Clutch creep

PotatoHead202... · Scooby Slapper Joined: 10 Feb 2020 Karma :

Right, I've finally got my CZ running and moving under it's own smoke. I adjusted the clutch so that at the lever end there was very little play (3 or 4mm) and seemingly correctly at the other end. Initially, I can start fine, select first, ride off and just about get into second (driveway is short and no MOT etc at the moment). When I turn around and try again I'm getting clutch creep - i.e. lever is fully pulled in but the bike is moving forward slightly. What also happens is that the lever is now very loose.

I've changed clutches before on bigger bikes but they were either hydraulic or needed no adjustment as the cable was attached to the casing. I know the plates went back in the same order and everything was assmebled correctly. Plates had plenty of meat left and the right gearbox oil was used.

Is this just a case of me fucking up the adjustment? I can't quite figure out how to fix it.
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Honda VFR1200F, Honda CBF500 ABS, CZ125 now CZ175

Nobby the Bastard · Harley Gaydar Joined: 16 Aug 2013 Karma :

Is the cable stretching? That sort of thing usually preceeds the cable breaking.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha:"Remember this simple rule - scooters are for men who like to feel the breeze on their huge, flapping cunt lips."
Sprint ST 1050

WD Forte · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Jun 2010 Karma :

Might be just some initial settling of the parts
have to tried resetting the cable adjusters and trying again?
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bikers smell of wee

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Ok, there's rather more to it that a Japanese bike clutch. As you know, you have a semi-automatic clutch release which from your picture looks pretty close to properly set-up.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AJFCJaW6kqUILsZX4_n4Dul6JXnMYYoPpLl-apWRR9rjkfZzEEdvRecAwUGNnl9v_XwX8nsKw0TfNKruRKmSZL-UwjddUKXP2EUZ1fOkt_qQ3913_upqgJQeU8snNUdWdWWoK-9AxUGA9F1G3qsiKrdO_u8f=w1060-h678-s-no

You need to set the gear lever actuated portion of it first so the end of the mechanism is evenly in the notch on the end of the gear change shaft and starts moving a similar amount if the gear shift is moved up and down and has enough tension on the pushrod to fully disengage the clutch at the maximum travel of the gearshift.

Once you have that set, you then set the tension in the cable so it has the requisite level of slack. This can be a fiddle because it uses a solderless nipple at the engine end. They are prone to slipping and if it was pinched in a certain place for a long time, it has a tendancy to slip back there. They are also prone to breaking/fraying at that nipple.

So if that was all set up properly, the first thing I'd check is if it's crabbing when you use the clutch via the gear lever as well as when you use the hand lever by keeping your foot fully up or down on the gearshift after selecting a gear. This should do the same job as holding the clutch in.

If it's not crabbing when using the foot clutch, the problem is clutch cable tension usually due to slipping or fraying at the bottom nipple.

If it is crabbing when using the foot clutch, the problem is either adjustment at the outer clutch mechanism or expansion of the clutch stack or just plain ordinary bedding-in. If the plates were dry for a long period, they could well have expanded once properly soaked in oil again. In any case, I'd probably just readjust the mechanism before diving in further.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

PotatoHead202... · Scooby Slapper Joined: 10 Feb 2020 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

PotatoHead202... · Scooby Slapper Joined: 10 Feb 2020 Karma :

Thank you, appreciate it.

I think I've managed to sort it at the moment as it seems to be changing without issue. Shall look into the other bits as well though.
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Honda VFR1200F, Honda CBF500 ABS, CZ125 now CZ175

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

The clutch cable on my Jawa used to break regularly but it's not so much of a pest because of the gear lever clutch mechanism. With practice, you can ride it without touching the clutch lever at all leaving your left hand free to scratch your arse with.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.