classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: mike1948 on March 28, 2019, 05:04:33 AM

Title: Heavy clutch action on B44vs
Post by: mike1948 on March 28, 2019, 05:04:33 AM

Any suggestions out there?  I owned from new a B44vs back in  the day.  I was nearly 50yrs younger, and never complained about the heavy clutch pull.  Got another one finally, and must be getting weak, but it now feels very heavy.  The cable and handlebar lever are in good shape.  Is there such a thing as a longer clutch operating lever?
If not, out comes the grip strengthener, I guess.

Cheers, Mike

Title: Re: Heavy clutch action on B44vs
Post by: Rex on March 28, 2019, 09:15:35 AM

Have you physically checked the clutch over and set it up by the book? Sometimes POs put heavier duty or side car rated springs for other bikes in for whatever reason.

Title: Re: Heavy clutch action on B44vs
Post by: iansoady on March 28, 2019, 01:51:00 PM

Quote from: mike1948 on March 28, 2019, 05:04:33 AM

Is there such a thing as a longer clutch operating lever?
If not, out comes the grip strengthener, I guess.

Cheers, Mike

No, but there are clutch levers with different pivot - nipple dimensions. The most common are 1.1/16", usually from ebay sellers etc. But there are also 7/8" items. They make the clutch lighter at the expense of less travel.

You have of course lubricated the cable and checked its run for sharp bends etc. A good cable will move with very little effort when not coupled up.

Title: Re: Heavy clutch action on B44vs
Post by: mike1948 on March 29, 2019, 06:54:17 AM

Hi Ian, yes I checked the cable run and condition first up, all is well.  Next is to drop the case & check clutch adjustment.  It definitely doesn't slip, may be adjusted too tightly, soon see.  Lots of replacement levers on ebay, but of course no indication of pivot measurement.  Can you suggest a source for a 7/8" pivot clutch lever assy?  There are plenty of soft pull levers with up to 3 settings, but they would look too weird on a BSA for my taste.
Cheers, Mike

Title: Re: Heavy clutch action on B44vs
Post by: iansoady on March 29, 2019, 11:28:02 AM

Hi Mike.

I got my front brake lever (7/8" pivot) from here:

http://www.classicmotorcyclespares.com/index.php/default/doherty-407p-brake-clutch-lever-set-7-8-fitting.html#Control_Levers_&_Cables

Decent quality and reasonable price.

Title: Re: Heavy clutch action on B44vs
Post by: mike1948 on May 05, 2019, 07:01:22 AM

Hi Ian,
I stopped in at my local old school bike shop yesterday for some tappet inspection cap fibre washers, knew he'd have some.  No luck!  in passing, I asked about 7/8" pivot clutch levers, with little hope.  He had one of those!  Now fitted, it made a surprising difference in clutch pull.  Very pleased.

Great suggestion.
Cheers, Mike