Date: 17-06-24  Time: 10:46 am

Author Topic: Clutch problem - moving bite point  (Read 1652 times)

grimboh

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Clutch problem - moving bite point
« on: 02 September 2013, 09:26:23 am »
Hi, I have a weird problem that I don't see how it can happen with a mechanically actuated clutch. I've just installed new clutch plates (EBC) and uprated springs. Unsurprisingly the clutch lever feels a bit heavier, but otherwise OK. Clutch bites strongly, which is great, and slips well for slow riding.
Problem is that if I slow ride for a minute or two (practising!) the clutch bite point slowly moves, to the point that it starts to engage with the lever fully pulled in. Clearly then the engine would soon stall as the bite point continues to move.
Then after a short 'rest' the bite position is back to normal, and operation is fine. This problem consistently happens when I practise slow riding. Otherwise in normal use its all fine. My real concern is that it'll gradually worsen and then end up not being usable for normal riding.
But how can this happen - it's all mechanical. It's behaving like an hydraulic clutch where the master cylinder seal is starting to leak! I'm not a novice with clutches, I ran a fireblade engine in a kit car and that puts a lot of stress on the clutch!
Any advice would be much appreciated.

His Dudeness

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Re: Clutch problem - moving bite point
« Reply #1 on: 02 September 2013, 09:56:26 am »
Did it ever happen before you replaced the springs and plates?

CRH

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Re: Clutch problem - moving bite point
« Reply #2 on: 02 September 2013, 10:05:55 am »
clutch cable stretched!!...or not adjusted right at engine cover end?

Dead Eye

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Re: Clutch problem - moving bite point
« Reply #3 on: 02 September 2013, 10:30:24 am »
I bought new EBC Heavy springs and found them an absolutely pain in the ass - ended up removing them as I couldn't disengage the clutch. Now this was coupled with a few other errors so hard to say if the springs are directly related but in my opinion you should switch back to the old ones and see if the problem still exists

richfzs

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Re: Clutch problem - moving bite point
« Reply #4 on: 02 September 2013, 10:50:58 am »
Many people have tried heavier duty springs, over the years, and pretty much all came to the same conclusion - they're a waste of time on these bikes!

grimboh

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Re: Clutch problem - moving bite point
« Reply #5 on: 02 September 2013, 06:48:06 pm »
Thanks guys for your comments.
Yes it was absolutely fine before. The HD springs were readily available at a good price so I just got them thinking they'd do no harm.
Bike has only done 13k miles. Cable certainly not stretched. Only thing I can think of is that the stronger springs put too much strain on the actuator, but as its mechanical I still don't really see how it could exhibit this symptom.
I guess i'll have to get some std springs and see how it behaves then.

Dead Eye

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Re: Clutch problem - moving bite point
« Reply #6 on: 02 September 2013, 06:59:29 pm »
Do you not have your previous springs left over?

grimboh

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Re: Clutch problem - moving bite point
« Reply #7 on: 02 September 2013, 08:21:42 pm »
In an optimistic mood I chucked them!

unfazed

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Re: Clutch problem - moving bite point
« Reply #8 on: 02 September 2013, 09:11:20 pm »
Fitting EBC Heavy duty clutch springs is possibly the worst modification you could to the fazer.
I bought a set, fitted them, went for a ten mile spin, put the bike back in the garage, took them out and put back the originals.