Motorcycle Clutch Adjustment: Proper Freeplay

[@albert30300]

Thanks so much! My VTX was slipping out of gear on hard acceleration. Was ready to take bike to shop for clutch replacement but fixed it by just adding the freeplay.

[@Gabbiano88]

Burnt up my clutch from having it to tight…. New rider…. Didn’t know wish I saw this sooner

[@nocturncal]

Great advice about listening to ads to support youtubers during these times! It's so easy and requires no effort other than your ear/eyes and extra time, which we all have now that we're under lockdown.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

All the tubers out there will be thankful! I know I will be 🙌🏻

[@brianburk2559]

Great video! My rider friends were always criticizing the free play in my clutch! O man you should have it tight.... Always made more sense to me to have some play.

[@cncbuss1]

Finding your videos to be the best in regards to regular maintenance on my motorcycle. Just got back into riding after over 15 years of having no motorcycle. I wish you terrific success with the channel - Thank you for describing the importance of watching ads on KZbin in order to support our favourite the vloggers. Not many people know this. I’ve subscribed to your mailing list and look forward to your future posts. I’ll be on the lookout for any products you promote as an affiliate. Stay safe - enjoy your Easter Sunday.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thank you Claude, really was encouraging to read this. Hope to bring you more value in the future.🤙🏻

[@Messymathews90]

1 billion videos later thanks so much.i give this video 5 stars

[@rickyschultz6357]

This video could not have been more timely. I just watched it yesterday and today put on the new clutch cable for a KZ650 cafe racer I am building. So I managed to put it in correctly and get it adjusted without having to wonder if it was too tight/loose. Love your videos! Keep up the good work.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Perfect!! Just for you bro!

[@spiritmotion]

Seriously I have watched each and every video about this topic. This video was really explaining some very information points. I just replaced my oem levers with aftermarkets and I had to adjust the freeplay. I couldn't really understand what the freeplay is. You showed that the freeplay is actually the empty space between the end of the cable and the connection at the clutch basket. Thank you man really you made my day.

[@beejoutbush3322]

Best explanation yet. Cheers from Australia

[@jezzahawkins966]

I've watched a few videos on "adjusting freeplay"... yours is by far the best, most well-explained I have seen - well done, and thank you, it's very helpful !

[@jrsanacore2310]

Thank for your video brother! Since all of the situation outside, I've been able to make a rusty 83 Honda sabre to work. Carb clean, ignition system, fork work, brake work, etc.. with all of your videos. I love your channel because you go in depth. Thank a lot! Continue your good work

[@dinbosco9658]

Best clutch adjustment video in youtube. Thanks!

[@evanmapstone137]

Thank you so much for this video. I bought a new used bike and the clutch was so tight it made it kind of unpleasant to ride. After watching the video I readjusted the cable and it's so nice now. Thanks man

[@reaganuke8]

I've been rummaging youtube for a detailed explanation about clutch lever and arm but this one by far is the most. Thank you sir! New subscriber here.

[@shagyadvetures2460]

totaly thankful for u sharn ur knowledge an experience pickd up an 81 cb 750 an revertd back to alot of ur vids learning how to properly work on an fix wtvr may have been wrong or needed addressed or just pick up extra knowledge myself on anything I may run into in the future.. thanks

[@navidkh1883]

The best explanation on clutch adjustment. Appreciate it.

[@vintagerealityvr]

I watched a bunch of videos on how to do this before I found this one and this one was the be all end all. Everything I needed thanks

[@mr.u.213]

Thank you so much for sharing! I had no idea how it actually works, now it all makes sense!

[@SoulAnarchistMusic]

Great info, thanks! I'll be re-cabling my clutch this week, this helps immensely.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Perfect!

[@mille925]

Thank you so much. As a beginner rider I was able to understand how its done right. Very good job. Greetings from Germany

[@LOYALLUTON]

Brilliant information and so clear, even for someone like me with no mechanical clues whatsoever,thanks very much.

[@davidbedard7195]

Simply the best - by far. Thank you for explaining things in such a useful way - so that I actually understand what I am doing.

[@BrandonLund]

Great video Cody. I like the new shop! You did a great job explaining it. Thank you and stay safe buddy.

