Clutch issue

[BigRiig]

I have a 2005 Nomad and have always had this issue since I have owned the bike. When in stop-and-go situations, if I don't let the clutch out all the way, it starts to grab sooner. This has led to the clutch engaging slightly even with the clutch lever pulled completely in. The only fix is to put the bike in neutral, let the clutch out all the way, and then pull it back again. I know the bike uses a reservoir with a slave cylinder on the crank case but is there any way to avoid or fix this issue. I commute on my scoot and it makes riding through the city a daunting task.

Before anyone asks, I have replaced the clutch spring, added a braided clutch line, and bled the entire system. This issue has always been even before these changes.

[redjay]

Originally Posted by BigRiig

I have a 2005 Nomad and have always had this issue since I have owned the bike. When in stop-and-go situations, if I don't let the clutch out all the way, it starts to grab sooner. This has led to the clutch engaging slightly even with the clutch lever pulled completely in. The only fix is to put the bike in neutral, let the clutch out all the way, and then pull it back again. I know the bike uses a reservoir with a slave cylinder on the crank case but is there any way to avoid or fix this issue. I commute on my scoot and it makes riding through the city a daunting task.

Before anyone asks, I have replaced the clutch spring, added a braided clutch line, and bled the entire system. This issue has always been even before these changes.

You stated the only fix is to put the bike in neutral, let the clutch out all the way and then pull it back in again. To me this would indicate that the second pull of the clutch lever is "pumping up" the system which would indicate the system is not bled fully or the slave cylinder is leaking hydraulic pressure thereby not fully disengaging the clutch. You also stated the clutch engages slightly even with the clutch lever pulled completely in, another sign of a leaking slave cyclinder ? Are you losing clutch fluid from the master cylinder ?
Have you owned the bike from new ? Is it possible a previous owner took the cluch apart and did not assemble it correctly seeing as you stated you have had the issue ever since you bought the bike ?

[plumber63]

I would recommend replacing the hose. It maybe expanding with pressure. Get a stainless steel one.

https://www.gbrakes.com/shop/moto/li...s-fk003d411cl/

[BigRiig]

Originally Posted by redjay

You stated the only fix is to put the bike in neutral, let the clutch out all the way and then pull it back in again. To me this would indicate that the second pull of the clutch lever is "pumping up" the system which would indicate the system is not bled fully or the slave cylinder is leaking hydraulic pressure thereby not fully disengaging the clutch. You also stated the clutch engages slightly even with the clutch lever pulled completely in, another sign of a leaking slave cyclinder ? Are you losing clutch fluid from the master cylinder ?
Have you owned the bike from new ? Is it possible a previous owner took the cluch apart and did not assemble it correctly seeing as you stated you have had the issue ever since you bought the bike ?

I am the 3rd owner but still know and ride with the 2nd owner. He sold it to me at 36k miles and I am now well over 70k. He didn't do any clutch modifications and he's pretty sure the first owner didn't either as he bought it with only 5k on the bike.

No leaks from the slave cylinder and the fluid is clean and bled. I can re-bleed it and see if that helps.

Originally Posted by plumber63

I would recommend replacing the hose. It maybe expanding with pressure. Get a stainless steel one.

https://www.gbrakes.com/shop/moto/li...s-fk003d411cl/

I already have stainless lines on it. I added ape hangers a few years ago and replaced the clutch and brake line with braided stainless.

Also, the bike has always done this the 10 years I have owned it. Could it be par for the course?

[redjay]

I don't understand this part of your original comment so can you explain in further detail ?

" if I don't let the clutch out all the way, it starts to grab sooner".

[BigRiig]

Originally Posted by redjay

I don't understand this part of your original comment so can you explain in further detail ?

" if I don't let the clutch out all the way, it starts to grab sooner".

It's hard to explain. Think about pumping the brakes in an older car to make the pedal firmer. It's like the opposite of that and without the clutch getting firmer.

So when I normally let out the clutch, it will start to engage when I have let the lever out about 2/3 of the way. If I don't let it out all the way and then pull it back in, the next time I start to let it out, it engages at about 1/2 way out. Then if I don't let it out all the way again and pull it back in, the next time I start to let it out, the clutch engages at about a 1/4 of the way out. Does that make sense?