3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

The 3 1/2 forum
Post Reply
Andy_C
Posts: 122
Joined: 08 Sep 2024 19:40
Location: Somerset

3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Post by Andy_C »

Quick question.

If I adjust the cable free play as per the handbook, when the engine is cold clutch action is OK, however once warmed up with the clutch fully in the bike will creep forward, in fact no way can you ride it through town as it would creep into the back of whatever is in front of you.

The only way I can fix this this is to adjust the lever for zero play, if I do that the clutch action is absolutley brilliant - no issues at all.

I am wondering if perhaps the outer of the cable is compressing so I am losing clutch lift, the cable looks quite old so may be the cause of the problem, as I say with zero play at the lever the clutch works just fine.

Crossed my mind that perhaps the clutch lever has been replaced at some point in time with one that does not give as much pull on the cable - anyone able to measure the distance between the grip and the inside edge of the lever so that I can compare it to mine ?

Anyone any thoughts ?
Current bikes: Kawasaki KH400, Royal Enfield Himalayan, 1200 Triumph Speedmaster, Morini Strada 3 1/2
Morini Jen
Posts: 146
Joined: 12 Jun 2022 18:49
Location: Warwickshire U.K.

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Post by Morini Jen »

Andy_C wrote: 02 Mar 2025 08:37
... anyone able to measure the distance between the grip and the inside edge of the lever so that I can compare it to mine ?
Hi Andy.

My K1 Sport has it's original clutch lever. There is 2.5mm free play at the cable end. With the play taken up, the distance between the back of the clutch lever and the handlebar grip is roughly 79mm. The grip is a thin Renthal type.

Hope this helps.
Jen.
Andy_C
Posts: 122
Joined: 08 Sep 2024 19:40
Location: Somerset

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Post by Andy_C »

Thanks for that Jen - on my 3 1/2 there is a lot more lever movement than that - nearer 90mm, might be worth me renewing the cable I think,
Current bikes: Kawasaki KH400, Royal Enfield Himalayan, 1200 Triumph Speedmaster, Morini Strada 3 1/2
'It must be a .....'
Posts: 419
Joined: 12 Sep 2010 12:25

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Post by 'It must be a .....' »

Being a dry clutch the plates/stack expands when hot then you get more free play at the lever and less movement of the pressure plate causing dragging, even more heat etc.
Experiment with minimal lever free play when cold and never sit in traffic with the clutch in.

You could keep the lever adjuster finger tight so the cable free play can be adjusteded if things get too hot/difficult in traffic.

Experiment and you'll get there, have fun Ian
Andy_C
Posts: 122
Joined: 08 Sep 2024 19:40
Location: Somerset

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Post by Andy_C »

Thanks for that, I'll have a fiddle.
Current bikes: Kawasaki KH400, Royal Enfield Himalayan, 1200 Triumph Speedmaster, Morini Strada 3 1/2
simonnorthroad
Posts: 446
Joined: 16 May 2017 10:57
Location: Bath, UK

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Post by simonnorthroad »

Or just fit a Venhill clutch cable and see if the problem goes away
Andy_C
Posts: 122
Joined: 08 Sep 2024 19:40
Location: Somerset

Re: 3 1/2 Clutch Cable adjustment

Post by Andy_C »

simonnorthroad wrote: 06 Mar 2025 11:58 Or just fit a Venhill clutch cable and see if the problem goes away
That is plan B :D
Current bikes: Kawasaki KH400, Royal Enfield Himalayan, 1200 Triumph Speedmaster, Morini Strada 3 1/2
Post Reply