Heavy clutch

[Brian foord]

Unfortunately I may have to sell my newly built katana 1100 due to the clutch being so heavy I can’t pull it in more than 6 times will my bad fingers.  it is so heavy it almost needs two hands. I really don’t want to part with it so do you guys have any ideas? 

[mkoppeser]

Maybe convert to hydraulic?  Considering this myself for the same reason.  I've seen other customs out there with these.  I'd be interested in hearing feedback from other OSS members.

[dago]

I found this made the most difference https://www.suzukiperformancespares.co.uk/product/ape-suzuki-forward-clutch-cable-kit/650/  straighter and shorter cable run made s lot of difference. I tried the hydraulic thing but the effort was the same & it either dragged or slipped as the travel was not enough

[Dezza]

I tried a hydraulic conversion (expensive one from Venhill) and it made Jack Shit difference to the heavy clutch on my efe engined bike. What did make a difference was realising I had heavy duty clutch springs and then changing 3 to OEM. Many OSS bikes have had the clutches and springs buggered about with over the years (same goes for the rest of the bike) and often we don't know exactly which bits are where. I would start with making sure your springs are OEM, your cable is correctly routed and lubricated, and the lever assembly is in good shape and isn't worn about the pivot. Then if it's still too heavy go from there.

[slayer61]

I have seen a couple of these over the years. Reduces pull effort and pull length at clutch end.

 

Edited December 28, 2020 by slayer61

[dago]

Dezza's right about the clutch springs, std ones more than man enough, someone in the past might have put hd springs in to cover up for worn clutch plates, it's the cheapest thing to try first 

[Isleoman]

In this situation I would convert all clutch springs back to OEM and then look at some of the  leverage assist devices suggested.   I've had respected builders tell me that's all they use.  

My modern bikes have fairly easy pull but once your hands start to develop carpel tunnel type issues it can still be a problem.   The angel of the clutch lever can make a difference.  The pads/rivets in the heel of my Held gloves was causing me issues related to opening and closing my grip.  Clip ons add weight to your wrists as well. 

Really modern bikes with auto up and down shift make me drool.  

[Brian foord]

9 hours ago, slayer61 said:

I have seen a couple of these over the years. Reduces pull effort and pull length at clutch end.

 

Yes I was looking at these. First thing I am going to do is buy some oem springs as I think they are heavy duty in it at the moment. 

[Brian foord]

Going to buy a set of oem springs and clutch plates. As I think it may well have heavy springs fitted. Where can I get some oem springs from? 

[HUM]

Hi  

GSX 1100E

 3 x OEM  3 x  HD springs and U have no broken fingers

I had the problem that my clutch in 4th and 5th slipped a bit  , I changed 3  OEM with new ones and  add 3 HD springs , plus new pads,  and it  works.

What makes the clutch more common is if you equalize the grooves in the inner basket a bit, they are usually run in.

I was already thinking about hydraulic conversion.  does anyone have any experience with these aftermarket adapters ?

How much better is  laying of the cable in the, called "Pussy Position"  ( https://www.suzukiperformancespares.co.uk/product/ape-suzuki-forward-clutch-cable-kit/650/ )   ?  

Cheers

 

Uli

[Brian foord]

11 hours ago, slayer61 said:

I have seen a couple of these over the years. Reduces pull effort and pull length at clutch end.

 

Where can I get one 

[Lewi]

11 minutes ago, Brian foord said:

Where can I get one 

Check a well known auction site and just search 'motorcycle clutch pull' theres a good few, they're used alot in stunting i believe 

[Brian foord]

13 hours ago, dago said:

I found this made the most difference https://www.suzukiperformancespares.co.uk/product/ape-suzuki-forward-clutch-cable-kit/650/  straighter and shorter cable run made s lot of difference. I tried the hydraulic thing but the effort was the same & it either dragged or slipped as the travel was not enough

Do you have a pic of it fitted?

[HUM]

Hi

 

it is looking similar like this

 

 

Cheers 

 

Uli

 

[Brian foord]

Does the ape one only fit with the ape cover?

[Duckndive]

50 minutes ago, Brian foord said:

Does the ape one only fit with the ape cover?

No..

[Brian foord]

15 minutes ago, Duckndive said:

No..

Thanks can’t find a picture with it fitted to standard cover.

[dago]

Mines on an efe I thought they did one to fit other gsx 1100 best check with SPS

 sorry for the confusion

[Duckndive]

3 hours ago, Brian foord said:

Thanks can’t find a picture with it fitted to standard cover.

the pic HUM posted is on a stock cover...

[Duckndive]

18 hours ago, Dezza said:

I tried a hydraulic conversion (expensive one from Venhill) and it made Jack Shit difference to the heavy clutch on my efe engined bike. What did make a difference was realising I had heavy duty clutch springs and then changing 3 to OEM. Many OSS bikes have had the clutches and springs buggered about with over the years (same goes for the rest of the bike) and often we don't know exactly which bits are where. I would start with making sure your springs are OEM, your cable is correctly routed and lubricated, and the lever assembly is in good shape and isn't worn about the pivot. Then if it's still too heavy go from there.

i would add that using the correct clutch lever and perch makes a big difference  a longer cable "faired efe is longest" can also help dept on what handlebars your using ...

Edited December 29, 2020 by Duckndive

[GSX1100dreamn]

Just to add to everything previously mentioned to do and,

-a new clutch cable would be good too,

-on the 2000 final edition model Katana they had an electric assist clutch setup, this item pops up on Japan Yahoo.

Here it is on the FE Kat where the coils go

and the coils go here

Edited December 29, 2020 by GSX1100dreamn
added info

[Dezza]

37 minutes ago, GSX1100dreamn said:

Just to add to everything previously mentioned to do and,

-a new clutch cable would be good too,

-on the 2000 final edition model Katana they had an electric assist clutch setup, this item pops up on Japan Yahoo.

Here it is on the FE Kat where the coils go

and the coils go here

Interesting: if the servo goes tits-up, can the clutch still be disengaged?

Edited December 29, 2020 by Dezza

[coombehouse]

14 hours ago, HUM said:

Hi

 

it is looking similar like this

 

 

Cheers 

 

Uli

 

I have just made a bracket similar to this but it was more complicated as I have a breather coming from the oil filler hole. I used a standard length 1100et cable & I can confirm the pull is much lighter even with hd springs fitted. Next step is to fit 3 oe springs. 

[GSX1100dreamn]

Speak of the devil here is a complete setup.

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/b527023677

 

[buff]

On 12/28/2020 at 6:40 PM, Brian foord said:

Unfortunately I may have to sell my newly built katana 1100 due to the clutch being so heavy I can’t pull it in more than 6 times will my bad fingers.  it is so heavy it almost needs two hands. I really don’t want to part with it so do you guys have any ideas? 

How old is the clutch cable ?