How To Diagnose Problems With a Hydraulic Dirt Bike Clutch

Hydraulic Clutch Diagnose: rmatvmc.link/hydraulic-clutch...
Are you having issues with your motorcycle's hydraulic clutch but don't know where to start when pinpointing the problem? If so, you've come to the right place. Rocky Mountain ATV/MC has all the parts, tools, and know-how to get your bike back up and running in no time. In this video, Charles shows how to diagnose issues with a dirt bike hydraulic clutch and shows some of the common and less common issues that hydraulic systems can suffer from.
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[@gcostanza2115]

Mine are okay at the moment, but this will be a big help for when they need some attention. Great video!

[@travislangley4209]

Thanks for the info on the lever being hard to pull. I had loosed some screws to make it easier to get to the bleeder bolt and couldn't figure out why the lever went from mush to hard to pull. After watching your video I ran out and tightened everything back down at the slave cylinder and it works fine again.

[@Teotwobluntz]

Extremely helpful. Kx450 19 trying to get back in the air.

[@Senna-xi1gr]

Cheers, great instructions for me to follow tomorrow 👍🇬🇧

[@DMobley232]

Great Video - Thank You!

[@vinuezaer]

Impressed. Learned alot.

[@mishamikhail109]

Thanks for the video. I have a question : how much resistance should one expect when pushes slave cylinder with a finger, (when clutch lever is not pulled) ? I can do it' with a finger, but with considerable pressure. Some say it should be very light. Trying to diagnose hydraulic problem...

[@jonathandixson6408]

ty for yr info my bike is having some clutch problem

[@quintenjacobs5684]

really high quality stuff right here. This helps a lot.THanks!

[@rmatvmc]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

Great. 👍

[@MC_Solbakken]

i have a ktm sx 450 2005 model, i had a little crash so the clutch lever got pulled and from that rubber in the master on the handlebar. but my clutch lever has a pin that goes inside the rubber piece but even if i have put the lever correctly back in. it still wont disengage the clutch. i have no idea why it is like that now

[@NorthWestEnduro]

What can cause a clutch biting point to be right at the initial pull of the lever?

[@barbosajoaobarbosa]

Nice video. Can't find that bleeder tool on your website, could you send the link?

[@keithbell8960]

Antone ever have the problem of clutch engaging on downhills or freewheeling like it's a recluse but it's still a stock clutch. What would cause this?

[@deathcon450rr]

So down by the banjo fitting I have a leak where it looks like someone rebuilt the motor and put the line in the wrong position and when they turned they pulled on that line will that stop your clutch from dragging

[@joshuabarrath7222]

Hi Rockymountain ATV MC i just want to know if you guys ship your products to South Africa???

[@shannanhostetler5349]

I have a question for you, my buddy bought a used ktm. It has a broken hydraulic clutch lever. He brought it to me with a universal clutch lever master cylinder setup. The new master calls for mineral oil but the original was brake fluid. Will it be ok or will mineral oil conflict with the slave cylinder?

[@gavinfisher8049]

I be done the slave rebuild on my 2017 KTM 450SXF. Needed a new o ring was all split . Now the clutch bite is very close to the handle bar. Is it simple clutch knob adjust at handle bar only or some other reason??

[@JorgeRivera-ls7wc]

I wrecked on my husky 350 couple weeks ago, ever since the clutch has no pressure at all. Do I need a new master cylinder?

[@meekdook4236]

What if it`s hard shift gears? Does the clutch need bleeding or some kind of adjustment or is it worn out? It also drag a little…

[@nebevorgneerg2241]

If its leaking out of the slave cylinder onto the ground does that means its also leaking into the transmission fluid?

[@francisguerrero3240]

Got any no for rear brake too sensitive?

