Delboy's Garage, Simple Skills, Motorcycle "Clutch Fluid Change"

[@herkko61]

THAT's what I would call a Pro mechanic's tutorial! Everything explained so clearly. Thank you!

[@MuscleBandit]

Don't you just love a youtuber who is NOT irritating! 👌

[@daleitis2732]

Undoubtedly the best clutch bleeding video on YT

[@petertallowin6406]

Nay, the best mechanical aid on KZbin by far. Cheers dude.

[@koltonturner7305]

I guess im asking randomly but does any of you know of a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost my login password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me

[@casonhayes3900]

@Kolton Turner instablaster :)

[@ElDuderinoAus]

Easily the best tutorial videos on YT, with everything explained so clearly, step-by-step. Keep up the great work! :)

[@andyrea4184]

Hi Del, I just had a bit of trouble with my bike clutch and watching your video it's been a total relief. Your explanation of the technical method it's crisp and neat, therefore easy and pleasant to understand. Well done!

[@BazzSelby]

I've watched this, before, but found myself watching it again, to remind myself! Ha! So, everyone, repeat after me... Pull, open/shut & release! Pull, open/shut & release! Pull, open/shut & release! Cheers, Del.

[@Moonfleet41]

You got it..!

[@CAREERMAN70]

By far the best Motorcycle Maintenance channel on KZbin! Keeps it very simple and, right as the question pops up in my head, he's addressing it! I think we're on the same mental wavelength or something. Thanks, yet again, from across the pond!

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome buddy, glad the videos can help you, and thanks for your very kind words! We appreciate your sentiments, ride safe.

[@adnanchaudhari8636]

Hello Delboy, great video. You're explanations on how to properly flush the hydraulic flush is clean, simple and easy to understand. Thank you for another great video. Your videos have saved me so much money. Thank you!

[@canaannoir8684]

The way you teach. Is remarkable. I've struggled with bleeding systems In the past and after watching your video, I've confidently done this procedure dozens of times with no issues. Your soft spoken voice, booms with knowledge. Thanks mate. Ride safe.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you buddy, that's very kind of you... so glad to know the videos have helped you out! Ride safe...

[@Dominantliveband903]

Thanks del for the video, that's so clear, I can fix my clutch now

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it helped mate, good luck with your projects!

[@rsbharley4766]

Well done Del, good simple skill that will help many new and returning riders for years to come. Cheers

[@blgrnt123]

Finally a “how to” that I can follow! Thank you, I will now check your other videos. Please keep them coming.

[@JAFosteify]

This is fabulous. Delboy, you’re an awesome communicator!

[@gbolahanfadeyi2886]

I must have been blind all along !!!. Just stumbled upon the best motorcycle tutorial on online… I was actually looking for someone to do change my clutch fluid before the clutch wasn’t catching after a prolong ride. Now, I can do it myself. Thanks.

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome mate. Glad I could help! And thank you for your kind words too.

[@mixerD1-]

Had to like and comment mate, many thanks.👍👍😁

[@t2tnt6]

Very informative. I like the way you explained the reasoning and the mechanics. Thanks!

[@mr8r3nd0]

Absolutly awesome instructional video mate, honestly the best and most simple explanation I've seen. Hats off to you.

[@Moonfleet41]

Much appreciated Brendon, glad it helped you!

[@JT-yw4lj]

The background info on small things is really what gives me a good foundation as to how to make it work .Appreciate your insights !

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it was helpful!

[@emfl4437]

Thanks for the explanation about not securing the clutch lever in over several days. The wear on the clutch springs makes perfect sense, I didn't think about that. Cheers!

[@semtech30]

All done . Thanks for good demo. My lever was squelching bad. The fluid was grey and murky. Sucked out the res completely and cleaned. Opened the bottom bleed valve and let gravity refill the system until no more bubbles visible. Worked great. Hard to do like you demonstrated as the master and clutch lever were opposite sides of the bike. 2014 Ultra Ltd.

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad you got it fixed buddy, that squelching always signifies water in the system, and certainly needed changing, bet it's a lot better now and btw, awesome bike you have there!

