SuzukiSavage.com /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Newbie....First Post /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1185874557 Message started by FreeSpirit on 07/31/07 at 02:35:57

Title: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 07/31/07 at 02:35:57 Hi Everyone, I am new to this group,new to riding and have a new(to me) '02 Suzuki Savage (my first bike ever). I have been reading your posts for hours and ya'll are so interesting and smart! I have learned so much from just reading the posts here. I really appreciate this group! I do have a question though and to me it sounds so dumb but I've thought about the problem and just can't figure it out,so I have to ask.(I apologize in advance,as this is my first post)and of course you'll see how little I know about some things :-) First I wanted to say.....The first time I got on my bike I felt like someone had made this bike just for me! Everything from previous owner was adjusted just right...to fit me.I instantly fell in Love with this bike. Then,I noticed the back tire was worst than I thought so I decided to have a new tire put on and oil changed. My question is.....I took my Bike to a sorta Motorcycle Repair guy.He said he changed the tire,adjusted my foot brake and changed the oil and checked my bike out for me. Ok, then I let a friend of mine ride it home for me....I still havent gotten out on the Highway yet. So,when I got on it.....it didnt feel like my bike anymore!! Especially the clutch.....it is now so hard to hold in that the palm of my hand turns red and hurts! I asked the guy what he did to the clutch and he said "Nothing"....so now I dont know what to do! Does anyone have any suggestions or know what could have caused this? I know it sounds dumb but it is sooooo important to me to try to get it back like it was. As a brand new rider I now feel uncomfortable on it,where before it was "Perfect" and very comfortable to me. Thanks for any help, FreeSpirit in Georgia

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 07/31/07 at 04:10:01 Ok,I just reread my post and it was way too long. Basically what I would like to know is: What could anyone have possibly done to change the clutch like that,or.... What can I now do to relax the clutch some? So its not so hard to hold in.(It was easy before) Hope this is more clear.Its hard to word this though when youre new. Thanks,FreeSpirit

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by Baldeagle on 07/31/07 at 04:50:02 Welcome Honey and do not feel any of your questions are dumb.  If it was not for this site and the help I have gotten I would still be 'wondering in the wilderness'.  Sorry I don't have an answer for your clutch problem but you will soon have some.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by T-Mack1 on 07/31/07 at 08:26:10 FreeSpirit,    From what was listed as being fixed, there shouldn't have been anything close to the clutch linkages to cause a problem, but.....  the bike had to be lifted to support the weight while the back wheel was off.    Not sure what was used and if the bike was braced so it would not topple over.     First, you need to understand what causes clutch stiffness.  In cable driven linkages, it's normally pinched cables, dirty cables or bent levers.  It can also be crushed cables. -The cable should have smooth bents with long radius's.  You should not seen any kinks/angles.   - At the handlebar lever, make sure the cable is in the adjuster correctly.  My 2001 has a rubber boot that can be slipped back to reveal this adjuster.  The cable sheath (outer cover) should be in the adjuster end.  There's a depression there.  The cable wire should be in the center of the adjuster and not rubbing the slot that is used to remove the cable. - At the engine side, the cable sheath should also be in the depression and the wire should not be rubbing the slot. - The lever on the side of the engine should not be rubbing anything.  The cable wire's barrel end should be centered in the holder. - Next,  You may want to take some lubricant and lube the cable wire where in goes into the sheath (both sides).  They make special lubes for this, or you can use regular motor oil, or some WD40 can work too. Let us know if any of these solve you issue.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by JakeB on 07/31/07 at 09:22:37 I'm sure that this is not the case, but being new to motorcycles people can get confused. If your using the front brake thinking it's the clutch it will be hard to pull in and will hurt your hand, so just making sure your using the clutch on the left and not the front brake. JakeB