[@B3rnik]

Good info lots of videos saying is easy but never address all questions you my have like how to know you adjusted things correctly. Yiu did answered most of them. Thanks

[@steveross85]

Thank you for this video. I've learned more from this one video than i have in years.

[@ZippoVarga]

Stay safe and healthy my Friend! Thanks for helping pass the time while we await this Pandemic to sort it self out. Cheers! Zip~

[@Gwambua]

This video is absolutely fantastic, i can say categorically and without fear that you saved my clutch with the wisdom that is in this video, thanking you very much, God bless

[@williamsmith8665]

Wish you and your family well. Great video, as always. Thank you.

[@MrAlmar07]

Nice one Cody. Another well explained video, and just at the right time for me!! Wishing you & yours all the best in these strange times. Stay safe mate. Awrabesht from Ireland. 😉👍

[@funonthebun888]

Excellent video.. taught me so much about my clutch issues..

[@knu8527]

new subs here. this has always been in my mind "the Freeplay" for years until recently i browse some tips in utube. this helps a lot bro. thanks

[@CafeRacerGarage]

Well said brother, love your work, always so much to learn from you 😁 👍

[@vinerwe]

Great explanation. Hope you and your family are doing well. Having a bit of trouble with my Moto Guzzi and my Yamaha, but different problems. I will re-examine the free play. I hope neither is burnt. I don't detect slippage.

[@8505angel]

Dude! GREAT videos, just the resource I was looking for. Keep up the good work! Stay Safe, stay healthy. Subscribed!

[@famillebussieres-mainville4831]

Great video. Thanks for posting your knowledge.

[@stevesvids]

Great one as always bud... thanks. Sending best wishes to you and your family too buddy.... Will be watching all your back catalogue of vids over n over... heheyyy.. 👍 Regards Steve UK.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

My man! Thank you! Stay safe and healthy brother

[@Torquer]

Finally! I thought that something was wrong with the transmission.

[@lockedine]

Thank you for explaining this so well. I've been so confused cuz I have 0 freeplay at all and I couldn't tell which way to turn the screws at the bottom.

[@blipco5]

For you...I will watch the ad. 🍻

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Alright alright 👌🏻🥃

[@MasteringParagliding]

Thanks , this is clear that mine on my ZX6R is way too tight.

[@bennryan2]

Exceptional instructions!

[@matdube3577]

So useful! Thanks Cody.

[@Will0ver9000]

Thanks for the video now I understand the freeplay

[@usernamemykel]

You're awesome - had no chaoice but to like and subscribe. QUESTION: Awhile back I adjusted my free play. As a consequence, now when I want to go from 1st gear to N, it bypasses N and gows into 2nd gear - so, do I need to increase or decrease my lever's gap? Thank you!

[@massoudzadeh3394]

Thanks Cody, great information.

[@2jsims]

ok bro - ads it is! the rest is Definitely worth the wait!

[@sunsetoriginals7320]

Great video! Thanks

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Your welcome!!

[@Car_mand]

great info! thank you

[@STIZEN9]

dude you had me cracking up @ 10:47!!! You are pretty fregn cool my man! Your awesome.

[@STIZEN9]

you explain a confusing subject in a way that is interesting and simple. I am listening to you talk and I get it. Your a good teacher. Thankyou JESUS for youtube.

[@STIZEN9]

15:25! LOL Ahhhhhahahahhhhhh hah

[@snkboarder]

Lovin' this, but could you go over tensioning the freeplay down below at the locknuts a little more? The fine tuning at the handle is great, but I'm not sure how far to start down there at first. This really helped me on a 1972 Honda Sl100 I found in a barn. I've never worked on or ridden a bike before. It'd been sitting for almost 20 years and the clutch plates were galded together in one huge mass. I had to take it apart and pick the steels off the friction discs with a screwdriver. The clutch discs all seem okay based on what I know from cars, but I didn't get a micrometer out. Everything seems fine for the most part, but when you shift into first you can feel a small load placed on the engine, but the bike won't creep on its own. Some people say that's normal for an older bike with a well-used clutch. I've noticed, though, that the more I ride it, the less it does that. Makes me wonder if it's just junk being cleaned off the friction discs as it gets warmed up, used and fresh oil is sloshed around up in there. Also, I taught myself to ride on this bike yesterday and today is only my second day riding. I tried what you said about getting up to 20 MPH, shifting into fifth and then punching it. The bike gets really throaty and bass-ey, RPMs drop and it lugs just like a car would but will still accelerate at an admirable speed. I think this is a win?