[@honza8tube]

Thanks for sharing. I made small modification using syringe that makes negative presure and suck in all the air and bubbles. This makes all process much faster.

[@augustoparaiso7349]

Thank you for advising against the brake trick. I think you just saved my ass a lot of heartache and pain.

[@AH-hz3qe]

You're simply the best! Thanks for all the time you spend - it helps us all tremendously!

[@Moonfleet41]

Wow, thank you!

[@LamVienLV]

Thank you Del. This is an excellent video. Your videos have helped me to bleed the air in the clutch hydraulic system of the 1984 Honda V65 Sabre. The bike that has been sitting for more than 30 years. When I troubleshooting for ignition with no spark at spark plug, the micro-switch for safety start at the clutch handle that click every time when pulled. After all the air bled off and new Dot4 Brake fluid in the system then the clutch mechanism working then the ignition provided spark at the spark plugs(not sure if there is an other safety device in the clutch assembly for starting). I started the engine and let it ran for about half minute. That made me very happy. The bike has only 1020 miles on the odometer.

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you for sharing your experience Sir, im glad you got the old bike back up and running. i hope you can enjoy many miles riding it as well as working on it.. at such low mileage it's maybe time to start enjoying it as they're no fun just to look at aye... Good luck and ride safe..

[@PeterLaszlo76]

Thanks for video But i do one mistake ,, i relesed the lever back and get air,,,how can i fix the problem 😢? Now i want to start and put in the first gear and stopping the engine ,clouch dont work ...suzuki intruder 1400cc year 2000

[@amezcuaist]

Very professional. Good comparison between clutch and brakes .

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks! 👍

[@Goldwing1500rider]

Thank you for taking the time explain the process. My clutch was dried out after few years of sitting. Will take time to repair and replace the fluid. 1986 Honda 1100 shadow.

[@aurorabray6140]

Just finished servicing my hayabusa with the help of del boy. Saved me a few Bob. Many thanks mate, you're a top bloke.

[@Moonfleet41]

No problem 👍, glad to be of help.

[@billdubya9626]

Two years after this video was posted, it was tremendous help! THANKS!!

[@MikeBrown-do8gl]

The thing I like about his videos is the way he throws in little pieces of advice like what he said about not zip tying the clutch lever overnight like the way people do for the brake. I would have totally done that AND stripped the screws on the reservoir lid 😅

[@4Him4u2]

This guy knows what he s doing. Good explanation. Thanks.

[@timmckee4684]

Simply the best video I've seen on replacing clutch fluid. Thank you.

[@Moonfleet41]

Very welcome sir.

[@devilsd8ce]

Thank you so much! I had my bike standing still for a long long time, and now I needed to switch the clutch fluid but didnt know how, though it was hard... Well... Its wasnt. Once again, thank you.

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome Jose, Glad it helped!

[@rhinely850]

Great video! My only addition is to not squeeze the lever too aggressively while doing this. Some master cylinders will actually shoot the fluid in the reservoir up like an underwater eruption, and might make a mess. You can also squeeze it gently back and forth (like a wiggle) and watch the air bubbles come up initially through the fluid in the reservoir. That helps in then initial bleeding of the master cylinder until the piston bore gets full of fluid. Keep them coming, I'm a fan! Now tell me how the break free my 1971 Triumph pistons that are rusted in the cylinder. Thanks again.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate... damn good advice, i forgot to mention the wiggle trick, yes indeed, a great way to get the fluid to trickle down into a dry hose too, and yeah, i think we've all had the little fountain of fluid in the past, thats why im paranoid with the blanket..lol

[@MrDan97]

No matter how simple or advanced the job in hand is, the information given is always solid!! And support is there tenfold! Love this channel 👌🏻👌🏻 I’ve gone from being scared to do anything and having my dealer do the slightest things to now always having that give it a go attitude! I’ve made my mistakes but I’ve learned from everyone! And del has always been there to help me out when the s#*t has hit the fan haha! Keep it up man

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks buddy, you are very kind, its simple house keeping most of the time that doesn't need to be done by a professional, some jobs do like valve clearances because changing shims ,and making a mistake can lead to horrible damage and massive bills to repair... but simple basic easy stuff just takes a little common sense and some positive attitude aye.. Always drop us a line of you need a tip or tricl buddy.. take care.. Del.

