Clutch Lever Issue

[mdgagnon]

Good day, Folks.

I am in search of a diagnosis for my clutch problem.

While at a traffic stop recently, the bike wanted to nudge forward. I knew something was not right. When I got home, I inspected the break fluid in the clutch reservoir and it was very low. So, I topped it off.

While the bike on the center kickstand I shifted to first gear and kept the clutch lever depressed. The back wheel was spinning as if the clutch was let out. It should be noted that the clutch lever was very easy to depress like no other time.

Any ideas? Thank you.

Mark
1997 XII Voyager

[triton28]

If you are NOT losing fluid then I would suspect a problem with the rubber cups/bore of the master cylinder allowing fluid to back flow inside the master cylinder thereby decreasing pressure to the slave cylinder.
If you ARE losing fluid then that would be the obvious problem.
Either way sounds as though a rebuild kit and a check of the master cylinder bore for scoring is in store unless you are leaking fluid from the slave cylinder, in which case that would be the area to inspect.
Dave

[VoyKimmer]

I had a similar problem once while on a long ride. I was at a light and I couldn’t apply my clutch. Was able to make a right turn on red and pulled into a gas station and found the reservoir low. Brought some cheap brake fluid at the gas station and filled it up and made it home. Found that the speed bleeder was leaking. Could not stop the leak. Put in an extra stock bleeder and problem solved.

[JimK]

After you topped it off it would be a good idea to bleed the clutch. Air might have gotten into the line when the level was low. That would cause the clutch not to disengage fully.

[mdgagnon]

Thank you very much for your advice, Dave.

Will let you know how I go.

Mark

[SgtSlag]

Speed Bleeders have a sealant coating, brownish-red color, which wears off, over time with opening/closing for bleeding purposes. They sell it, in a bottle. Note that the liquid sealant needs to be stored in a temperature range, above freezing -- once it dries, it is not affected by temperature. When the Speed Bleeder leaks, it is likely time to re-coat the threads with fresh sealant -- follow the directions. Cheers!