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 07/31/07 at 09:55:55 T-Mack1 Thanks for all that info! I will use that and try to get someone to check my bike for me. Since I am new to having a Motorcycle of my own and not having ever needed a MC mechanic before I didnt have a good one picked out beforehand.....thinking I'd have time to find a good one before I needed anything. So I'm in the process of doing that now. I don't know how most women are about their motorcycles but I am super particular about mine....reminds me of how most guys are :-) So I'm trying to learn all I can about them.And this group is so good ,I'm glad I found ya'll ! Thanks again and I will check the cables and be looking for a Great mechanic also near me so I won't worry so much when I have to leave it somewhere. I'll let ya'll know when/if I figure out what's wrong with it!But a kinked cable  could be it! FreeSpirit

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by forrest on 07/31/07 at 17:06:05 Welcome to the boards.  Stay away from any posts that are about helmets.............dangerous waters  ;) Using the clutch does take some getting used to and you have to build up some hand strength.  Recommend gloves with gel palms.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 08/01/07 at 03:02:33 Thanks Baldeagle for your very kind comments and helping me not feel so dumb as a new person to all this  :-)

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by mornhm on 08/01/07 at 05:08:17 FreeSpirit, Welcome to the forum. Stick with it and you will figure out what the problem is. Most likely it was something that happened either by accident or design at the mechanic's. T-mack1 had several good suggestions. Let us know when you figure it out or if you have more questions. Forrest had a good suggestion also. While it probably doesn't apply to your immediate situation, strengthening your hands can make long rides easier to do.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by Savage_Rob on 08/01/07 at 05:56:15 Welcome aboard!  I think the above comments on looking for a bent/crushed cable are a good place to start.  Lubing the cables is always a good idea too.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by skatnbnc on 08/01/07 at 17:52:25 If for some reason the seat is not on properly, it will feel different. Even a little change in angle can do this. It could also be that the clutch was slightly moved to a different postion when you had work done on it.  Check to see if the clutch lever angle is the same as the brake lever.  The tension is adjustable - check your manual when that comes in for exactly how to. Or just keep reading here...its bound to turn up!  ;) Ride safe, and let us know how you fare!

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 08/01/07 at 18:36:24 Thanks ya'll !! I'm making notes to take with me tomorrow.....the guy that worked on my bike has now said he will look over it tomorrow for me! I'm going to be there though when he does!! and watching him :-) I hope he finds the problem and I will have my list with me. I'm also going to go meet another mechanic that people have recommended,they said the guy has worked on bikes for years and was the best. He lives in my town and that's good since I cant go far yet :-( I wish it was this time next year,I had one years riding experience,and had my first long trip planned out!! But I'll be happy just to get the clutch fixed for now.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 08/03/07 at 08:03:30 Well,the only thing I can say is "It was a Last Time at that (same)mechanic" (Not a good experience at all) He jerked back the rubber boot, adjusted the cable as fast as he could ,as far out as he could.(very arrogantly) Told me he couldnt lubricate the clutch cable unless he took it off the bike completely and gave me no answers to the problem. He was just very rude. (BTW,he says he rides a  Harley .) But I've never seen another bike there at all. So I'm glad I have a Savage....it seems only nice people ride a Savage :-) I decided though to not let it get to me,to just find a good mechanic and chalk it up as good (and last)experience,to be more particular who I take my bike to. And know that the problem can be fixed even if he couldnt do it. I hope I can say all that without going against the rules here! If not it will be 2 bad experiences in 2 days! and 2 lessons learned :-)

