Triumphrat

mstrmac

My clutch lever began clicking or feeling clicky when engaging the lever in and out. Since then i get the first gear clunk from neutral and lounge forward.

With the engine off and in neutral..... if i rock the bike forward, i feel the clutch disengaging out of first.

On the center stand with the engine running..... when i go into gear i get a hard entry into gear and the rear wheel spins fast.

About a week ago i opened the fluid reservoir and spilled some but the level is still way above the lower mark. Since then the symptoms have become worst.

I am heading out to get some DOT 4 Clutch fluid to bleed it to see if i got air in the lines.

Sorry i wont bother you guys more.
Thanks
mstrmac

gregp

In my experience, "clicking" of the clutch lever is usually just a dry lever pivot. Remove the lever and bolt, lube it up with some grease, and reassemble it. You can also add a small dab on the pin or bolt that pushes on the master cylinder plunger.
A dry lever pivot would in no way would give you any of the symptoms you are describing, though. The loud shift and quick wheel spin while up on the center stand are fairly normal, though.

mstrmac

Thanks...i am about to change the oil. Its needs it. Shifting has been getting clunkier the more i ride it. Just got the bike a few weeks ago, a 95 TB. Oringinal owner cant not make up his mind it was last changed at 16000 or 18000 miles, has 22000. Should be changed regardless.
Thanks

mstrmac

Did what you recommended, greased her up good. It Worked! Really a lot of thanks, i am a newbie. My old Honda 500 four which i had in the 70's was new. Did not work on it much.

Woody1911a1

do yourself a favor and flush and bleed your hydraulics . mine clicks into gear , not clunk and lunge . it's not maybe the smoothest click but if your clutch is exhibiting signs of dragging , you definately need to do some maintenance . think you'll find some pretty dirty fluid .

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If you love it , let it go . If it comes back to you , you've highsided ;-)

mstrmac

Thanks...the fluid is kind of gunked up. Will read up on the how to's. First time for everything.

cpallen

This part of your problem could be caused by your engine oil making the friction plates in your clutch to stick together, perhaps even swell. An oil change with a good quality oil (free of friction modifiers, OK?) may help that.

It wouldn't hurt to pick up a service manual (Clymers for instance) and change all of your fluids, check plugs and airfilter, clean and lube the chain, etc. Gives you a known maintenance baseline, an opportunity to familiarize your self with the bike, and uncover the niggling little things such as loose or missing fasteners.

Have fun!

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Courtney

MickMaguire

Start the bike with the clutch pulled in - its the "by the book" way to start the bike. it really helps free off the clutch plates for the initial shift into first.

But anyway I concur, you should likely flush the clutch and brake system anyway as the bike is fairly old. Also replace the brake and clutch lines with braided ones if the original rubber ones are on there (they are supposed to be replaced at 5 years and the rubber ones suck anyway).

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Mick...

mstrmac

Yes, thanks guys. I bled the most of the old clutch fluid out. Clutch feels better. I also bled new fluid into the brakes, what a bitch that is as i've read.
I got brakes but no test ride yet....RAIN feel firmer though.

I also found loose bolts on the loose strut which holds the rear caliper. The chain looks loose but its about 30mm play between sprockets. Seems to wobble around in 1st at idle on center-stand....will get another opinion on that.

Waiting on my 4t oil which arrives monday may 12. Almost bought the mobile 1 silver 20w/50 at walmart today to change it now because i have another concern that i wanted to put to rest.......

Idling on center-stand while testing the rear brake today... there was some light white smoke puffing from the right 2 into 1 exhaust. Have not seen that before. Read up on the white smoke posts here and elsewhere. Opened oil cap and smelled nothing unusual. Fingered the oil, looks light/medium brown. Both exhaust pipes have a even dark shade of grey/graphite color residue inside.
More to wonder about this beast.

mstrmac

Well to update my progress and end this thread i found mobile 4t today at Advance Auto parts for $8 plus alot of change. Changed the oil and filter and She runs like butta, no white smoke. My Daughter's boyfriend (A Harley rider) who is 6 foot seven inches tall took Triumph for a ride and He is hooked by the look and feel of this wonderful machine.

I thought i would hate the maintenance an old machine needs and i am finding that i enjoy it. Its like sharpening edges, waxing my skis, and making perfect turns.
Truely a joy. Its how you treat your better half. Digressing.....
Thanks