Longer clutch release arm

[akreider]

I just installed an APE heavy duty clutch on my bike. Now the clutch is more stiffer to pull, which I can live with if I have to. But I was thinking that if the clutch release arm (Number 29 Here) were longer that would give me more leverage, thus make it easier to pull. Does anyone supply this type of part or would I have to design one to be made by a machine shop?

Adam

[Nessism]

Sounds like a good project. Maybe pick up a spare and cut and weld in a small extension?

[tconroy]

I just installed an APE heavy duty clutch on my bike. Now the clutch is more stiffer to pull, which I can live with if I have to. But I was thinking that if the clutch release arm (Number 29 Here) were longer that would give me more leverage, thus make it easier to pull. Does anyone supply this type of part or would I have to design one to be made by a machine shop?

Adam

I would wait a few hundred miles and see what happens after break in.It may loosen up by itself.

[Road_Clam]

I just installed an APE heavy duty clutch on my bike.
Adam

BIG mistake for a street driven bike. You are essentially never going to need the added pressure of those brutally stiff APE springs. Throw those springs on the shelf, and purchase the bone stock OE Suzuki springs, and your left hand will be forever gratefull. I have Barnett plates, and OE Suzuki springs on my 1100, and they bite hard, progressive, and smooth with zero problems.

[argonsagas]

I would be inclined to follow Road Clam's advice.

Lengthening the arm would lessen the pressure a bit, but the length would be critical, as you very limited in what is possible, the limitation being the space for movement of the handlebar lever and cable.



The shorter distance the release arm has to move to do its work, the less movement is required from the handlebar release lever. Conversely, the longer the arm, the more space you must have to allow for lever and cable movement.

If you were to make the arm just a tad too long, you could never get enough movement in the bar lever to release the clutch, and any cable stretch would have the same effect.

[BikeNut]

I also agree with not making a longer clutch arm, unless you've thought through all the ramifications of it, i.e. increased cable throw, which would require a different perch and lever assembly to allow for more pull on the cable, etc...

If you are looking to get a firmer clutch and don't want to feel that you threw away money, i remember reading that someone had alternated their standard clutch springs with the heavier aftermarket springs. That would make your clutch pull easier.