Vulcan Drifter Riders

DISCUSSIONS => Drifter 1500 only => Topic started by: scwilli on November 18, 2010, 20:23:49 PM

Title: Clutch adjustment?
Post by: scwilli on November 18, 2010, 20:23:49 PM
Next problem for my bike, worded a little funny:

Most of my clutch's pull does nothing.  Fully pulled in, the heel/toe shifter is stiff and if i let off the clutch even a hair, the bike is moving.

Can i adjust the clutch where it actually disengages before the handle is in contact with the bar?
Title: Re: Clutch adjustment?
Post by: Varooom on November 19, 2010, 06:02:01 AM
Yes.  The handle is adjustable with a nice rotating cam that is at its pivot point.  The adjustment is done with no tools; simply by rotating the knob.  Simply push the clutch lever out away from the bike and try different positions of its rotation, noting which one sends the engagement point out away from the grip.  This is to account for different finger lengths and personal prefs.
Varooom
Title: Re: Clutch adjustment?
Post by: scwilli on November 19, 2010, 09:06:09 AM
Ive tried messing with the pivot(round thing with numbers on it) but none seem to effect where the clutch engages at. 
Title: Re: Clutch adjustment?
Post by: scwilli on November 19, 2010, 10:19:54 AM
Went to start the bike up and screw with the pivot this morning and found that the clutch resivoir on the handlebar is damn near empty.  So that brings up a couple questions.

How far do i fill it up
I use dot3 brake fluid, right
Do i have to bleed the lines
Where would be a good place to start checking for leaks in the lines
Title: Re: Clutch adjustment?
Post by: chief on November 19, 2010, 12:44:12 PM
1) DOT 4
2) You should replace all of the fluid now... brake fluid attracts moisture, so this would be a good time to change the fluid.
3) Refilling, you should hold the bike/clutch reservoir horizontal, remove the cap and fill. There is a site "bubble" with two lines. The fluid should be between the upper and lower line.
4) you have to bleed the air from the lines - standard methods and precautions should be used.
5) It should be easy to find a leak... trace the lines and look for any wet spots.
Title: Re: Clutch adjustment?
Post by: scwilli on November 19, 2010, 14:40:15 PM
Figured as much for most of that(ment dot4 instead of 3, posting up at work).  I might look into getting a new resivoir since the window on mine is scratched up from 40k miles on the bike.
Title: Re: Clutch adjustment?
Post by: scwilli on November 20, 2010, 17:27:22 PM
Got everything swapped out, after about 10 minutes of failing to bleed the lines, i remembered that its smart to use the zert fittings

Cant find any leaks in the lines, but the clutch hasnt worked this good since ive owned it so i imagine it has been low on fluid for a while and finally emptied on thursday.  Thanks to everyone for the help.


One last thing, I cant find the fluid check window or just the resivoir for sale anywhere.  All i can find is a complete assembly.  Anyone know if i can pick up either of these by themselves?
Title: Re: Clutch adjustment?
Post by: Varooom on November 20, 2010, 17:33:06 PM
I can visualize your smile while cranking that throttle, all the way up here in NH,
Glad you got it ironed out,
Varooom