C15g clutch stiffness

[WobblyBoot]

Hi i have recently purchased a c15g. The clutch seems stiff to me. It works but is stiff to me anyway. Is this common or should it be softer and smooth.

I will pull it apart and refurb eventually

Thank you.

[rhyatt]

1st thoughts are to lubricate the cable and to ensure a smooth run from handlebar lever into outer gear cover before dismantling anything

[WobblyBoot]

Yes cable is fine. Tried pushing the little toggle that the cable pulls inward toward the motor is hard to push even wirh a bit of timber on it. It seems quite stiff.

I will figure it out. Was after what the clutch on a c15 feels like soft and flexible or stiff and a bit clunky.

Ty WobblyBoot

[MadPete]

Worn clutch plates and the last owner tightened the springs as far as possible? That usually makes it stupidly stiff to operate...

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

I would say that the C15 clutch should feel smooth and easy to pull.  It is quite a small clutch and the springs are not that strong. So smooth and positive if all is well.  Pushing on the small lever on the engine will feel stiff as you are trying to operate the clutch without the leverage provided by the handlebar lever.  However, as well as over tight spring adjustment the push rod though the main shaft may be sticky due to old grease etc.
Try undoing the adjuster on the clutch pressure plate.  This will eliminate the clutch itself and it will be possible to see if the everything is smooth to that point.  Push a thin screwdriver in against the push rod and operate the lever to check the action of the rod. If that is not smooth it may be possible to get bit of WD40 dripped in with the bike leaning over to the right - not too much to avoid it getting on the clutch plates.  If none of this helps then it looks like the primary cover will have to be removed for further inspection.

Dave.

[cdsdorset2]

Possibly lots of grooves in the clutch drum slots.

[rhyatt]

Have you adjusted correctly the locknut and screw on the primary side after undoing the adjuster at the lever.
If you have the adjuster incorrect , the mechanical efficiency of the cable nipple in relation to the pushrod kever is all wrong.

[JulianS]

Check you have the correct handlebar lever - you need one with pivot centre to nipple centre of 7/8 inch. If a 1 1/16 in centre lever is fitted you will get a heavier more sudden action.

[WobblyBoot]

Ok. Thakyou all very much. Very helpful and when i get back to town in a weeks time i should have a good plan from all the information given here.

Thankyou. WobblyBoot.

[scifi]

It is so hard to do clutch adjustments over the internet, but I will give some important things to look out for..

Make sure the clutch springs are not coil-bound.  The nuts are adjusters, and should not be fully wound down, still making sure the outer plate lifts off squarely.

The gearbox lever adjuster should bear perpendicular to the push-rod, so as not to put any side load on the rod.  Use a combination of the clutch centre bolt and the gearbox lever adjuster to get this right.

Finally slacken any of these adjusters, or cable, to give 1/8 inch free play on the handlebar clutch lever.

[WobblyBoot]

Ty scifi