[retmotor]

I'm a bit confused after reading some different threads, so I'll ask. The clutch on my 2012 is quite simply the worst clutch I've had on, well... anything. It's jerky, it seems like it engages in a different place at times, and it almost feels like an on/off switch, rather than a clutch (the spring is installed correctly). I could try a different lube I guess, I've been using a teflon lube, which I like very well for most things. Now I'm wondering if I should try a Motion Pro cable but will it do anything? Will it make a difference that's worth the cost of the cable? I'll basically be replacing a cable that's just a few months old on a bike that has less than 1000 miles on it.



Should I quit obsessing about this or is it possible to make it smoother? Would a stronger or double spring be dumb idea?

 

[mtkd]

I haven't had this issue personally, but I do recall reading a thread where someone was having issues with his clutch on a new TW. If I remember correctly the problem was in the adjustment of the clutch, or part of the clutch being installed wrong. I want to say it was an easy fix, I'll see if I can find the thread.



I think that it was one of the problems with the spring not being installed correctly, so never mind me.

 

[n2o2diver]

Look at the sticky in this Tech section about the clutch slipping. It is usually the return spring installed wrong. Takes one minute to fix.

 

[retmotor]

Thanks, I've read that thread. The return spring is installed correctly. I've adjusted the cable lenghth several times and lubed the cable hoping to find some change, but so far no luck.

 

[PalmStateCrawler]

Should still be under warranty. Let the dealer deal with it.

 

[retmotor]

It is, but I've been warned away from having the local dealer do work on anything. For that matter, the few times I've had vehicles under warranty and had work done to them, they've come back damaged. I'd rather not go there. My guess is they'd probably just tell me that's how they all are and I'm being too picky.

 

[mtkd]

I was thinking about your problem some more. When I first got my TW it was 11 years old and had 6.5k miles on it, which sounds nothing like yours.



However I remember the clutch being very "grabby" is the best word I can use. It was near impossible to be smooth with, this has subsided a bit, but the only change I have made to it that could cause a change, was changing the oil.



I do not know if the previous owner used oil designed for a wet clutch, but I made sure I did. Have you done any oil changes yet?

 

[retmotor]

Thanks for the good idea, but I've changed the oil a couple times and am getting ready to change it again. I'm using motorcycle dyno oil. I'll switch to full synthetic later, probably at 1500 miles. I believe I used Yamalube for the first change and I had some left-over Kawi oil for the second change. I have not noticed a difference with the different oils. I'll try another oil this week just to make sure but it feels to me like a rough cable which doesn't really make sense, because it has done it since day one and it's new.

 

[Rainman]

Have you removed and lubed the pivot pin that the lever turns on? I know it won't cure your problem, but it might help. Mine was grabby and a little dollop of grease fixed it.

 

[retmotor]

I have not, but I will and will report back.

 

[dganey]

I have not, but I will and will report back.

Mobie t4 synthetic at 800 miles smoothed out my clutch and shifting.

 

[Dubster]

Mobie t4 synthetic at 800 miles smoothed out my clutch and shifting.

I found my clutch rough and shifting clunky. At 5000klms I switched to Mobile t4 synthetic and immediately noticed a big improvement.

 

[retmotor]

I didn't notice a difference after lubing the pivot pin.



I did change the oil and used the Mobile T4. The difference is huge. It is smoother and feels easier to pull. I've only got one ride on it, but I no longer notice the jerking/grabbing either. I guess I'll make the move to synthetic sooner than later.



Thanks, all.

 

[Hiway]

Yeah good oil has always made all my bikes much easier to shift also. It's amazing it has that much of an impact.

 

[retmotor]

Yeah, thought I was using good oil...