :cry:

When I installed the new (after market) lever I noticed it was really tight compared to the original is it normal to be really tight? I had to use a rubber mallet to get it to line up properly. Now with the clutch cable back on its tight so that the clutch lever will go most the way back but it doesn't go all the way back where the free play is.
Will the clutch lever loosen up over time?
Title: Re: Tight clutch lever
Post by: Watcher on June 26, 2018, 12:33:20 AM
I had to lightly sand some Chinese levers I got for my last GS to get them to not bind.

Don't risk it getting stuck mid ride, it won't "wear in", either replace it with another lever or just manually adjust the clearance with some good ol' aluminum oxide.
Title: Re: Tight clutch lever
Post by: J_Walker on June 26, 2018, 09:56:05 AM
did you use the OEM washer with the new levers? if so try taking it out and running without it.
Title: Re: Tight clutch lever
Post by: Jimbob on June 26, 2018, 06:39:26 PM
I didn't see a washer in there at all, the new lever has a gold ring inside
Title: Re: Tight clutch lever
Post by: user11235813 on June 27, 2018, 06:01:53 PM
If you do go for new levers, I can recommend these, and they won't break if your bike fall over!

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Folding-Extendable-Adjustable-Brake-Clutch-Levers-For-Suzuki-GS500-1989-2008/322164096448
Title: Re: Tight clutch lever
Post by: TGTwin on June 27, 2018, 08:18:18 PM
Do those adjustable levers still have plenty of "throw" on the clutch side to fully disengage it? I've been looking for some adjustable levers for my clutch as the stock ones (or at least whatever ones my GS has on it) feel very far away from the handle. Nothing unsurmountable, but the adjustable front-brake lever I can adjust to a much more confortable position than the clutch. My only worry is if I get an adjustable clutch lever is that it will still have to be adjusted out very far to be able to disengage the clutch and therefore be a waste of money.
Title: Re: Tight clutch lever
Post by: Watcher on June 27, 2018, 08:51:35 PM
Quote from: TGTwin on June 27, 2018, 08:18:18 PM
Do those adjustable levers still have plenty of "throw" on the clutch side to fully disengage it?  My only worry is if I get an adjustable clutch lever is that it will still have to be adjusted out very far to be able to disengage the clutch and therefore be a waste of money.

The clutch "throw" is determined down at the engine case, not by the type of lever you have.  All the lever will do is move closer or farther from the grip at rest.

If you have the clutch properly adjusted where you have 1/8" play at the lever before it starts to disengage the clutch, you have plenty of room to play before you'll run out of "throw".
Title: Re: Tight clutch lever
Post by: Jimbob on June 29, 2018, 02:13:56 PM
Those do look nice
Title: Re: Tight clutch lever
Post by: Jimbob on June 29, 2018, 02:18:05 PM
Are these basically the same but cheaper?
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F282245103265
Title: Re: Tight clutch lever
Post by: user11235813 on June 29, 2018, 02:36:07 PM
No, most importantly the levers are not folding, so if you bike falls over they can snap. They are also not adjustable length you have to choose long or short. For what you are losing they are more expensive not cheaper.