How To Adjust Your Motorcycle Clutch Lever Free Play | Vstrom

A new episode of my Dr Vstrom medical video series on Clutch Lever Free Play Adjustment. Among other things, the video explains the importance and demonstrates how to access, and adjust the clutch lever free play.
This tutorial demonstrates on a 3rd Gen DL650 Vstrom L7 model but the steps are applicable to a lot of motorcycles out there.
This how to video is also connected to other videos in my channel that lead or follow, such as the hand guard removal/ installation and the clutch lever grease and clutch cable lubrication.
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Thank you for watching & Ride Safe!
DrV

[@patwatters8205]

Brilliant video,I have been riding bikes for 50 years and I am still learning from your videos.

[@DrVstrom]

Glad you find them useful. We are all learning and the point is to help each other as all riders do. Ride safe.

[@ajmcrae3716]

GREAT video! I really like your split views to show the different parts of the bike in operation simultaneously! Your description of the clutch operation was very good as well! Thumbs up!

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks mate, I appreciate that :)

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

WOW!!!!!! this video is a 12/10! I love the side by side view of clutch lever and arm on the engine that moves. awesome!! very helpful!! thanks so much man!

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks Anthony, glad you find it useful. Please share with others. Ride safe.

[@motoontheweekend]

Very comprehensive explanation. Thank you for showing multiple camera angles and demonstrating the verification procedure at the end.

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks :)

[@ecalzo]

Thank you very very helpful and super clear ... wow,... thanks from italy

[@long_vacation_tour]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate your efforts for producing this video.

[@DrVstrom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@juanhevillamolina5122]

Awesom, thanks a lot!

[@claireb8542]

Thanks for the great video :) it's been really helpful for adjusting the clutch on my suzuki gladius.

[@DrVstrom]

Claire B Glad it was useful. Don’t forget to subscribe if not already done so. Thanks :)

[@drady8541]

Thank you

[@evhvariac2]

Excellent video! Thank you for making this

[@DrVstrom]

evhvariac2 thanks for the nice words. Ride safe.

[@markg1291]

Another outstanding video. Thanks 👍🏻

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks for the outstanding comment Mark

[@mao2995]

Good video so complete, I help myself a lot. Thank you

[@DrVstrom]

Thank you as well :).

[@rokhnroll]

Doctor Vstrom these tutorials on the vstrom they are methodical and precise with excellent images and narration. Many thanks for posting, efcharistoúme gia ti dimosíefsi, odigíste me asfáleia

[@DrVstrom]

Many thanks!

[@adv7586]

could you the a video clip on how to adjust and set the gear foot change lever please thank you

[@hugocastonguay5093]

Thank you for the detailled video. I was wondering if there is a possible adjustment on an hydraulic clutch (2004 VL-1000)?

[@MrThunderbirdfire]

Thanks Doc. To be very frank In beginning of the video i was irritated by your English accent. But then i realized this is Not your native language i think You are Dutch and it happens when you don't have a pre-written script in front like other KZbinrs do. But the Knowledge you shared is worth of $ Million. Such a precise adjustments. Thank you so much. 😘😘

[@IoannisParapontis]

Anmol R. Thanks. I m not Dutch but Greek. Yes if you were interested for accent this is not the channel :)

[@mdimran1a]

Nice presentation and split video windows to simultaneously show motion of various parts makes it easy to see thing in operation. Little fluency in speaking will be great. Also try to explain things in general so procedure can be applied to any motor bike. Great!

[@johnparos4109]

ΤΕΛΕΙΟΣ Σ ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΟΥΜΕ❤

[@DrVstrom]

Να σαι καλα, καλη χρονια.

[@x-man5056]

Very good presentation. Specific and precise. The only thing a little fuzzy is when you are saying "clockwise" and "Counter-clock wise", because you have a different perspective than we do.

