Clutch pull lever

Pitchfork311 · #1 07-16-2009, 11:04 AM

Any clever mods out there for the locking clutch lever. Mine seems to need a little more pull when I lock it. I was thinking some sort of spacer to increase the distance between the thumb pin the the lever when locked for idling.

Any Ideas?

**2door** · #2 07-16-2009, 11:20 AM

Pitch,
Have you tried adjusting the clutch cable just a little tighter? You don't need much play in the cable and having it a little snug will not effect the clutch. You can tighten the cable at both ends with the adjustments at the handlebar lever and at the stand-off where it is mounted to the motor. There are also upgraded clutch levers available with a longer throw that might help.
Tom

Pitchfork311 · #3 07-16-2009, 11:37 AM

ya, I have done lots of adjustments. I tried to get jims clutch actuator working as well. But failed. I will attempt to get jims actuator working tomorrow. But that is wat I needed, a slithtly longer throw in the locking pin. The lever pull is fine, its the locking that needs more distance, i think the handle has gotten compressed from the pin just enough.

Cabinfever1977 · #4 07-16-2009, 02:50 PM

did you try and take off the spring on the clutch cable near the arm,its easier to pull without it.

marioaz · #5 07-16-2009, 04:07 PM

As previously posted. I did this because the lever was defective and would slip from the locked position. Screw carefully placed so it would lock and increase throw. The second pic shows it locked. So far, so good..... But I would first try standard cable/clutch adjustments to remedy.

Crash_Fall · #6 07-16-2009, 11:38 PM

I don't have any pics to post but I'm using some 3/4" strips of velcro. I've got a strip of the 'loop'
side of the velcro glued to the grip and a 5" strip of the 'hook' side with one end looped over the clutch lever. When I'm riding it just hangs there, hook side away from my knuckles. When I need to 'lock' the lever I can lift it over with a finger & stick it down to the grip with my thumb.
I don't put much faith in the 'spring pin' lock idea on a bike that vibrates the way these motor/bikes do.

Slightly off topic but still clutch lever related. On my mountain bike build, I cut about 1 1/2" off the end and mounted it 'above' the grip. Other than the need to lift your hand off the grip to squeeze it 'down'
it seems to make using the front brakes easier than 2 fingers on the clutch & 2 on the brake.
Never know when you may need to hit both 'panic levers' doing 25 mph on a trail.

I'm done typing, so your done reading. Let's Get Riding!!!

sofasurferlinux · #7 07-17-2009, 12:14 AM

I had the same problem where locking the clutch lever did not fully disengage the clutch. I adjusted the clutch and now it is fine. Clutch is fully disengaged when lever is locked. But now it slips just a little when engaged. To cure this I wonder if you could shorten the clutch lever a little. That is just a suggestion for others who experience the slippage. I actually prefer it to slip a little. Heres why...When I peddle and release the clutch the kick-back used to be very rough and makes getting it started look really uncoordinated and also makes it very difficult for an inexperienced rider to get it started. But with just a little slippage now, if it does not start properly, instead of stopping on a dime and trying to throw me over the handlebars, instead, the clutch slippage makes for a none painful experience.

Just_Gassit · #8 07-17-2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marioaz

As previously posted. I did this because the lever was defective and would slip from the locked position. Screw carefully placed so it would lock and increase throw. The second pic shows it locked. So far, so good..... But I would first try standard cable/clutch adjustments to remedy.

+1

Good idea, I've been having the same problem and my only cure has been to carry a short length of small diameter hose and slip it between the lever and lever mount when I need extended clutch disengagement. If I adjust, I get slippage too. I also use the sliding glass door roller mod and I think it needs a bit more over-all pull at the cost of easy clutch level pulling.

Just_Gassit · #9 07-19-2009, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marioaz

As previously posted. I did this because the lever was defective and would slip from the locked position. Screw carefully placed so it would lock and increase throw. The second pic shows it locked. So far, so good..... But I would first try standard cable/clutch adjustments to remedy.

+1
Did this mod today, worked very well. I was checking out a friends kit and saw his lever was correctly made, mine lacked enough material in the place were it needed the screw. Adds the correct throw and seems to stay put fine. I can stop carrying around a piece of hose.

**2door** · #10 07-19-2009, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marioaz

As previously posted. I did this because the lever was defective and would slip from the locked position. Screw carefully placed so it would lock and increase throw. The second pic shows it locked. So far, so good..... But I would first try standard cable/clutch adjustments to remedy.

Marioaz,
If I understand your photo, you drilled and tapped the lever then installed the small screw? Very clever idea and nicely executed. We need more innovation like that from guys building Motorized Bicycles. Keep those good ideas coming. Thanks.
Tom