Clutch Fluid Questions - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

adamdrum · 09-19-2007, 02:48 PM

Today...when starting in the cold...when I began my ride (parked), with my clutch lever all the way in...the bike was still moving forward, slightly engaged in gear. Then trying to get into neutral was a bit tricky. I waited a while, and after warming up, it seemed ok, however the clutch lever is still a little mushy.
1. Can this lack of clutch performance be due to low clutch fluid? (It may be low).
2. If so...do I need to go through the pain of bleeding the system, or can I just add fluid?

themeatmanlandry · 09-19-2007, 03:04 PM

Question: Can the lever be adjusted on a hydraulic clutch? I seem to think not . . . probably no help.

I'd start by adding fluid if needed. If that doesn't work, I'd bleed it next. After that, your guess is as good as mine.

Additional questions:
Do you have the owner's manual?
Do you have a shop manual?
Do you own a buttfor?

**Clint** · 09-19-2007, 03:16 PM

If you would fill out your profile, we'd know how old your bike is. If it's more than a few years, you should flush it anyway. Hydraulic fluid collects moisture by design, and eventually it becomes saturated and less effective. It's quite easy if you don't already have a bunch of air in the lines.

Dang it, Landry! Now I have to watch Holy Grail again! Lucky I have a dual-monitor setup.

DrBob · 09-20-2007, 04:45 AM

Time to change the fluid. Here's how

INstructions are for an Intruder, but most bikes with a hydraulic clutch are similar.

09-19-2007, 02:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
adamdrum Newbie Joined: May 2004 Posts: 6	Clutch Fluid Questions Today...when starting in the cold...when I began my ride (parked), with my clutch lever all the way in...the bike was still moving forward, slightly engaged in gear. Then trying to get into neutral was a bit tricky. I waited a while, and after warming up, it seemed ok, however the clutch lever is still a little mushy. 1. Can this lack of clutch performance be due to low clutch fluid? (It may be low). 2. If so...do I need to go through the pain of bleeding the system, or can I just add fluid?

09-19-2007, 03:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
themeatmanlandry Happy-ass Lunatic Joined: Dec 2003 Bike: 2002 Bandit 600S (Black); 2006 GSXR750 (Black) Location: Memphis Posts: 11,423	Question: Can the lever be adjusted on a hydraulic clutch? I seem to think not . . . probably no help. I'd start by adding fluid if needed. If that doesn't work, I'd bleed it next. After that, your guess is as good as mine. Additional questions: Do you have the owner's manual? Do you have a shop manual? Do you own a buttfor? __________________ Go to hell

09-20-2007, 04:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,765	Time to change the fluid. Here's how INstructions are for an Intruder, but most bikes with a hydraulic clutch are similar. __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog!

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