[@bob4bob3bob2bob]

Yes, thank you. Again.

[@themrrd12345]

Just came up on this video and it's got good information. I have a CBR650F where it feels like it's slipping at higher rpms. Before it wasn't like that but I never messed with the clutch cable adjustment. Would you say the friction plates are worn or might I be able to save it with an adjustment?

[@nabusintox2627]

I know this is off topic but I'm a big fan and didn't know where else to ask - I've got an '83 CB550 and have always noticed the chattering valves. A Harley bro I was talking to said that sound means I needed to adjust my valves, but I thought the Nighthawks had hydraulic tappets that didn't need adjusting. What, if anything, does this mean, and what can/should I do about it? Thanks in advance as you've already helped me with so much on this beauty!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Your bike does use the HVA system. Unless the motor is really high in miles, it’s unlikely the HVAs need attention. Unless they are not functioning. Regardless. It’s more likely to be your cam chain or cam chain tensioner that is so noisy. Best thing to do is isolate the noise by pin pointing where the noise is coming from. If it’s loudest dead center of the cylinder or head. It is cam chain noise.

[@jonsmith3723]

Thanks! I needed that

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Your welcome! 🤙🏻

[@garylollman5339]

I have a question to ask you. I have gotten to that age (75) where I have issues with my balance. I am uncomfortable too try and ride my 89 Gold Wing, and yet I would like to ride it. I have been giving thought too buying the parts to make my bike into a trike. Okay here my question. Do you have any experience in trike system and if so what would be the best by for the buck? I classified them into two types. One you use the current bike rear wheel and add training wheels to each side. (This looks hooky to me.) Second you take the rear wheel off and use your driveline and go into a differential and build from that. Anyway what are your thoughts on this and any manufactures I should look into? Thanks in advance, and I watch ever one of your videos you post. You are amazing young man. My first bike was a Honda 360CL. Rode it from Portland Oregon all the way to Everett Washington and back on trip. I made up my mind that I wanted a more road bike but life an bills got into the way and never was able to afford one until my late sixties and early seventies. Thus my issue with balance.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Great questions Gary. I have built a handful of trikes on many bikes. I actually work at a shop that is also an authorized Motortrike dealer. Here is my advice and I would listen close. Any bolt on training wheel style attachment is something I would stay VERY far away from. This includes any modifications that require the rear wheel to still be installed. I believe they are called galaxy kits or odyssey or something like that. Garbage. He have seen them come apart and now we won’t even touch any bike with these kits installed. We won’t even remove them.... If i were you, the best bang for your buck is to keep on the lookout for an already built newer GL1500 set ups. Roadsmith, California Side car, Champion, Motortrike, and Hannigan trike. All make good kits. I don’t think Hannigan makes 1500 kits but they are top tier. Many riders who own trikes are older, at such a fine age as yourself. Often times these riders just can’t ride anymore. They are typically well kept and well maintained. You may love your 89 but the cost effectiveness to have a kit you trust (rear differential/axle/ body swap) installed on such a bike will be just shy of a newer already completed kit. Any of those Branded kits I described are trustworthy kits. If you go with a bolt on training wheel death machine. Just remember.. You have been warned!! Glad to hear you still out and about with the passion for two wheels. I hope this really helps with your decision. As soon as I read that you looked at the bolt on side wheel kits. I just had to put my two cents in. 🤙🏻👍🏻 Ride safe brother.

[@tknadin]

Would it be a good idea to show how the clutch basket works? - Great show.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

I suppose everything helps a bit! Noted. 🤙🏻 Thanks for watching

[@daveco1270]

He did a video a while ago where he replaced a clutch. You should definitely check that one out. Very educational.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks Dave!!

[@sydneybaumgartner9801]

Great info! I have a 2008 KLR 650 and after a shift I have to take my finger and push the lever back forward. Will an adjustment as you describe cure this? I also have a 2016 Goldwing. Thanks!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

No likely! Would suggest a fresh cable first!

