Clutch issues...
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- Mashmash
- Chrome Member
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- Joined: Fri Jun 04, 2010 1:06 pm
- Location: Kent, Wa 98042
Clutch issues...
Hi all,
I am having some issues with my clutch I need some advice on.
I pulled out the 1981 GL1100 out last week after not riding it for about 6 months over the winter. I had been starting it occasionally and letting it warm up and run the fan, but never rode it during that time. When I took it out for a drive I noticed that the clutch seemed stiffer than normal and was also not disengaging. It was very hard to shift and I could also open the throttle when the clutch was pulled in and feel the bike accelerate. I figured since I have not replaced the cable since owning the bike, it was probably the cause of my issues. However, tonight after finishing the new cable install it still doesn't seem to be working properly. I noticed that I can fairly easily shift the bike through the gears without engaging the clutch while the bike is on the center stand. (Is this normal?) I always thought that I needed to engage the clutch to shift through the gears... I also noticed that the clutch handle seems to be fused to the adjustment bolt going through it.
I tried very hard to undo the bolt, but it won't budge even though the bolt on the bottom is missing.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks!!
Mashmash
I am having some issues with my clutch I need some advice on.
I pulled out the 1981 GL1100 out last week after not riding it for about 6 months over the winter. I had been starting it occasionally and letting it warm up and run the fan, but never rode it during that time. When I took it out for a drive I noticed that the clutch seemed stiffer than normal and was also not disengaging. It was very hard to shift and I could also open the throttle when the clutch was pulled in and feel the bike accelerate. I figured since I have not replaced the cable since owning the bike, it was probably the cause of my issues. However, tonight after finishing the new cable install it still doesn't seem to be working properly. I noticed that I can fairly easily shift the bike through the gears without engaging the clutch while the bike is on the center stand. (Is this normal?) I always thought that I needed to engage the clutch to shift through the gears... I also noticed that the clutch handle seems to be fused to the adjustment bolt going through it.
I tried very hard to undo the bolt, but it won't budge even though the bolt on the bottom is missing.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks!!
Mashmash
- Attachments
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- missing nut.jpg (108.41 KiB) Viewed 262 times
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- fused bolt.jpg (117.42 KiB) Viewed 262 times
1981 GL1100
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Re: Clutch issues...
I can't help you much in regards to the clutch but as far as that bolt is concerned I would suggest soaking it good with penetrating oil then putting a nut back on the bottom of it to act as a jam nut so you can then try to work the handle/lever free of the bolt. If you can get it free from the bolt then you can remove it to clean it up properly. What ever you do be patient with it when trying to work it free because you can break that aluminum mount real easy if you get too hamfisted with it.
Scott
- Whiskerfish
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Re: Clutch issues...
Going through the gears in a no load situation like on the center stand or when coasting is not difficult. So I would not focus on that. Did you do an oil change? What oil are you using?
The 1000 clutch adjustment down at the back of the engine is critical. I would look at the shop manual for the 1100 and check that.
The 1000 clutch adjustment down at the back of the engine is critical. I would look at the shop manual for the 1100 and check that.
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
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2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
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1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
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Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
"Yea I do dance awkwardly, and I am having more fun than you" Taylor Swift
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1984 GL1200 Standard
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
- Track T 2411
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Re: Clutch issues...
+1 on the lever bolt. As for the clutch itself, did you follow the adjustment procedure in the FSM? The '80-81 has an adjustment pin in the back cover, as well, in case you missed that. Rule out any adjustment issues first.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
- Rednaxs60
- Silver Member
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- Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Re: Clutch issues...
Agree with soaking the clutch lever bolt. When I looked at the picture of the bottom nut, I see what is a line in the clutch handle - almost looks like a crack in the casting. I took your picture and circled the line I saw. If the casting is cracked you should replace it. Here's The pic with the line circled in red:
Cheers"When writing the Story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen."
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1985 GL1200 Limited Edition
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT LE
2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
1995 GL1500 SE CDN Edition (sold)
2012 Suzuki DL1000 VStrom (sold)
Ontario 1985 GL1200 Limited Edition (sold)
2008 GL1800 (sold)
Ernest
1985 GL1200 Limited Edition
2014 Can-Am Spyder RT LE
2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan
1995 GL1500 SE CDN Edition (sold)
2012 Suzuki DL1000 VStrom (sold)
Ontario 1985 GL1200 Limited Edition (sold)
2008 GL1800 (sold)
- Mashmash
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Re: Clutch issues...