[@DrVstrom]

Hey Xman, thanks very much. Just a note, in case you need help and clarification with that, for instance at 5:53 there are indications on the screen saying Looking from lever ball side. At 6:25 there is another message and at 7:08 again and so on. Ride safe

[@nabilmohamed1148]

good

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks

[@justinjoseph7230]

Awesome

[@stevejenks7711]

As always, excellent, clearly-explained procedures to take care of my V-Strom. One request: my gen 2 (2015) 650 V-strom has 119 K miles on it. I believe my clutch is beginning to slip just a little (most noticeable in lower gears). Can you do a video on V-Strom clutch plate replacement? The only other video I see for this is replacing the clutch plates on a 2008 Suzuki SV650. Not completely applicable. I think your video would be much better and model specific. Thanks!

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks for the kind words. I guess I will do such a video in the future but for now my clutch is holding and it takes long more time to do compared to the older models because Suzuki decided to change things a bit. Ride safe.

[@cah7925]

Very nice and detailed video👌 But wanna know that 10-15mm free play should be measured when the handle bar is straight or left or right because by turning handle Clutch free play changes

[@DrVstrom]

Thanks. The Handlebar should be straight and the engine cold to follow this.

[@Dennis.George]

Thank you for the instructional videos Dr. :) I have installed rox risers (22mm) on my vstrom-650 xt 2019 to raise the handlebars. I am 6ft tall with some back issues. The mechanic rerouted the clutch cable and the nut (under the rubber sleeve) rubs against the handlebar. Is it of concern? I can see some scratch marks on the bar. He doesn't have longer cables...

[@DrVstrom]

Dennis George can’t tell without a photo. Can you send one ?

[@Dennis.George]

@@DrVstrom thanks for responding Dr... how do I send it to you?

[@DrVstrom]

Dennis George [e-mail]

[@long_vacation_tour]

Hello Dr. Vstrom. You mentioned two places for adjusting a clutch free play. The first place was a barrel adjuster. Can you tell me in two or three words why should I use a barrel adjuster, why the second adjusting place is not enough because it is very easy to access?

[@DrVstrom]

Watch the video more carefully, one is for the main, large adjustment and the other for smaller more fine adjustments for accuracy.

[@ioandragulescu6063]

you mentioned that in operation, the clutch plates get warm and increase their volume. Is it then safe to assume than that this is the reason for the 10-15 mm play at the lever when everything is cold ?

[@DrVstrom]

Also the handlebars that are turning and the cable also changes position

[@guyguybass]

Hi, I wish to have this black rubber on my handle bar as well, where could I buy it?

[@DrVstrom]

www.google.com/shopping/product/1?q=progrip+brake+cover&client=ms-android-oppo-rvo3&sca_esv=563020551&biw=360&bih=672&tbs=vw:l&sxsrf=AB5stBghVE5OBixFThDYc-qsN5eafBaFxg:1693989517659&prds=num:1,of:1,eto:6705124460608964820_0,prmr:1,pid:6705124460608964820,cs:1

[@JozsaMarton]

*hello, we had an email/facebook talk about my issue. I have 2017 DL1000XT. hydraulic clutch, 22.000 km. not too bad shape. My problem is: when I shift from 1 to 2, when I rev the motor more-than-optimal, lets say, ABOVE 3500 rpm: (I pull the clutch, NO preload on shifter lever, NO kicking the shifter lever) gear JUMPS BACK to NEUTRAL from 2. I can hear a metallic "bang" noise. I release the clutch. when I shift at normal RPM, circa 3.000 rpm: no problem. Sometimes I MUST rev the bike ABOVE 3500 rpm: I have passenger or I ride uphill, I need the rev. reserve momentum. I have fresh motul 5100 10W 40 in it. question is, is my gear maybe damaged? previous owner damaged it maybe with agressive shifting? or this is "normal" on big V block bikes? I try to avoid it with "shifting like I mean it" = NO KICKING, NO preload before shifting, but keeping shifter lever with foot stronger, in 2 gear, BEFORE releasing the clutch. thank you for comments. maybe motul is "too sticky" (like glue) on shifter parts, thatswhy? try another oil? repsol? XADO? etc? my chain and sprocket set is BRAND NEW, chain slack is optimal. I had a 2015 DL650, sometimes( not this often!!!!) it did the same when I was lazy at shifting from 1 to 2.*

[@DrVstrom]

Józsa Márton check clutch lever and chain alignment.