[@sydneybaumgartner9801]

@@TheMotorcycleMD Ok thanks for the suggestion!

[@sumitsinghshekhawat]

Great video !!! Wish health to family

[@craigslistnothing6015]

Awesome video! Here's a question if you have time to answer: What purpose does the clutch release mechanism and pushrod adjuster play in all of this, and how do I know when it needs to be included in this process? I ask because my clutch freeplay had all but disappeared after, or sometime shortly before, an extensive low speed session. It became symptomatic when the clutch began failing to fully engage when I released the lever. So I made adjustments at the lever to return it to the correct level of freeplay and it seems to behave differently now. The friction zone bites sooner and harder when engaging the clutch, but the overall power doesn't seem quite as explosive as before. I can't seem to lift the front wheel up anymore when clutching up in 1st gear for instance, as if it's almost all the way engaged. Anyway I'll keep experimenting to see if I can solve it, but any input is appreciated if this issue seems obvious to you. Keep up the great work!

[@worbianbrownia2038]

Nice one. Cheers muchly.

[@AICD1999]

Yes, being in the medical community myself it is a two edge sword. Every other week work cycles here. Unfortunately there is nowhere to go on your off week. Going to ride, work on the 1988 VTR250 by painting plastics, and general spring cleaning.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Great idea man! Busy work is good!

[@oscr_zen]

why I have corrct free play on top should the clutch lever on bottom move at all in the free play range?

[@cow7boy]

Any idea what causes hard shifting? I picked up a used 2012 XR650L with less than 7,000 miles on the odometer. I noticed that it feels hard to shift, especially from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. It takes some effort. Just feels hard. Shifting to 4th and 5th feels mostly okay. I have adjusted the clutch freeplay to within the recommended range without much improvement. I've owned cruisers, sport tourers, adventure, and enduro bikes. None of them felt hard to shift. That's probably why I noticed it on the XR650L. Any idea why it feels hard to shift? Great video, by the way. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@cow7boy]

Bump, bump! Anyone?

[@cookiecanfly_]

Hey man awesome video!!!! Bro what does it mean for my cb250 when the bikes off it’s super easy to get into neutral but if I have the bike running it’s tricky to get into neutral. Cheers mab

[@harrywright799]

hey I had this same issue. nighthawk 250. say you're at a stop light, clutch in, in first. you want to go to neutral... but it won't go... rev the engine and try clicking it up to neutral. works? what does that tell you? your idles too low. now great news is this can be sorted with a screwdriver. adjust pilot screw.

[@georgesteffens7489]

Question for you - I’m replacing my clutch cable for my Shadow, with an OEM stock clutch. In your experience with cables, should they be lubed when new? I keep hearing every now and then Honda cables don’t need lube. Thank you!

[@antiposer016]

What about the firmness of the first gear shift, does that "lurch" directly correlate with the clutch adjustment when it's cold? Also I'm wanting to move my friction zone closer to the bars, but I'm worried my clutch isn't engaging fully upon release, how will I know for sure? Is it possible to move my friction zone and be in perfect spec for the clutch?

[@brettcreech3490]

Thanks Cody God bless.

[@joeysanchez2023]

Thanks Bro.

[@rodclaude1201]

like your videos.can you help me . older fella,love my bike have 1985 maxim X .green light nutraul is not easy ,to light. Once I stop ,need to turn bike off & pull the foot lever up, & play till green nutral light come on,also copper wire broke off.

[@daveco1270]

Is that a Texavina (aka DayTrader07 on Ebay) seat I see on your Silver Honda CB450? I ordered one from them a couple weeks ago, waiting for it to arrive.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Yes!! Love the seat!! A little stiff, but i love the craftsmanship!

[@amezcuaist]

Adjust the free play so your middle finger is bent (90 degrees ) just as the lever needs pressure. That`s when wearing your gloves .Don`t be stretching with your middle finger .

[@alinutzalin6346]

So its better to have more freeplay than none right?

