Clutch Disk End Play

[Dave_Faria]

GM list. I'm going to be checking my clutch/transmission input shaft connection while doing other things in preparation for a trip on my bike. I've read u can see and jiggle the clutch disk thru the starter motor hole once the starter is removed and the clutch engaged. I don't know what kind of play to expect in the outer edge of the clutch disk. I would think and hope a 1/4in or less would be normal for the clutch/transmission input shaft connection. Any opinions on how much play to expect?? I have 42k miles on my 2004 R1150RT.


Thanks List for your comments

[RiverRat280]

Yea you can wiggle and see how much slop is in the cluch but I think it would be very difficult to measure and know what is spec or bad.

[Andy VH]

I guess I don't see the purpose or gain of doing this as it is not the way to set up the clutch or insure it is fully disengaging. Perhaps it is an indication of clutch disc wear and you may confirm if you need to change out the clutch. But on my 94 RS I had over 60,000 on the bike before I did the clutch, and the main reason fro that was a failed main seal that oiled the disc.

If you mean that the clutch disc should move fore and aft about 1/4" with the clutch lever pulled in, I suppose that sounds about right. Certainly, the clutch disc must have complete free play when fully engaged, otherwise the clutch disc would be quickly burned up in use. But.

The real check of clutch setup is the adjustment at the clutch arm on the back of the tranny, and the proper setting at the clutch lever on the handlebar. Follow a service manual to get the proper setup at the tranny. Then, set the clutch cable adjuster barrel at the handlebar to a 12mm gap between the barrel body and locknut, with the free play gap at the lever set to 7mm.

[boofer]

I guess I don't see the purpose or gain of doing this as it is not the way to set up the clutch or insure it is fully disengaging. Perhaps it is an indication of clutch disc wear and you may confirm if you need to change out the clutch. But on my 94 RS I had over 60,000 on the bike before I did the clutch, and the main reason fro that was a failed main seal that oiled the disc.

If you mean that the clutch disc should move fore and aft about 1/4" with the clutch lever pulled in, I suppose that sounds about right. Certainly, the clutch disc must have complete free play when fully engaged, otherwise the clutch disc would be quickly burned up in use. But.

The real check of clutch setup is the adjustment at the clutch arm on the back of the tranny, and the proper setting at the clutch lever on the handlebar. Follow a service manual to get the proper setup at the tranny. Then, set the clutch cable adjuster barrel at the handlebar to a 12mm gap between the barrel body and locknut, with the free play gap at the lever set to 7mm.

Yup, and you can ignore the cable adjustment if, as i believe you do, have a hydraulic one.