aearil
YaBB Newbies
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Posts: 7
El Sobrante, CA
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Hi all!
'15 Boulevard S40 with 13k miles on it. Only owner, I did all of the recommended maintenance through the dealer until late last year when I started doing it myself (with more or less success).
I've had an issue with the clutch lever being difficult to pull closed (disengage?). It's less like being stiff and more like a stepping motion - pull, stick halfway, release, pull all the way. At first it would only happen after I'd been riding at high speeds, but on my ride today it happened probably every third time I used the clutch (with some of these being described more as stiffness).
On a side note for consideration of damage caused by riding style - I ride almost every day and spend a lot of time on the highway and a good portion of that in traffic/splitting lanes.
I know very little of how a clutch works. I've done some research and here are my thoughts on it:
A) I probably need to use a better motor oil. Currently using Lucasoil 10W-40, but from what I read on this forum that's probably not great. I also usually replace every 3k miles since I'm mostly on the highway, and I'm at 2.6k now. Going to replace with Rotella T-6 5W40.
B) Damaged clutch cable. Could possibly be frayed and catching on something. I plan to take it out and check sometime today or tomorrow, once I do some research on how to do it!
C) I've read I might need a new clutch basket but I really DON'T want to do that.
Tbh I just want to know what's causing it so I can go about fixing it, but right now I feel like I'm shooting in the dark.
Some background for when you respond/ask questions: I've only ever worked on this bike and some minor stuff on my Mini. I've been riding this bike three years, only started doing my own maintenance since late last year. That has mostly involved changing the oil, tightening some of the bolts and such to spec, replacing the front brakes, and installing heated grips. I know I'm due for a valve adjustment but I need to figure out how to do it first.
Thanks in advance!
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