does the clutch cable move freely when not under tension?


they DO get rusty and need replacement periodically.... also check that its routed correctly and not being pinched by the tank.

move freely? there is not a load of slack in the cable if this is what you are asking.. It is the cable that came on the bike when i bought it, I assume it is the correct one. I can pull the clutch in but it is a nightmare.

I think what he meant was --- when the clutch cable is disconnected from the engine side of the cable, Does it move freely?

If the cable is binding at all somewhere it will make pulling it while it is all hooked up harder then it should be. Check the manual and make sure it is routed correctly as well. When they are not routed correctly they add friction and again, make it harder to pull the lever....

The other thing that adds to things is a worn or dry cable. Take a look at the ends of that cable. If they look kinda old then you can just imagine what the middle of that cable has caked up around it inside the sheathing. While you're looking at things, disconnect the cable from the lever (heck, remove it from the bike completely!) and work some Teflon lube through there. I use one of those cable lube clamps to make it easy. If the stuff that initially comes out the bottom end is nasty looking then chances are that it's a good idea to spend the $20 for a new cable. Just don't forget to lube it a little before installing it.

well, first you'll want to download yer service manual if you havent, and look up how to adjust yer clutch... however, none of that will help at all if your clutch cable is corroded or binding.

what you'll want to do is disconnect the cable from the engine side at the sprocket cover, and see if the cable itself is binding in the cable casing.

with it disconnected at the clutch rod mech on the sprocket cover., the cable should slide very easily in the casing by hand, or by pulling the lever.

with the age of your bike, you might as well just replace the cable anyway, and be sure to lube the heck out of it to prevent the new one from binding.... I have a 2001 bike and my cable went bad in 2010, so... theres an indicator that it happens

thanks jay, nice solid answer there, I am going to invest in a new one,, wjilst I am messing about with my clutch release assy I had might as well I assume! keep in contact, you seem to speak sense!