Tough clutch lever?

[crackerman]

My clutch lever is super tight when I pull the clutch in. I just got a 82 650e with 14,000 mile. So I'm going to replace the cable and replace the clutch springs. Should I replace the clutch plates as well? Any one else dealing with a tough clutch?

 

[koolaid_kid]

Most likely your cable needs to be lubed, very common. Pull the cable end out at the lever (you'll need to disconnect it at the other end also). Examine the inner line at the ferrule (the round barrel-looking thing). If it is frayed, replace it. Otherwise, lube it with cable lube. That should fix your problem.

 

[Guest]

Do you have a lever actuator or does the cable go to the sprocket cover?

 

[koolaid_kid]

That particular bike has the lever over the clutch cover, so the worm gear behind the sprocket cover is not present.

 

[drejal]

had you changed the routing of the cable at all?

When I replaced my clutch cable (79 550L) it seemed that it was way too hard to pull the clutch, I pulled the cable out, and checked how it was routed, i later found out my bars aren't stock. Shorter bars make for tougher routing with a stock clutch cable!

make sure there are no hard bends in the cable, and as stated before, make sure it's lubed and moves smoothly when it's unhooked.

 

[crackerman]

Routing seem fine. Going to replace the cable, springs and clutch plates.

 

[Steve]

Three things to keep in mind:
1. Stock Suzuki cables seem to work better and last longer than aftermarket cables.
2. Stock Suzuki clutch springs are perfectly adequate for stock bikes. If you have "enhanced" your engine output, consider stronger springs, but stock is fine.
3. While you are checking your clutch plates, look at the grooves in the basket where the clutch plates ride. If there are notches there, clutch action will be affected.

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