clutch cable routing?

[roadkill]

My clutch cable is unbelievably hard to pull. I went to the triumph dealer and ordered another one, 30$! ouch. I am thinking that it might be the cause.

But now that Ive installed it, its just as tight. So I am thinking it might be the routing.

I have a 00 speed triple, the guy at the dealer asked me if I had the normal handlebars, and I i guess they are the same ones. But apparently there are 2 clutch cables available.

Anyone know how i can make my clutch lever easier to pull?

Its not normal, and I hate shifting now.

[motocyco]

Hey Roadkill, I've got an 01 Speed Triple, so I think my bike and yours are basically identical. Yep...the clutch is a tough pull, especially with smallish hands like mine.

It's true there are two cables for the bike because earlier S3 models used clip-ons instead of "regular handlebars" as your dealer stated. The cable for clip-ons is slightly shorter, and more or less the same length as a Daytona cable.

It's really, and literally all about the lever(age). I found that installing adjustable levers (Pazzo, CRG, etc.) to lesson the lever span helps an awful lot. I also saw a mod, maybe at t595.net, in which the pivoting arm at the engine/tranny case was lengthened, greatly reducing lever effort. Best of luck with it....

[gr8shandini]

Stupid question, but you did lube the new cable, right?

[cheapbastard]

On 2006-03-06 20:17, motocyco wrote:
I also saw a mod, maybe at t595.net, in which the pivoting arm at the engine/tranny case was lengthened, greatly reducing lever effort. Best of luck with it....

I've seen that done on Victory motorcycles before. It definately makes a huge difference. My local Victory shop makes the brackets his self and sells them for like $50. Well worth it I would say! If I'm out that way anytime soon, I may take a look at it and see exactly how it is made. If I find out, I'll let you know. I haven't really noticed it being too stiff on mine. But don't know if they've made it easier over the years or not. I have a 05 S3. Good luck.

[miker]

Hey Roadkill, I've pulled a few S3 clutches and they should never be hard to pull at all.

Best check that the routing is correct, and that the new cable is lubed, and that the lever perch isn't damaged. I've seen a Harley where the lever perch had been crimped, making it impossible to pull the clutch easily. Has it been over on the left side? If that all checks out, then perhaps make sure the internals of the clutch are adjusted properly, has that side cover ever been off?

I haven't the manual here at work, but if you need it I can probably scan the right pages for you.

Mick

[voodoo_chile]

I have an '03 triple and had a simlar issue. It actaully got to the point that it was starting to rub through the cable housing as it was going through the guide near the triple tree.

It seemed to be effected by the angle the cable was placed, so I found where it pulled the easiest and zip tied it to other cables at that point.

It still doesn't pull like a creampuff, but it's smooth. I don't want a creampuff anyway. I ride a Speed Triple!!

[Speed3]

The only time the clutch pull is an issue for me is when I'm stuck in traffic, which isn't very often. But the guys on t595 that have done the mod on the lever at the casing say it's the way to go.

[dcorbell]

I've got a '99 S3, and I had the same issue. I fiddled with the cable routing until I found a spot that let it move much more freely. When there's no tension from the cable being wrapped too tight, the pull is relative light for a non-hydraulic clutch. Just muck with it until you find a good position.

[PhilM]

Is the cable hard to pull when it is disconnected from the lower lever? If not, I'd pull the clutch cover off and check for internal issues.