[@k_darius]

Ou man been looking for a video that shows the lever down at the clutch for a long time. Thanks for that. Quick question what if I have free-play but my "arm" at the clutch does not go back all the way unless I push up my clutch lever by hand or release the clutch lever quickly. Any suggestions? I am on a V-Strom but I guess its similar ;]

[@DrVstrom]

Darius Kalinauskas then I would first clean and lubricate the clutch cable or make sure its in a good state. It might be the case its has dirt or its too old and the movement is not smooth. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKOYqYKnlthlnsk . Then if that is not the case you might also consider adjusting the clutch from the engine side. If your model is up to 2nd generation, that is accessible from the left side where the small gear is. If your model is 3rd generation, its the other side and requires more work. I describe this in the video you already watched.

[@k_darius]

@@DrVstrom Thanks for the reply. I'll give it a go

[@jamiebivins5156]

Does your clutch make some noise when it’s released in neutral? I’ve read something about chuddering from the 1000 cc clutches but not the 650. I just purchased a used 2019 and of course didn’t notice the noise when testing it. Probably not a problem, but a bit worried about it.

[@DrVstrom]

A little noise is normal. Too much noise that reduces a lot after engine warms up good, might be a problem if the bike you bought has a lot of kms.

[@miguelangelsalidoparrilla2977]

Hello, I have the clutch size adjusted correctly, but when I put the first gear with the clutch engaged the rear wheel continues to rotate, what could it be? Thank you

[@DrVstrom]

It's ok if it stops when you touch with your foot. It's difficult to get a super accurate result.

[@lau5067]

Thank you for your V Strom vids, I have a DL650A L2 from 2013 or so as first bike and am really appreciating your vids. Could anyone tell me what this rubber cover seen at 2:57 is called? Mine have become rather brittle and are a bit ripped, so they need replacing. I couldn't find these rubber covers online though... Halp. Thanks.

[@DrVstrom]

Lau try this 58273-31000 part number. Its called clutch cable boot.

[@leenoble5852]

@@DrVstrom Dear sir, all your videos are extremely helpful. Greatly appreciated. By the way, how do you open the front sprocket cover? I can't open the lower screw with a normal allen key. Is there a better or special tool you use to open it? Mine V-Strom is a 2017 model. Thanks :)

[@DrVstrom]

Lee Noble I use an extension for the Allen key to reach and slightly press the gear shifter down. Thats all :)

[@leenoble5852]

@@DrVstrom Oh.. Thanks so much for the sharing. Take care.. :)

[@lau5067]

@@DrVstrom KZbin somehow only notified me just now of your comment. The part number is very helpful. Much appreciated. Thank you!

[@vasilachisergiu]

Hi DoctorVstrom. This clutch adjustment is made on warm or cold engine???

[@DrVstrom]

Always Cold :)

[@vasilachisergiu]

Doctor Vstrom thanks a lot 🙏

[@MrForbiddennightmare]

hello Dr. this is Hernan from Chile (South America) I have always use your videos with my Suzuki V Strom 650 DL, I was taking a look of your new video an came to my atention one thing... I have done the process on Suzuki 650 DL but I have encouter two things: first the lever relases the clutch but somehow my free play is at the end... (excuse my english hard to understand sometimes). what I mean is that when I release the lever does not engages inmediatelly and the leave is wide open, also on minute 10:56 you show the proper operation of the clutch, but in my case the wheel continues moving even though is easy to change gears.... my bike has good power when I ride but around 120 kms/per hour I turn the throtle and rpms increases but not the speed it seems to be that clutch slides... Can I have your comments? thanks and best regards amigo.

[@DrVstrom]

Hi Hernan, What year is your model and how many kms you have ? Make sure that when you adjust, the angle of the cable and the clutch arm is between 80-90 degrees when you adjust. The wheel is still fine if it moves a bit when you pull the clutch in and you touch slightly with your foot and stops. Since I do not know how old your bike is and how many kms you have, 3 things are going on. 1) Your adjustments need correction, or 2) Your clutch (not only clutch lever freeplay) needs adjustment via the push rod or 3)you might need new clutch plates. How many kms you have and what year is your model?