[@Glotalaya]

having my bike picked up today to have the clutch done it's a 30 year old bike it's prone to clutch master and slave failure or something after not having it on the road for a year am pretty excited to get back on it hopefully today if they are fast at it.

[@danoweston6185]

I watched a video where they pumped the reservoir completely dry, then attached the pump to the bleeder valve, but your method seems much more straight forward. Thanks!

[@paulsphify]

You're The Man! You make it all so clear & understandable! Thanks a lot!👌👍✌

[@Moonfleet41]

Happy to help mate!

[@giovannim5101]

Thank you again for the info, it really helps me out with the maintenance of my Vulcan vn 1500.

[@MarshallGeorge-ih8tf]

Thanks. This has helped me out to just do it myself. Thanks Del 👍🏾

[@Moonfleet41]

No problem 👍

[@polkops]

That's the simplest video on the topic. Love it!

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad you liked it!

[@polkops]

@@Moonfleet41 yeah, I thought I'm gonna need a bleeding kit for that. Thank you.

[@Mikepragland]

thanks for the advice - very helpful and has given me the confidence to do my clutch next time I do my oil change.

[@JonDoe-se3mi]

Legend. Your a gem for information. I`ve learned so much from watching your videos. Thanks.

[@Moonfleet41]

Great to hear!

[@trigmachine]

Another cracking lesson, love the big muscle bikes.. I'll be using this on my cb1300 . Cheers

[@Rob.1340]

another good money saver and safety skill, will help folks for years to come as will all your others.all the best.

[@speece69]

The hydraulic hoses have a Teflon lining. If the rubber in your fluid is from the hose you have a split Teflon liner and your hose needs to be replaced urgently. It is much more likely that the black muck is made of wear particles from the master piston seals.

[@johnbaxter85]

Great video, I will give it a try. Thanks.

[@alianzaempresarial4144]

I was able to do it myself !! Thanks👏🏼👏🏼

[@kharybeckles5377]

Really liked this, lots of detailed information.

[@217RockStar217]

Thank you, I finally have the confidence to do this job the right way after watching your video Straight to the point, knowledge Thanks

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it helped, good luck with yours mate.

[@217RockStar217]

@@Moonfleet41 it helped immensely, all my questions an concerns were neatly pointed out though out Great job

[@JRVR780P]

Love it, one of the best videos on brake and clutch bleed, learned a lot, thanks a lot !!!!!

[@johnsullivan7262]

Clear and concise, well done.

[@kylepatton1048]

Another fantastic video! Complete and easy to follow. You are my "go to" channel when I need to learn how to do something on my b12 Bandit.

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome Kyle, glad we could help!

[@Cake...]

This is such a good video even a simpleton like me could do it. Thanks!

[@Moonfleet41]

You're so welcome!

[@jesseramos8285]

Delboys thanks so much for the video got my clutch feeling way better on my 99 zrx 1100

[@Moonfleet41]

No problem 👍

[@cliffordharley4322]

I also is anti- seizure lube on the screws! Because steel screws and aluminum doesn’t mix!

[@shanejan441]

Amazing video! Super clear instructions. Cheers from Australia.

[@Moonfleet41]

Most welcome mate..Glad it was helpful!

[@MrCbell57]

Great brake video. You should do more of these bike videos. Seems most motorcycles are built about the same. You're a great presenter. :)

[@garypatterson1678]

Hi Del and Penny love the wee channel, been rideing bikes 35years now. And still learn a lot watching the videos. Lot of jealous people out there Del trying to knock you. But you have three times there viewer's says it all doesn't it. Looking forward to next year to see some of the new things your going do. Take care ride safe. Gary N.Ireland

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Gary, Thank you so much for your kind message, yeah, we know, lots of hateful jealous people in this world buddy, but thankfully KZbin are now making inroads into dealing with them at last.. Take care and ride safe my friend.. D&Px

[@Litehamer]

Love these vids. They are inspiring confidence to get my hands dirty with my bike. Thank you and I hope you keep up the good work.

