clutch life

[ricky]

hi every one

whats the clutch life like on a curvey sk1 650

just wondering how well they last as my bikes on 35k now and the gear change is starting to get harder and harder to find N when pulling up at lights

Cheers

[wattyfred89]

probably not your clutch itself, have you checked the clutch lever adjustment and looked at the chain ?

[_Stretchie_]

How longs a piece of string?

As mentioned, I'd try adjusting the clutch first, not sure about the SV but on mine you adjust at the lever and also at the cover where the clutch wire goes into the engine

Depends on how you use it mate. It can't be that expensive to sort out though can it? (awaits an SV owner to comment on the below link)

http://wemoto.com/bikes/Suzuki/SV_650_K1_K2_X_Y/99-02/picture/EBC_Clutch_Kit_-_SRC_Series/

[ricky]

How longs a piece of string?

this is very true lol

as for the other bits chains correct checked every weekend when i oil it.

clutch is adjusted as well so come to a stump lol

[Bug666]

How longs a piece of string?

Twice as long as it is from the middle to one end! :p

But yeah depends on too many things to give a true answer. Riding style being the main one. Any other symptoms? like clutch slip in a high gear when accelerating uphill? Sounds more like yours is grabbing if anything though.
But difficult gearchanges have usually been cured by chain adjustment/wheel alignment or even just new oil for me.

[yorkie_chris]

Basket is generally notched way before the plates have problems. Mine's a bit notched at 40odd k, but I wouldn't say I was particularly smooth with how I let it out.

[Alpinestarhero]

Ricky; is the cable adjusted for free play, or has the worm drive mechanism been adjusted for actual clutch operation when the lever is pulled in at the handlebar?

Also, what is the stat of your chain? If its too slack (or too taught!), and not clean and lubricated, you can get problems.

Also make sure your engine oil level is fine. I had trouble getting neutrals when the engine was hot from sitting in traffic; its now better since I changed my oil

As for clutch life itself, my bike (like YC's) is on 40,000 miles. My clutch feels smooth and nice to use, but I'm pretty gentle with my shifts and dont tear away from the lights

[Sid Squid]

If the clutch is worn out it will slip, difficulty in changing gear is often a sympton of clutch drag, the opposite problem from a worn out clutch.

Anyway, to echo the advice previously given, it's almost certainly in need of adjustment. If this fails to solve the problem then something in the lift mechanism is worn, or the basket has some damage.

Adjusting the clutch:
Slacken off cable adjusters at top and bottom, loosen lifter locknut, back out screw a bit, ensure that lifter arm is as far down as it will go, gently turn screw in until it contacts pushrod, back it out a bit, (~1/8th of a turn), then nip up the locknut, roughly adjust cable with lower adjuster - not too tight - then with top adjuster ensure that there remains a little slack all the way from lock to lock.