WOW! Good eye. I went and looked at my bike, but I couldn't see it. Then I realized it was just the first attempt at circling the area in the "paint" application on my PC that I didn't erase. LOL!!Rednaxs60 wrote:Agree with soaking the clutch lever bolt. When I looked at the picture of the bottom nut, I see what is a line in the clutch handle - almost looks like a crack in the casting. I took your picture and circled the line I saw. If the casting is cracked you should replace it. Here's The pic with the line circled in red:Clutch missing nut.jpg
Cheers
1981 GL1100
- Mashmash
- Chrome Member
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Fri Jun 04, 2010 1:06 pm
- Location: Kent, Wa 98042
Re: Clutch issues...
I soaked it with some "PB BLASTER" last night. I'll give it another go today.JSBail wrote:I can't help you much in regards to the clutch but as far as that bolt is concerned I would suggest soaking it good with penetrating oil then putting a nut back on the bottom of it to act as a jam nut so you can then try to work the handle/lever free of the bolt. If you can get it free from the bolt then you can remove it to clean it up properly. What ever you do be patient with it when trying to work it free because you can break that aluminum mount real easy if you get too hamfisted with it.
Thanks for the advice!
1981 GL1100
- Mashmash
- Chrome Member
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Fri Jun 04, 2010 1:06 pm
- Location: Kent, Wa 98042
Re: Clutch issues...
Thanks for the information on the no load shifting. Also, yes I did an oil change over the winter. I just used some generic 10w-40 oil (I think it was Penzoil) and followed this guide http://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=276 Do you think that might have caused an issue??Whiskerfish wrote:Going through the gears in a no load situation like on the center stand or when coasting is not difficult. So I would not focus on that. Did you do an oil change? What oil are you using?
The 1000 clutch adjustment down at the back of the engine is critical. I would look at the shop manual for the 1100 and check that.
As for the clutch adjustment I followed this guide http://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36 as best I could.
Thanks for taking the time.
1981 GL1100
- robin1731
- Membership Admin
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Re: Clutch issues...
Mashmash wrote:snip............................
Thanks for the information on the no load shifting. Also, yes I did an oil change over the winter. I just used some generic 10w-40 oil (I think it was Penzoil) and followed this guide http://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=276 Do you think that might have caused an issue??
Was it motorcycle oil? Designed for wet clutches? If not then it could be part of the problem.
.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
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1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
- Track T 2411
- Honored Life Member
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Re: Clutch issues...
That guide is good as far as it goes, but as I stated above, the '80 and '81 1100 also has an adjustment on the clutch lifter mechanism, located under a small cover on the center of the clutch cover. It should be adjusted before the cable adjustments are made.Mashmash wrote: As for the clutch adjustment I followed this guide http://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36 as best I could.
Thanks for taking the time.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
- chewy999
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
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Re: Clutch issues...
Remove cap, item 3, and you will see a locknut and a threaded adjuster. Items 14 & 8.
Loosen the locknut and then turn the adjuster in until resistance is felt. Turn the adjuster back a full turn, then keeping the adjuster from turning, tighten the locknut. Replace the cap, then move on to the clutch cable at the engine end.
Previous Rides,
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
- Rat
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Re: Clutch issues...
Some like to back off less than a full turn ....
Gord
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‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
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My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
- chewy999
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Re: Clutch issues...
I accept that, but was just quoting from the manual. Suppose Honda need to recommend some figure.
Previous Rides,
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
- Mashmash
- Chrome Member
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Fri Jun 04, 2010 1:06 pm
- Location: Kent, Wa 98042
Re: Clutch issues...
No.... it was not motorcycle oil.... looks like I've got another oil change to do.robin1731 wrote:Mashmash wrote:snip............................
Thanks for the information on the no load shifting. Also, yes I did an oil change over the winter. I just used some generic 10w-40 oil (I think it was Penzoil) and followed this guide http://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=276 Do you think that might have caused an issue??
Was it motorcycle oil? Designed for wet clutches? If not then it could be part of the problem.
.
Thanks!
1981 GL1100
- Mashmash
- Chrome Member
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Fri Jun 04, 2010 1:06 pm
- Location: Kent, Wa 98042
Re: Clutch issues...
Thanks for the info.Track T 2411 wrote:That guide is good as far as it goes, but as I stated above, the '80 and '81 1100 also has an adjustment on the clutch lifter mechanism, located under a small cover on the center of the clutch cover. It should be adjusted before the cable adjustments are made.Mashmash wrote: As for the clutch adjustment I followed this guide http://goldwingdocs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36 as best I could.
Thanks for taking the time.
Another random question. Does this adjuster on the clutch lifter affect the force needed to depress the handle? After checking multiple times that my cable isn't pinched and routed correctly it's still pretty tough to pull the handle lever.
1981 GL1100
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