[@Moonfleet41]

You're most welcome buddy, we sure intend to !

[@carlarkless826]

Searched for this, and what a find. Got an issue with my GSX 1400 clutch and about to bleed. Great informative video. Gave me the confidence to go at it. I’ve a few bikes (2 1980’s katanas, gsx1400, and a gorgeous cbr1000f and a Hyabusa in sight)but no knowledge. Have subscribed to your channel as an eager student. Thanks 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Carl, glad it helped you mate, and welcome aboard, that sounds like a fair collection of muscle bikes there, and i bet they all keep you busy.. Enjoy the videos, and feel free to drop me a line if you get stuck and can't find a solution, two heads are better then one aye.. good luck with it and have fun mate.. all the best. .Del.

[@carlarkless826]

@@Moonfleet41 thank you so much Del. Yes I’m a muscle bike fan but love all bikes. That’s a real nice bike in your video. Thanks again 👍

[@emiliobernardo5929]

Nice vídeo . I have a question my clutch wont engage . Malbé the hoses clogt. That bike been seat for severals years .

[@5hakka]

Thank you very much - now i feel confident enough to do it myself!

[@Comrade134]

Taught like a pro! Thank you 🙏

[@Moonfleet41]

You're welcome!

[@tonyroberts1068]

Nicely demonstrated I’d be brave enough to try this myself now 😎👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Good luck with it Tony, hope it goes well for you.. Del.

[@jasonbocchi7736]

Excellent as always. Thanks Del

[@neovisionservicesgroup5031]

Well done video. Stayed on topic and provided a lot of relevant information. Great looking shop!

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you. your kind feedback is very much appreciated!

[@michaelreed9805]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@Moonfleet41]

You are welcome!

[@az246777]

I had this problem today on my Ducati 696 Monster and I did exactly has you demonstrated and it worked I fanlly got tightness in my clutch and it did not stall out when putting it into first gear. What happened to me was when I store my bike in the corner of my garage the clutch handle was pressing against wall overnight and that caused me a heeartache, so now I make sure I don't hit the clutch handle against the wall of the garage wall. The fluid reservior was totally empty not a drop even though I didn't see any on the floor of the garage so not sure what happened there.

[@martinyoung600]

Very informative and I did learn a lot.

[@allenglishknives6823]

Thanks for making this video, I’ll be doing mine over the winter 👍🏻

[@Moonfleet41]

Good luck with it buddy.

[@johnparkes5934]

Good solid straightforward video.

[@LenScapoff]

Nice one. Being a bit of a gadget freak, I like using my vacuum pump for these hydraulic jobs, but the method you used is, as you demonstrated, every bit as effective (and cheaper!).

[@Moonfleet41]

Thanks Len, yes there are great labour saving items to help you with this, but this method has worked for generations..

[@davewilliams3494]

Awesome video, first time I’ve seen any of your stuff. Will be looking for more.

[@Moonfleet41]

Welcome aboard!

[@cbsakias]

It s time to change my CB1300 clutch fluid,so thanks for this nice video!

[@TheGamersRace]

The air never actually reaches the fluid, it goes behind the diaphragm so as the clutch plates wear down the clutch master can draw more fluid into the system. A healthy clutch master does not let outside air contact the clutch fluid. Regardless, DOT fluid is hydroscopic. So it will absorb water if given the chance. And rubber particles may change its color and make it darker, too, if it's pretty old.

[@Moonfleet41]

"""A healthy clutch master does not let outside air contact the clutch fluid""" i have to disagree mate, Take your fluid cap off during winter (presuming you ride all year), and observe the water droplets that form on the top of that diaphragm!! the rubber diaphragm isn't held down with enough force to seal it air tight.. it's those water droplets that get slowly absorbed by the fluid, after all, there's nowhere else the fluid can absorb it from is there?.!

