[LukeOfHazzard]

I have spent hours adjusting my clutch cable and each time it does not feel right. I understand how it's done, but I can't seem to measure the actual Freeplay correctly. Somebody help me I am losing my mind.

 

[hasselman]

Take the bike to an authorized BMW Motorrad workshop. They know how to do tit, without going crazy.

 

[G0MYW]

try this ...

 

[oldtimer.ca]

No need to measure it, I intentionally adjust mine looser than BMW specs to bring the engagement point closer to the bars for my small hands.

 

[Kris]

as long as you can put it in neutral it is tight enough. you just don't want it too tight or else your clutch will be slipping. taking to a dealer to adjust? if you own a bike, you need to learn basic things.

 

[hasselman]

as long as you can put it in neutral it is tight enough. you just don't want it too tight or else your clutch will be slipping. taking to a dealer to adjust? if you own a bike, you need to learn basic things.

There are people born with their thumbs in the middle of their hands. Should we issue a general ban on owning a motorcycle if the owner is not having specific skills? Who should we appoint to judge the level of skills needed to be allowed to own a motorcycle?

 

[stroutmail]

The OP mentions "not feeling" right. Adjusting to the manual's spec, and as shown in the video does not necessarily relate to the poster's dilemma. The clutch on my G310R does feel "wierd" in that I do not get a strong tactile indication when it begins to engage and when it is fully engaged. I followed the factory procedure (as well illustrated in the video) and then like oldtimer, I "loosened" it with more free play so that the clutch "engages" closer to the handle grips. The factory "free play" of 2mm is soo small, and full engagement so close to handle all the way out that I feared the clutch might be slipping under heavy load. I have large hands, so when stopped, I pull the handle all the way back, and I wanted the clutch to engage sooner. My "free play" is between 3mm and 4mm.

In addition, my Total Control program instructors taught us to "cover" the clutch---have our hand open over the clutch for safety--especially when riding at slow speeds so as to use the "friction zone" for control when needed, and I was worried that with only 2mm free play that i might be inadvertently slipping the clutch.

Free play has quite a range and within that range is a matter of personal preference. As mentioned, the clutch must disengage when the handle is pulled, and not slip when not pulled.

 

[hasselman]

I never measure the free play. I adjust my clutch cable to fit my needs for when I want the clutch to engage and I make sure there is some play in the cable. Works for me, but YMMV.

 

[LukeOfHazzard]

Appreciate everyone’s response. I actually got it perfectly adjusted to my liking. I eventually stopped trying to mess with the manual specs and just what I liked most. Done that with all my precious bikes but with it being a BMW, wasn’t sure if I’d have that ability. Got it taken care of and I’m super happy with it.

 

[kneedown]

Great I usually just take all the freeplay out when the bike is ciold after a ride and everything warms up therevis just the right amount of play,Been doing it that way for 60 + years