How do you set up your clutch cable biting point?

[guile]

Been to two garages within a fortnight and they have tinkered with my clutch cable quite differently, so I'm doubting that there is a clear principle for this.

I like to pull clutch in as far as possible towards the handlebars, change gear and have the biting point closer to the handlebars but all the garages change the biting point to be as close towards the front of the bike as possible. Is that right?

I feel like I have less control and it feels like acceleration is slower now the biting point has been put further towards the front.

Any thoughts?

[Doovy]

I personally like it being quite far towards the front of the bike, as it means it only needs to be pulled in a touch to get cut the power / change gear.

It also allows to feather it easily through traffic as it's only a slight pull needed. It's personal preference though I guess...
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Yamaha RXS 100 > Honda CD 250 > Honda Hornet 600 > Honda CBR 600RR > Yamaha RXS 100 > Kawasaki ZX6R J2 > Yamaha FZ1

[DrSnoosnoo]

I like mine closer than the average rider I think. Its all personal preference, it's why you can adjust it, to suit you.
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I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R

[pinkyfloyd]

[Peirre oBollox]

Geeesh how much gasket paste have you used?
& don`t forget to tighten the locknut
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I accept no responsibility for swearing, drinking, motorcycle riding or your pregnant teenage daughter.

[pinkyfloyd]

[c-m]

Always prefered the clutch with a absolute minimum of play and biting almost as soon as you start releasing it.Just makes more sense to me rather than having massive travel before anything happens.

I find it quicker to pull in than let out.

[Rogerborg]

As little slack as possible for me. I can't imagine why you'd want to haul the lever further than necessary.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[RhynoCZ]

I used to set it that I had 2 cm or so free play at the end and the clutch lever disengaged it quite soon, 2 fingers on the lever really. The free play is important to be sure the clutch is fully engaged when you don't use the clutch lever. When taking off I used full hand, but while riding, only two fingers were enough to operate it properly.

Now, I've got hydraulic clutch and I must say, I got very used to it and I don't think I will ever go back to cable. At least, not any soon.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[Pete.]

Too little slack and your clutch will slip under load. Too much and it'll drag. Everything in between is down to personal preference. People with large/strong hands might prefer the longer span but extended fingers have less power than bent ones because you're pulling with smaller tendons and muscles so if you're hands are small you might want to adjust the lever closer the bar or add some slack to take advantage of the better angle for pulling it in.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Hugh Farking Cant]

It may be your bike has a clutch pushrod adjuster that has been altered by the garages and that has made the difference in lever position before the clutch engages.
Some have no adjustment at the pushrod only on the operating quadrant and some have none at all.

Nearly all manuals will state; adjust the pushrod (if adjustable) clearance first or ensure the quadrant is in the correct position.
Then adjust the cable at the handlebar to give a few mm or 1/4"
free play before the clutch begins to engage.

If you have tiny hands or an injury; consider replacing the lever assy.
with one that has a cranked lever or is span adjustable.

If you adjust it so the lever is half way between bar and fully out before it begins to engage; you still have to open your fingers fully to
grasp the lever initially (unless you keep the clutch covered at all times) I cannot imagine it is comfortable or smooth at all.
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