[@TheGamersRace]

@@Moonfleet41 The water that makes it's way through the cap air vent and through the plastic diaphram plate vent is definitely a downside to a system like this, but the air *will never touch the DOT fluid* and in the winter most of the times the water that forms is due to condensation. Nonetheless water does make it's way onto the outer side of the diaphragm. The reason water makes it's way into the DOT fluid is the diaphragms permeability. Even natural rubber is not impermeable to water vapors. With additives, fillers, polymers, and other things they add to the rubber (or just outright not even being made of rubber) the permeability of the diaphragm is even greater. So when the water sits ontop of that diaphragm, with a hydroscopic fluid directly beneath it, it isn't hard to imagine why it absorbs water over the span of the fluids life, and why most should service their DOT fluids every 2-4 years. The whole reason that diaphragm exists is to seal the fluid in, and elements out. A healthy one that's installed correctly won't let the air directly contact the fluid. If it did, we'd be doing this service far more often! Love the videos, though! This is the perfect how-to video for anyone wanting to service their own motorcycle. 👍👍

[@athlete582]

Very well explained! You just gained a new subscriber! Cheers from across the pond! 🙌🏼

[@Moonfleet41]

Thank you Sir, Welcome aboard!

[@ronf3216]

Thanks Del, much appreciated.

[@terryploppypants2792]

hi Del that was really good, thanks for that. I'm going to try do my KTM 1290 s sa now. The bike is now 3 yrs old. Not sure if KTM did it before on services but im going to do it. If i get this right, i'll attempt doing the brakes next. that was jusst over a year ago they did the brakes but i had to take it to a mates because they didnt feel right. So we did the same as you showed and much better. Just goes to show the dealer service isn't always the best. thanks again. Regards, Terry

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Terry, glad it worked for you, and doesn't it feel good to get it done yourself, gives a real sense of confidence in your bike!

[@terryploppypants2792]

@@Moonfleet41 i agree and its good to know more about the bike you ride. it would be good to find a manual as back up for certain jobs but videos like this explain it so well. Thanks again. Terry

[@BazzSelby]

Excellent! Couldn't be any easier!

[@lippasstuff7202]

Great video, going to do this job in the spring.

[@stephenpatrick8068]

I wipe off, clean & smooth out as necessary the master cylinder mating surface as well

[@joshconcia7882]

Great video! Full, detailed explanations. Well done. I normally don't like or subscribe, but I did this time.

[@budshure3183]

Thanks for another great video, Del. As always, learned something new. Didn't know about the vent holes.

[@Moonfleet41]

Cheers buddy, glad you enjoyed it.

[@matthewjackson3034]

Nice one,done brake fluid the other day. Thought it was a similiar process for clutch.

[@MattSaysSmile]

Like the tip about holding the brake lever in over night👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi Matt... you mean NOT holding the lever in over night right..?

[@MattSaysSmile]

Perhaps I misunderstood Del, 13:10 in the video you mentioned about taping the brake leaver in over night to bring any remaining bubbles in the system to the top via the brake master cylinder. It sounded like a tip....if I’m honest me and brakes don’t go together very well after getting brake fluid in both my eyes once....ha ha perhaps pulling on a suspension leg whilst a mate hacksaws through the lines wasn’t one of my best ideas.

[@av8dr]

Great instructions. Thanks.

[@rogerhughes5537]

brilliant vid,many thanks,i would have just pumped away with leaver,job done in no time at all

[@mortaljorma69]

This channel is gold.

[@Lostinthesupermarket11]

Thanks for the video and advice, I've never had a hydraulic clutch but would probably have been caught out holding the lever back overnight so it's good to know not to do that. I guess your still experimenting with the microphone though either that or I was just that used to the sound from the camera microphone.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi mate, glad that tip helped you... yeah. im new to the vice recorder, i think as Hadyn said below, i had the gain set too high. and also i think the foam screen over it was making it muffled...also yeah i agree, its been so long with that slight echo, it does sound really different, ill get used to it mate, its new tech ive never used before...

[@bazm1]

A great help. Thank you 👍

[@Moonfleet41]

Glad it helped!

