Worn Clutch?

Ended up taking the bike in to a local shop for the front forks (just no time to do myself) and had him check out the carbs and everything while there. Bike now runs like new, and feels totally different. I love it!

So since that's all done, time to move on with the next part. From the other bikes I rode, the clutches has always seemed to have a large friction zone, being able to ease off the clutch and roll/go into gear. It seems like this one is very short, pretty much just engaged and disengaged, which makes it hard starting from a stop. From driving stick most of my life, I know that cars with worn clutches are pretty much like that too, just on and off-type deal.

So the question, with about 28,000 miles, does it sound like the clutch is worn or can it be adjusted to have a little bigger friction zone?

Thanks!

That's the way it is, there is some travel but not much.
Unless the bike has been ridden hard the clutch plates
and steels should be fine.


.

The KZ clutch is really strange and vastly different than any other bike I have owned.

Sounds like you have the same complaints I have.

Welcome to vintage bikes.

Your clutch sounds like its fine to me.

Good riding.

I'm surprised by this.
But it sounds like we're all in the same boat. I may still adjust it to bring the zone a little closer to the handle. Feels like I'm about to fully let go of the clutch when it starts to grab.

Thanks!

david-b wrote: I'm surprised by this.
But it sounds like we're all in the same boat. I may still adjust it to bring the zone a little closer to the handle. Feels like I'm about to fully let go of the clutch when it starts to grab.

Thanks!

I would follow the manual on adjustment procedure. If it hasnt been adjusted for a long time it wouldnt hurt to readjust it. But your probably not going to gain very much. As already stated these old bikes are diffrent. But after a short period of time, you will get used to it.

Clutch is basically an on/off device. They can be adjusted to make sure they release correctly, but won't change the transition region.

I have no idea what these guys are talking about.(i do but i wont say)
Just replace your cable with a GOOD brand name one.
Adjust it properly, start from the bottom.
And all will be well.