How to Troubleshoot a Dirt Bike Clutch
The clutch of your dirt bike separates the driveling from the engine, cutting power output to the wheel and allowing it and the engine to spin freely. This is important, as it allows you to shift gears while the motorcycle is running, and to come to a stop without the engine dying. Unfortunately, if your clutch is not set up properly, it will cause damage to the running parts of your motorcycle. Make your bike run better and longer by keeping your clutch in good working condition.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Take the motorcycle for at least a fifteen minute test drive. Use this time to determine if the clutch needs to "grab" more or less. For example, if you pull in the clutch lever and it is difficult to shift, it grabs too much. On the other hand, if when you let the clutch lever out the motorcycle is low on power, it is not grabbing enough.
-
2
Set the motorcycle on its kickstand or, if like some dirt bikes, it does not have one, prop it against a solid object so that it will not fall over while being worked on.
-
-
3
Loosen the clutch cable if the clutch needs to "grab" more, via the clutch cable adjuster bolts near the crankcase, until there is a small amount of play in the cable. You should be able to move the clutch lever just slightly with no change in the clutch's actuation.
-
4
Tighten the clutch cable if you need the clutch to "grab" less. Tighten the cable until there is only a small amount of play left in the cable. Pulling the lever from now on will make a much larger difference in clutch actuation.
-
5
Tighten the clutch cable adjusters near the crank case and take the motorcycle for a test ride in an open, private area. While riding, use your left hand to adjust the barrel adjuster where the cable housing meets the clutch lever to fine tune the adjustments made previously. When you feel the clutch is set up properly, return to your work area and tighten the barrel adjuster stop so that it will not loosen as you ride.
-
1