[@FN_ELITE_SLOTTED]

do you have a video of showing why i put it in gear and my bike just chokes the clutch is not showing any type of response for a ktm 85

[@Walter-White23]

Hey man My ktm 85 has been laid up for awhile and I needed to get my carburetor cleaned as the jets got clogged and was a bog noise when reving . So now that's sorted I took it for a spin and basically when I put it into first gear it conks as soon as I leve out the clutch but yet when I run with it kick it to second it goes perfectly. Plz help 😢

[@kraigvanderwyk1153]

I was meaning to look into this as my boys 65sx has been sticking. Poped up in my recommended. Lol

[@aaroncannin6595]

K k Kikuyus kku

[@mxcro8316]

ur phone listening to u🤣

[@Slynch_.]

what was the problem with it

[@josephfomichev4214]

What would be the issue, if you try to bleed the clutch fluid but it just stays in the resveare

[@Hoser1mVm]

What is issue if my clutch lever bite/friction point is almost all way out? Plates or bellvile washer?

[@buckskinlady]

I have a 08 ktm 450 excr when you put the transmission into first gear the bike will stall even with the clutch pulled in. Clutch seems to be just fine besides that.

[@Fixin2Ride-Official-]

Great Video! Although I have a 2006 CRF with a Magura on it. QUESTION: If I get some stiffer action of the hydraulic clutch towards the end of a moto, I'm guessing that means I might have some air in the line? Thanks!

[@rmatvmc]

A spongy or soft feeling clutch would indicate some air bubbles in the line. It is a bit odd that you feel your clutch pull gets harder after riding for a while. I wonder if it's actually the same but feels harder with some fatigue?

[@ccorbin18]

Someone please help...I have a 2013 ktm 250sx that dies when I put it into gear for first couple times after starting bike. When it doesn't still when put in gear, it will stall when releasing the clutch. Did an oil change and there are metal shavings on the drain plug

[@meekdook4236]

Do you have parts for a 2004 Husky TE450?

[@raymundoromero5051]

Thanks for the video. How do I fix the leak by the lever

[@rmatvmc]

You will need to rebuild the clutch master cylinder. We have a great video showing this process on KTM/Husqvarna bikes you can check out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIK7dmp4rKibaas Below are links to clutch master cylinder rebuild kits that will include all the parts to reseal your master cylinder. All Balls Clutch Master Cylinder Repair Kit: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/all-balls-clutch-master-cylinder-repair-kit-p Pro X Clutch Master Cylinder Repair Kit: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/pro-x-clutch-master-cylinder-repair-kit-p

[@scottforti3194]

What do I do I have a small leak around the plunger and my clutch fluid was black with black chunks in it

[@x91s55]

How do I adjust the clutch lever so it doesn't go so far back that it pops out of the hole the clutch sits in?.

[@chrismharthart]

Thanks for the vid. On My Ktm 500 with low hours the clutch pulls in with no resistance and once all the way compressed the motor is still engaged? Does this mean the clutch is done? Fluid is fine no leaks. Thanks

[@rmatvmc]

I would start by flushing and bleeding the system, if that doesn't help, the master cylinder seals are probably bad. We have a rebuild video for that if you need it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIK7dmp4rKibaas -Charles

[@jeremycontreras8270]

What would cause bike to not move while being put in gear. The engine still running and shift into gear and when I let off clutch it just idles but does not drive wheel

[@raymundoromero5051]

How do I fix the leak from the clutch lever

[@sigberetta72]

I have a 2019 KTM 690 SMCR and the clutch works fine, but wonder if there is a way where it can be adjusted like my old 2010 KTM Duke was? ... I two fingered the clutch on it and you didn’t have to pull it all the way into the bar. This new bike, I have to four finger clutch it because I have to pull it all the way to bar. Again, it’s working fine just wondering if it can be adjusted?