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by T-Mack1 on 08/03/07 at 09:35:28 FreeSpirit,    Did the clutch work any better after he adjusted it??   Also, watch for where it engages!!!!!!   Clutch has to :1) disengage engine from transmission when pulled in.  If not, and you get grabbing when you think it's disengaged, and you could have  "Hard to shift" problems.   2) The visa-versa on the other side of adjustment, when let out, it has to fully engage engine to tranny.  Slippage here would wear out clutch prematurely and could also cause some unexpected "hi rev's" on  a hard acceleration.   And yes, don't you hate people that have no concept of customer service.  Or, just doing a job to get it done and not caring if it's done right.    Don't they realize that if you do the job right, it won't be back to get corrected.  And with that extra time, they can do more paying customers and make more money.   And the extra new customers because of the refferals.....  oops, starting to rant & rave, sorry.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 08/03/07 at 18:58:01 T-Mack 1, To be honest I have been working so many hours,I havent ridden it yet.But very glad to get it home (A friend of mine rode it home for me,but she's not use to Savages,as far as the sound,feel,etc.So she said) But off work tomorrow and will see how it does. I read your post and even though I understand part of it not sure I completely understand every thing :-) Could be due to lack of sleep :-)When I get some sleep I will probably understand more. I will try to get someone else to check it for me also and see what they think.A friend and his wife from a local club is suppose to come over Sunday. While I was there though he didnt touch the other end of the cable,just at the lever/grip. I did like your almost rant and rave though :-) I needed that. I don't think he would have been that mean to a man ...he's not much bigger than me :-) I do appreciate any advice  because even if I dont understand all of it,it does start fitting together. Are you basically talking about the adjustment at the lever.....too much slack or too tight....causing the clutch to slip,wear out ,etc.or is there more  that I'm not getting right now ? Sorry,need sleep :-)

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 08/03/07 at 19:11:06 T-Mack1 Just reread your post.....can you help me to understand the grabbing that you talked about. Also will let you know how it feels tomorrow when I ride.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by BigWes on 08/05/07 at 21:31:42 welcome free spirit, clutches can get a little tighter after having a bike serviced. dont worry too much about it. Check all cables for freying, crushed-niss, or poor conections, also check the tention. And remember the more you ride the more your hands and forearms and wrists will be sore for a while. so just keep at it, im sure ull get used to it and forget all about it. Welcome aboard. congradulations on a great purchus

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by T-Mack1 on 08/06/07 at 07:48:38 By grabbing I mean that even though you have the lever pulled in, there is still a little bit of pressure on the clutch plates and the bike sort of wants to move.   Now, I've seen people adjust their clutch so that it engages/grips/grabs (choose a word) close to the handle bar grips.  They do this because it is easier to hold for people with small hands.  Problem is some people go too far. I have a simple test for grabbing but it requires you be able to balance an extremely slow moving bike (like the "go slow" races at bike meets).  Not always easy for a new rider so I'm not going to post here.  I don't want people tipping over and scratching their shiny bikes.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by verslagen1 on 08/06/07 at 08:47:23 Are you going to post it later in a no newby zone?

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 08/07/07 at 19:53:12 Hey guys, Sorry I havent had time to get back sooner....but I rode my bike and it seemed ok except it seemed longer before it engaged,since the guy let it out all the way, so I tried to adjust it back in some.I read that when you do you need the notches(?) to line up and I couldnt get it to do that,so I left it alone for now. Gosh this is so hard to describe when you are new and dont know the right words :-) But I should have had someone with me when I did it.Maybe I can get someone to come over and check it. But I thought the little wheel thing and adjuster was suppose to turn seperately....they didnt.So I used a little WD-40 plus on the cable at lever. This helped some but not much on the adjuster. Oh well,I'll just have to get someone to show me. I'm glad I got to ride again and won't ride it alot until I check this. But thank ya'll for all the info. It is helping me alot! And I'm not quite as worried about things when I feel like I know more/understand and can learn to do some things myself. But someone here said When you get it serviced the clutch can get a little tighter....why is this? Do they adjust the clutch? Questioning this because I'm Just trying to learn.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 08/07/07 at 19:59:55 yes,I've seen the" go slow" races at bike meets ,I know that's very hard,but would like to hear about the test :-)