[@MrForbiddennightmare]

@@DrVstrom Thank you very much for your prompt response: My bike is VStrom DL650 2010 and you have 62.926 kms If I touch the wheel slightly with my foot stops but if I move my foot the wheel will keep on turning again.

[@DrVstrom]

Hernan Briceño follow this link kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2K3dGWFrseHbNE to adjust your clutch. If it’s not successful you might be needing plates but first adjust from the small screw near the front sprocket. Remember, first the engine should be cold to adjust so let the bike to cool and then do what is shown in the video. Hope that helps and let me know how it goes, The Doctor

[@MrForbiddennightmare]

@@DrVstrom Perfect Doctor, I will follow the instructions of your video and I will do the work tonight and give you my comments (we have time difference with Europe).

[@johnfassidakis]

could i meet you to fix mine vstrom 650 2019 clutch???

[@DrVstrom]

Meet me where?

[@johnfassidakis]

@@DrVstrom μένω Πειραιά.

[@DrVstrom]

Μενω εξωτερικο και αυτην τη στιγμη μονο ειμαι Βορεια Ελλαδα. Τι σε προβληματιζει και δεν μποεις να ρυθμισεις μονος?

[@predragkrunic8469]

mozeš li prve scene napisati na engleskom jeziku,jer ne razumijem engleski jezik,a you tube nije ponudio mogućnost prevoda na moj jezik.Samo prvih 3 minuta ako moze da napišete da bih mogao prevesti.thank you

[@DrVstrom]

Predrag Krunic the 1st 3 minutes don’t say anything on how to do this. They only say that having the clutch free play too much or too little is bad for clutch plates and for changing the gears. It also says how the plates work when you press or let go the clutch lever. Last it says that to accurately adjust the clutch lever free play the engine has to be COLD. Otherwise if it is even a little warm the measurements when adjusting are wrong. So you have to do measurements and adjustments on cold engine. That’s all I say in the 1st 3 minutes.

[@artberesta]

Спасибо большое за видео. По русски бы еще субтитры

[@DrVstrom]

Thank you. I will have to put the manually as youtube does not auto generate the subtitles. I will do it the next days.

[@artberesta]

@@DrVstrom спасибо вам большое за ваши видео. Очень позновательные. Я подписан на вас и смотрю все ваши видео.

[@DrVstrom]

Thank you

[@DrVstrom]

Started working on the subtitles.

[@DrVstrom]

Your subtitles are there now. Let me know if its ok

[@kronos8]

I have this bike. Dl 650 L8. PLEASE, I consider your video interesting but i dont understand english. Can You subtitled it? 🙄 PLEASE...

[@DrVstrom]

Kron0s Hi Kronos where are you from? What is your language

[@kronos8]

@@DrVstrom hi, I m from Spain. i understand the english reading. When its talked, I lost too much🙄

[@DrVstrom]

Kron0s As a faster solution, catch me on Facebook or send me an email with questions of the points you dont understand and I am happy to reply them :) . Best the Doc

[@juanjoserodriguezreina5315]

Please, sub-title in spanish !! You channel more big.!!! Thank.!!

[@kmlbcrew7789]

you really like your red grease don't you

[@DaveDrinking]

I only watched about 15 seconds to see that your clutch lever pivot is completely worn out. Your not showing cable free play, your showing the amount of slop you have in the pivot hole of your lever.

[@DrVstrom]

Bold statement and pretty funny as well. At the time the video is made the bike is 1 year. Not sure how it can worn out like you say. What should be important for you is to learn the process. If you already know it or can identify imaginary problems then by all means make your own channel to help people and i m sure it will be a success.

[@DaveDrinking]

@@DrVstrom Have you looked at the video at 40 to 50 seconds? Maybe I am mistaken but you can explain why the pivot point of the clutch lever moves the way it does? When I went to school and learned about physics we got told that a round hole with a round pivot pin through it would allow one part to rotate around the pivot. Why does yours jump side to side?