[@J.77545]

I’m having this same problem how did you fix it

[@TCat17]

Any expertise on my situation? 2019 KTM 690 SMCR, clutch starts slipping under heavy load after the bike is warmed up. Clutch-ups will stop catching. Power wheelies can start making the clutch slip. And the engagement point gets lower and lower and on the clutch lever, specifically when cycling through higher gears. Bike does have the oberon aftermarket slave cylinder. Im guessing the issue is the master cylinder since clutch works perfect until 30mins to an hour from cold start

[@BlindfoldedFox]

Have you solved this? I think it must be a slave cylinder issue, I might have the same

[@benjaminbuckley-j2e]

My clutch has pressure but doesn’t engage bike was sat for around 2 weeks and clutch was fine when left

[@DizzleMX32]

i tried bleeding my clutch and now it wont engage at all. i bled it the same was as a brake im not sure what to do

[@rmatvmc]

Did you already try to reverse bleed it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ7Yf2OlZ5l5qqssi=6S4wRut6BHjPIKv1 Let me know if this works. -Charles

[@DizzleMX32]

@@rmatvmc i did not but i will try that when i can order the tools for it thank you 👍

[@ThatHondaActy]

So my clutch was working on my 2018 husqvarna 450 yesterday. This morning when I got up, I found that there is no resistance on my clutch lever, and the clutch won’t engage. It acted like the clutch was not even connected to anything and it was just completely loose. I topped it off with fluid, and that didn’t do anything, anyone got any ideas?

[@yaahooboy1473]

Anyone know why the fluid won’t go into the slave cyclinder when I reverse bleed it

[@blix3702]

I have the same problem

[@abdulsamjoo3804]

Hey man… question, I did this on my Ducati Panigale and now I hear a wet bubbly/straw slurping like sound by the slave cylinder when I engage/pull in the clutch. I tried flushing clean fluid a few times but still the same sound occurs by the slave cylinder area :(

[@maikelnait1051]

Can be that the rebuild kit is wrong size. Pistons come in different size’s. I think there’s 9 mm, 9,5 and 10,5 mm. I think the number of size is marked under housing. At least on Magura product.

[@leondeblaauw2082]

wat could be the problem if my clutch stays in when pulled?

[@n.nikolov]

My clutch lever can't reach the grip and the bike tends to creep forward?

[@alexanderdefender]

Sounds like clutch drag or potentially air in the clutch system. If you have air in the system it won't fully disengage. If your plates are warped or fibers are worn this can also cause the creeping forward even after bleeding the system.

[@jasonsykes1030]

What if my clutch lever has no pressure and is really easy to pull in, just did a clutch hub replacement on a 2006 ktm 450 sx.

[@logancollins1186]

You got fluid and everything?

[@ktmsean0390]

Are the Slave cylinder seals the same as the 2007 ktm sx 144? Thank you.

[@claytonackley5228]

Probably

[@tylermcguyrt5207]

I have a 21 Kx 250 and when I start my bike it’s in neutral obviously but when I start it the rear wheel spins at a rate of which you would think it is in gear and when you engage the clutch it will slow and stop the wheel and when you disengage it will go right back to spinning pretty fast. What could cause this?

[@bradley4698]

being in gear

[@fahed7316]

@@bradley4698 😒😂

[@andrecordebello5093]

What is the problem if the clutch has no free play? My brother's 2013 excf 350 has no free play in the clutch lever and it also drags the clutch, we've already changed the fluid in the line, bled it, tried changing the setting on the Belville spring, and nothing.

[@jarrod1687]

Any update?

[@jordanrivera4244]

Do you have guards?

[@andrecordebello5093]

Changed clutch discs and also did a master cylinder rebuild, that solved all the issues. The main issue seemed to have been the master cylinder

[@kxrider70]

Will loosing the nuts after the master cause air to be in the line?

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Whats my problem if im trying to reverse bleed but the fluid isnt making its way up? Is something clogged? Am i not using the right syringe? Does the bleeder have to be open a certain amount?

[@marcphillips4593]

I have same problem....did you find an answer?

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Yes, take the clutch lever off. It will take all pressure off

[@benandemmawright9849]

Really? Same problem here too, but the lever has play so has to be right open. An yes I've cracked the bleeding nipple lol

[@kristinazmuda2105]

What if my clutch engagement there is no play and it engages all the way out. There is not much in between or clutching I can do while riding technical terrain....It has to be all the way out for engagement and then its all or nothing.

[@1tufhk]

Ktm I bet

[@halotornadokick]

I got a 2015 Ktm clutch doesnt want to engage

[@chrismharthart]

2018 Ktm 500 lost all fluid from Master cylinder. The clutch line was yellow and swollen there was fluid between the braided line and the plastic cover of the line. Ever heard of this? Can’t believe the line has a hole in it.