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by verslagen1 on 08/07/07 at 20:05:04 Hey Free, The notches only have to line up if you are removing the cable. If you're adjusting, they go where ever they want to. I suppose what he meant was when they adjust the clutch cable they make it as short as possible so it seems tighter, but actualy it just grabing the clutch at a different spot when you pull the lever.   ;D

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 08/07/07 at 21:00:28 I'll also try the feel of it tomorrow ,or whenever I have a chance to get back on it.(Working disturbs all my fun :-) I forgot to pay much attention on a flatter service but especially right before and as I came up my driveway(hill) I noticed the difference right away.Clutch engaging further out. And then I'll try adjusting it more if it needs it. But I still love my bike. I did at least make the right choice for a first bike :-) It is perfect for me. And I love this group! BTW I live in a Mountainous area with many,many curvy roads.....if anybody has any advice for a new rider/learner please give it :-) Thanks Guys for all the help!

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by T-Mack1 on 08/08/07 at 03:12:04 FreeSpirit,   Talked to several people and they reminded me they teach the legs down walk forward at the safety courses.    So,   to test "grabbing" which could also be called "not totally separated clutch plates",  go to a flat empty parking lot.  With engine running, and clutch lever pulled in, push off and coast a bit.  The bike should roll to a stop in just a couple of parking spaces.   If the bike rolls more than it seems it should (5, 10, 15 parking spaces) or if it keeps rolling, then turn around and try test again in opposite direction, just in case you where going down hill.   If the bike still rolls too much, the clutch is not fully separating and you are getting some grabbing.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 08/09/07 at 06:18:17 T-mack1 Ok, if that happens,or is the case , how would you fix that? And If you had that problem,what would cause that?

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by T-Mack1 on 08/09/07 at 06:51:53 Easy fix,  just adjust the little do-dad at the lever so that clutch engages/disengages a little further out. Can you see me scratching my head trying to remember if it needs to turn in or out.  It's turn it in.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by Trippah on 08/09/07 at 19:36:33 Welcome aboard- enjoy your riding experience, makes the days seem so much better.  On a side note, I'm not sure about the wd-40 plus as basic wd-40 seems to gum up after a while.  Keep a eye out for cable lube next time you visit a bike shop..it'll impress the heck out of the guys.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 08/10/07 at 08:21:25 Ok, one more question....... Is it better to have the clutch adjusted more out or more in(in to me being tighter). Or is it better to have it kinda in the middle? I'm laughing at myself.Because I'm half asleep from working night shift and I'm not sure if this even makes sense :-) I'm just trying to learn......but maybe I should get some sleep first and post later. But I think this is basically what I want to know. If there is a answer to this question.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by T-Mack1 on 08/10/07 at 20:29:10 Remember what a clutch does.  It links the engine to the transmission and also disconnects the engine from the tranny.  It is a series of plates that are squeezed together by springs.  Every other plate is attached to either the tranny or the engine. When you pull-in the lever, you are over-coming the spring tension and separate the plates. So, the answer to your question is not a "better this than that" answer.    If adjusted too far out (not much pull to start the slipping to be able to shift) then after you get some wear on the bike & clutch plates it might start to slip, .... but boy oh boy, can you do the speed shifts......   If it's adjusted too far in then you might be not totally disengageing the engine from the tranny.  You may get a harder to shift tranny or grinding gears, and reduced clutch life,....but..... it is easier to hold in at the light...... I would like to say you need to find the compromise, but.... that's not true.  The Clutch has to clamp the plates together but also let them separate fully.

Title: Re: Newbie....First Post Post by FreeSpirit on 08/10/07 at 21:19:10 T-Mack1 Ok,perfect answer, I got it now! Thanks :-) I think one reason I also got concerned was because I remember I burned my clutch out in my first Car with manual transmission. I think I was riding the clutch though,so mechanic said!....I was really young/16yo :-) I dont want to hurt my Motorcycle,so I want to learn as much as possible  :-)

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