Making My Clutch "Lighter"

Hi all

At first, I thought my clutch was fine (and it is as far as I know) - what I am talking about here is the effort required to pull it in.

Just had a squeeze on my mates new XT660 and what a difference...its so much lighter/easier to pull in.

Is there anything I can do to improve this on my SV ('02 S)?

I did a search as Im sure this has probably been mentioned somewhere else, but all I can find is clutch issues + adjustment. I'm happy with where the biting point is (about midway out), just want to be lazy about pulling it in lol.

Now I know I can WD40 the clutch cable, but I'm also sure I read somewhere that something at the other end that gets gunked up over time and requires a good clean + greasing. Vauge recollection of loose bearing too, or something like that?

Ta muchly.

[rictus01]

probably needs a new cable (about £12-15), but a hydraulic cable oiler will ease it somewhat.

Link.

the worm drive of the adjuster (under the front sprocket cover can be re-greased if it becomes dry.

[the_lone_wolf]

WD40 isn't a lubricant, it's a water disperser

Use a proper clutch line lube, all WD40 will do is strip any existing grease out

Other than that all you could do is redesign the clutch system so it's not almost a decade old...

Or if you fancy a challenge fit a hydraulic clutch - the one on mine is dreamy smooth and light despite having to handle almost x2 the torque of the SV

[rictus01]

Oh and if you do take the worm drive to bits, watchout you don't drop the ball bearings out all over the place.

Mark is correct, use engine oil, works fine.

Learn something new everyday! I always thought WD was a lube, its slippery afterall!

The worm drive is what I think I was on about. Off to search.

For future searchers:

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.p...ase+worm+drive

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by hongman

Learn something new everyday! I always thought WD was a lube, its slippery afterall!

To a point it is, but it's primary design purpose is to displace water. There's usually something better to use...

[Sid Squid]

Echo the above - the SVs clutch is commendably light, if yours is heavy something is wrong.
The first thing I'd do is disconnect both ends of the cable and push/pull the inner, does it move easily? If yes then the other bits of the assembly need attention, grease the lever and pivot and check the lifter. If no then remove the cable from the bike and straighten it, does it move easily now? If yes then the routing may not be right, or the outer cable may be kinked. If no then consider replacing it, once a cable is damaged it's never going to be smooth and light.

Ah, its good to know the SV clutch is light when everything is working properly.

It's make it a lot easier on my wrist too While I am still "building" it back up.

Should be collecting the bike tomorrow from my mates house, I'll have a tinker then, and see what's going on!

[Viney]

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

To a point it is, but it's primary design purpose is to displace water. There's usually something better to use...

3 in one