[@rmatvmc]

That's a new one for me! -Charles

[@pumkineater69__]

When i rev my bike high with the clutch in gear it go forward sometimes anything wrong?

[@rmatvmc]

Clutch creep can be caused by something as simple as an adjustment or new fluid. It can also be something more in depth like the clutch plates sticking together or a messed up basket. If you have a hydraulic clutch definitely follow along with this video and that should help narrow down what the issue is.

[@AndersBengtsson-ss1rt]

Hi I have a ktm 250sxf 2023 . My clutch dragging when its cold, not when the motor is warm, have don everything ,,, whats wrong??????

[@rmatvmc]

Thick oil? What are you running?

[@rjg3876]

What causes gelling up ? Or better yet how do you prevent it ?

[@iamandreja]

Change it every or every other year.

[@rmatvmc]

Brake fluid can absorb moisture that will lead to corrosion on the internal parts. Other than that, I don't know why it gel's up, but as long as you flush it at the recommended interval of every 1 or 2 years you should't have any problems with that. -Charles

[@hugodion1967]

I don't understand the part when you say to press the clutch lever while cracking open the bleeding screw at the slave cylinder. Apparantly If it leak that mean slave cylinder is jammed? If the circuit is on pression, wouldn't the oil come out from the bleeding screw no matter if slave cylinder is stuck or not stuck?

[@BaccaratBible]

Wow real big help with the stiff clutch 👎

[@BaccaratBible]

Glad I waited till the end for that one

[@brunoortiz1049]

Any idea? My ktm 250 sxf lurches forward and dies whenever it goes into 1st gear

[@2strokemxclassics]

Sounds like your side stand switch

[@humaneye7069]

There is grooves in ur clutch basket that need to be sanded down or u need a new clutch basket.

[@josephfomichev4214]

You find a fix?

[@stinthedude]

Anyone help So I've flushed and replaced the old fluid with new, and still the clutch will not disengage properly. Pull all the way to the bar, click in first and it slaps into gear jerks forward and dies

[@rmatvmc]

Hmm, does the lever have any resistance? Could be bad master cylinder, or slave cylinder seals. Could be warped clutch plates, or a worn clutch basket or hub. Check for free-play/resistance in the clutch lever first and that should give you an idea of where to look. -Charles

[@robbrown39]

I get clutch fade when the motor gets hot. Will flushing the system fix that?

[@rmatvmc]

That's definitely your first step! How long since the last flush? Should be done every 1-2 years. -Charles

[@robbrown39]

@@rmatvmc I just bought it. It's a 2013 Husqvarna te310.

[@tylercotugno8387]

My clutch isn’t working and the mineral oil level isn’t moving when I pull it in. Any ideas?

[@n0489]

probably tighten the screw otherwise idk

[@braleyshardwoodcustoms8584]

What if my clutch is pulling in with good resistance , but it's not showing any signs of proper usage ,another words if I pull my clutch in while in gear the bike continues full speed as no knowledge of a clutch even being present ? What's going on with my case

[@shelby3970]

That happens to me only while moving when stoped I can put in gear if I give lots of gas and to engage clutch while moving I have to rev it up while I get to a stop to prevent stalling. I already bled it

[@dylanwillyams]

@@shelby3970 might be your clutch plates sticking to the clutch basket. might need a new clutch basket.

[@BradBrother]

Currently chasing a clutch problem on my 2015 KTM250xc. It has 120hrs on it with original parts. Being at those hours and having clutch dragging issues... I replaced the clutch plates. It seemed to have helped? But the problem resurfaced after a few rides. I then replaced ordered the slave cylinder rebuild kit (which is really just a few orings and a spring) and that did not seem to do anything. Last night I replaced the clutch hydraulic line which I did see a kink in. After replacing.. the line was MUCH easier to bleed!! Prior to replacing the line... the clutch was a pain to bleed. I new know why. I was very optimistic when I replaced the line. However... still having issues. I can have the clutch fully pulled in and the bike will still lurch forward. ...back to the garage tonight but I'll have this comment here in case anyone has gone through something similar.