[@jamesa6272]

So what I’m dealing with is the opposite. I just replaced the clutch disks on my rebel 450. If I add the suggested free play it’s hard to shift gears. If I make it tight it shifts good. I’m not sure what’s going on

[@noahprieto4048]

This saves me

[@thetruthisoutthere8598]

I have a 2005 shadow spirit and it shifts 1st, 2nd and 3rd just fine but very hard to get into 4th and 5th unless really wound out on rpm. Can that be a clutch problem or gears?

[@joedeleon3435]

Hey Cody just wanted to ask you is that a 1971 CB750 in the valley green metallic paint scheme in the background? Oh I see now, it's a cb450 right? Same paint scheme

[@mohammedhegdah]

My clutch had no free play at the bottom, i thought my clutch plates were worn out, after i replaced my clutch plates, i still do not have no free play, what could be the issue?

[@markparry5722]

Hey there hope youre okay cody :) i have a cb100 k2 1972! And i struggle to get her to turn over and when she is runnjng she is sputtering and backfiring what could be the issue please? Thank you :)

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Probably either ignition or carburetor!

[@markparry5722]

@@TheMotorcycleMD when you say carburettor what carb issue could it be? Thank you :)

[@markparry5722]

@@TheMotorcycleMD hey cody just fettled with the carb and its all good and clean original all stock keihin carb and jets! So it leaves me with the ignition the spark plug is giving me a yellow orangle spark is that weak and why could that be thank you very much :)

[@hystloko2890]

Thanks g

[@paulopedro1674]

Great👍👍👍👍

[@singhangad]

a heavy clutch pull could also be because of cable thats shredding itself

[@lukechambery3135]

I’m completely confused. I have a 2018 CBR 650F and I was trying to make adjustments and this has completely thrown my bike off. I’m sure I’m making a small misunderstanding mistake, but you weren’t on the bike showing us what it looks like when you let off the clutch and the bike moves forward. Are you in first? Or neutral? If I let off my clutch and my bike is in 1st, that sounds like a throttle problem. I’m just totally confused. And I’m sure 30 people will comment and tell me it’s so easy, but if you don’t know what you’re doing or understand it, it isn’t easy

[@toonopolystudios]

Did you go to school for this or did learn by experience

[@abhishekbsws]

I feel little jurk on my lever when down shifting.. why?

[@Jimschannel4321]

My problem is I can't get free play out new cable clutch and it is like the handle bars have been changed on my cmx 250c honda rebel ugh I am disabled and it's all I've got and I'm blessed to even be able to ride but the guy lied and I had to replace clutch and cable but it isn't allowing me to adjust it right? People who are healthy please don't screw people over because they have a really nice bike it's just to heavy because of there disability. Because it is the only thing I can do to help me out of my modes 24/7 365 a year for 21 years of pain and not even being able to adjust the clutch ughhh!!!

[@hystloko2890]

My problem was when I released my clutch it did not stall out or move forward , all I did was adjust my cable and now I don’t have to pay my evil mechanic 350$ for a simple clutch replacement

Thanks TheMotorcycleMD! Regards from South America, Excuse my wrong english please! I understand about short finger lever adjustment looking for propper clutch disengagement, without any movement on the bike while it is in it's 1st gear. I DO THIS USING A DIGITAL TACH METER AVOIDING DROPPING RPM NOT MORE THAN 20~30 RPM. IS THIS OK? AM I DOING IT RIGHT? Let me talk some about hand anatomy. Normal use of clutch lever is pulling lever with distal or middle phalanx, but I find much more healtly and much more pain resistance USING THE PROXIMAL PHALANX from here: drive.google.com/file/d/1_3MaZYTjzfI6t-Ae717iySI7F0UJsVli/view?usp=drivesdk to here, all the way to the bar: drive.google.com/file/d/17WQs71EoKWERPikqLRna6SVgyQo5Vy5D/view?usp=drivesdk Hand works fully closed! more grip, control and less forearm muscle effort and pain. My question is about that, knowing that my lever setup gets 1st gear and not feeling of bike movement or droping more than 20~30 rpm, ¿WHAT IS HAPPENING IN LONG TIME TO THE FRICTION DISCS HAVING THAT LITTLE SPACE TO GET OIL BETWEEN THEM AT CLUTCH DISENGAGEMENT? THANKS A LOT!!! CHEERS!

[@flammarama]

Great Video, thank you.