[@mikejacklyn1221]

Hi from Nova Scotia,l find your videos very helpful. I had a question about bleed valve maintenance or replacement. I tried to bleed my clutch line today and simply nothing came out when opening the bleed valve. I assume it's clogged? I didn't want to go poking around with a needle or similar until I had a chance to ask you. I was using a vacuum pump to extract the fluid if that makes a difference and have not yet tried the clutch lever method. Thanks.

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi buddy, ok not uncommon, old bleed valves can corrode internally, or simply dirt can get in from the outside and bung them up... you may not have the dust cap on? Take the bleed value out completely, clean it with some brake cleaner and an airline, and if it fails to clear, just replace it... when you take the bleed value out, just put some rag in the hole to prevent the system from gravity bleeding out... hope that helps Mike, good luck with it, Del

[@mikejacklyn1221]

@@Moonfleet41 Thanks for the speedy response. Ok i'll give that a go. Funny thing the dust cap was in fact on but it does look plugged. I was also thinking about replacing with one of those speed valves. Do you have any opinion on them? Seems like a fool proof way to bleed withou getting air in the system. That's if they work as advertised?

[@Moonfleet41]

@@mikejacklyn1221 Many gizmos abound, all of them work I'm sure, I quite like the banjo bolts that have a bleed valve in them from Wemoto, quite handy if yours is seized, or rusted, up... but the original simple basic bleed valve is foolproof if it's in good condition!

[@Byrds1967]

Thanks for your video.

[@johnmena1368]

I've a 2014 Triumph Trophy SE with about 21k miles. Just recently I have had a bit of slipping in the clutch while in gear while accelerating. Would this be due to low clutch fluid or in need of bleeding?

[@Moonfleet41]

Hi John, once your clutch lever is fully released, then the springs in the clutch pack do all the work to hold the plates together.. the clutch fluid and associated mechanisms only come into play when you pull the lever in.. by all means bleed your clutch fluid through if it's never been changed in 6 years, that should have been done three times by now just as part of your routine servicing... but if it doesn't effect your clutch slippage, which is unlikely, then do an oil change (the clutch plates live in the engine oil), and check it again... and if after that, you still experience slippage, then id be inclined to drop the cover off and have a look at the plates up close.. and only 21k miles there can;t be that much wrong with them unless the bike has been abused.. Good luck with it mate.. hope that helps.. Del.

[@ricks.1318]

Good stuff your showing Del ..... "thanks" !!!

[@BC-kn6wh]

Nice explain! Thanks was very helpful.

[@Moonfleet41]

No worries!

[@richardplantagenet8090]

What will happen when u take it in for service is: you'll tell them not to change the fluid cos you've already done it, that won't get passed on to the mechanic who will work down his checklist and change the fluid anyway and charge you for it. When u point this out all of them will just shrug and look helpless and say that nobody told them anything. Your suggestion assumes an honest dealer who is sincerely working with you to reduce your servicing costs. Herds of pink Unicorns roaming Milton Keynes are more likely.

[@Moonfleet41]

I think you have a fare point if it was maybe a regular service item like changing the air filter etc... but changing hydraulic fluids is not mileage focused, its a time dated thing if you look in your bike's service book it will usually say do it every 2 years, and in my experience its more likely they will simply ignore that unless the last service was exactly 2 years ago, or unless you asked them to do it.. because most dealers do two kinds of service.. "Interim" and "Full" and if you want them to change things like fork oil or brake fluid, then you have to specify that when you book it in, becasue the fixed price wont include things like brake fluid changes... Either way, its just communication buddy.. if you make a specific point of saying to the service booking desk guy "DON'T CHANGE MY CLUTCH FLUID'... then if they go and do it, you can simply refuse top pay for it.. and if you have that kind of worry about you local garage in the first place then i wouldn't take my bike there in the first place aye..lol

[@aydenrogers5152]

Always enjoy the videos! Nice detail and good camera work.

[@00SirSativa00]

Worked like a charm. Gosh damn I can’t thank you enough.

[@pdvd78]

Thnx for this clear how to video!