[@shauncrockford5418]

did you check clutch basket and hub for worn notches on it , what was the outcome ?

[@BradBrother]

@@shauncrockford5418 Clutch basket and hub were good. After replacing the bad clutch line and bleeding, for what feels like the 10th time, it seemed to do the trick. There must have been some air still in the new line? Hm... Over this winter I plan to rebuild the master cylinder for the extra insurance

[@shauncrockford5418]

@@BradBrother having trouble with my 250 excf, clutch lever sometimes goes solid to pull , checked clutch , and with clutch pressure plate off, the lever was still solid to pull, so that tells me its hydraulic problem , pulled apart slave and master cylinder , but cant find fault .

[@BradBrother]

@@shauncrockford5418 I'd be more suspicious of the slave cylinder. Dirt and crud can get in there and cause some problems. I'd take it apart and make sure thats clean and operating OK. It is easy to check.

[@shauncrockford5418]

@@BradBrother yeah I have done , just waiting for rebuild kit for the slave and master ,with some fresh fluid aswel, hopefully will fix it .

[@nomoddinghere9040]

What if my clutch pulls in fine but takes forever to spring back out?

[@rmatvmc]

Could have a dirty and worn out cable. Have you lubed or replaced it at all?

[@nomoddinghere9040]

@@rmatvmc its hydraulic

[@rmatvmc]

It could be a few different things. What condition is you fluid in? There is a return port in the master cylinder that could be gummed up. I would start by checking those things and go from there. That port should be under the plastic circle that has holes in it. If the fluid is dark and dirty, some of the other internal parts could be gummed up as well (master cylinder piston, hydraulic line, slave cyl. piston). If any of those parts are gummed up, we have "how-to's" to guide you through the rebuild process. The less likely stuff would be to look for a pinch or kink in the hydraulic line, or make sure the lever isn't binding up. Let us know what you find! -Charles

[@nomoddinghere9040]

@@rmatvmc thanks for replying I think it is something to do with my master cylinder because when I try back bleeding it is impossible until I remove the hydraulic line from the master cylinder side

[@GMZee559]

My bike is an 02 85 yamaha how do I bleed the system thanx

[@rmatvmc]

We have 2 videos showing how to bleed a brake system. Here's one using a vacuum pump: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3jNpoeFirJlh6s and here's one using a hydraulic brake bleeder: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKm0nHamnrZqj5I .

[@Robbyandrews9]

Where does the fluid go if it’s leaking through the slave cylinder?

[@dylanwillyams]

into your tranmission oil. at least my two stroke does.

[@adz24888]

if its clutch fluid thats leaking its the top 2 bolts on that rectangle plate just 2 the right of your leaver if its engine or tranny oil top it up like normal into engine cases

[@yeerboi]

What about if you've done all that and STILL doesn't disengage?

[@rmatvmc]

Have you checked for warped plates? What about grooves in the basket/hub? If the plates have a burned or blue look to them, they are probably warped. -Charles

[@alvarosanchez8723]

What if lever is hard to pull ?

[@rmatvmc]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaDbpWyVlLlgrLM Watch from here to the end. -Charles.

[@jctv-sq4qd]

i just bought a magura clutch kit for my africa twin and now the clutch slips when riding

[@jarrod1687]

Did u figure out the issue?

[@jasonlawrence8302]

this guy doesnt answer any ones questions...must be a bot LOL

[@ScottMiller-tu3gg]

Instead of putting bubblegum and duct tape on it like you did by just bleeding the system, verify where the leak is, repair it, and then bleed the system! There is a reason that air has been introduced into the system and it should be repaired correctly!

[@beardedbowhunter6139]

The line was leaking, and he tightened it uo

[@gophop]

Pretty simple, really. Look at the brand logos on the bike. Is it a Husqvarna? Yes - proceed to the next step. Look at the clutch lever. Does it have a Magura logo? Yes - your clutch is f**ed. Buy a new one.