stiff clutch lever

[dynodon]

two days ago, rode the '86 VR and it ran great.

 

Got on today and the clutch lever is super stiff. Slow to pull in and slow to come out, doesn't take forever to come out, maybe a full second, but doesn't snap out like it did last ride.

 

System was worked on and fluid flushed last fall by Yamaha dealer, has been perfect all summer.

 

What happened in the space of less than 48 hours sitting?

[Bob Myers]

Temperature?

[mbrood]

Pulling on the lever puts pressure on the line and THIS should help return the clutch lever but the speed is determined by the fit and condition of the piston rubber seals and piston sleeve, the large (return) spring on the output side of the piston and possibly by the lever pivot being too tight or binding. I would start with just loosening the bolt a bit holding the lever... The tiny spring that goes in the little rubber boot then onto the short "pushrod" is just to hold the lever fully out so the clutch switch stays engaged while riding.

 

http://www.bergall.org/temp/venture/clutch-master.jpg

[dynodon]

Well, it fixed itself...kind of.

 

While at the dealer, who had graciously agreed to take a quick look, I squeezed the lever with both hands and something gave and it was back to normal. Must have been some dirt in a passage or valve.

 

It had been bled/flushed last fall, but seems like I should probably do it again.

 

Thanks for the help.

[Squeeze]

Well, it fixed itself...kind of.

 

While at the dealer, who had graciously agreed to take a quick look, I squeezed the lever with both hands and something gave and it was back to normal. Must have been some dirt in a passage or valve.

 

It had been bled/flushed last fall, but seems like I should probably do it again.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

You'd better clean and grease the Brass Pivot Bolt in the Lever. The Piston's Tip sits inside the Brass and if it can't move freely in side the Lever, you will face more Trouble.

[Venturous Randy]

I got a stiff clutch lever several years ago and it ended up being junk in the metal tubing that goes under the engine in the clutch hose line assembly. Once I cleaned that out, clutch was back to working normal.

RandyA