Yep need to ride more, I have same issue if I have a fair bit off the bike, not sure why it would still feel heavy though

 

Heavy Handed

What I'm wondering is could this "heavy" sensation be attributed to not having ridden the bike for a few months or is there anything I can mechanically do (clean, adjust, lube, etc.) to the lever mechanism?

Mr. MKNG TRX,

First off, is the free play adjusted correctly? If so I would suggest starting your diagnosis of this "heavy" issue by doing some basic maintenance.
These clutch cables are easy to remove and that's were to start. With the cable off you will be able to tell if there is damage to it, or if it's just dry inside.
If you don't have a cable luber now is the time to get one. No doubt there will be some crud that can be chased out of the clutch cable with a cable lubricant. White lube works fine. Douche it out sever times until the cable slides smoothly in the sheath and only cable lube comes out.
While the cable is off, remove the lever and clean the pivot as well as the area where the cable barrel locates. Then lube those areas with some grease. Just enough to cover the surfaces. To much will only attract dirt.

Once everything is clean, lubed up and reinstalled you will hopefully feel a difference. If not you may have to get into the clutch cover. It's unlikely that there is an issue there, but you have to eliminate the cable first.

Namaste,
Charles

 

If you don't have a cable luber now is the time to get one.

Charles, using a cable luber on modern cables could have a detrimental effect, so I was told. The inner cable is usually sheathed in nylon which keeps them free and helps prevent chaffing and fraying inside. YMMV, but I have this kind of clutch cable on mine and AFAIK you should not lube them.

I have one of the old hydraulic type of cable oilers but haven't used that since the early 80's.

 

I had an 06 Scrambler and an 06 790 the clutch on my Scrambler was twice as heavy both were stock, the 790 had 30,000 miles the Scrambler had 6000. Go figure.

 

Check for the cable fraying at the handlebar adjuster. That seems to be the fav place for that to happen

 

Disconnect it at both ends and push/pull the cable with your fingers. If it is anything other than silky smooth, just buy a new one. In the UK a genuine Triumph nylon-lined cable is the equivalent of $40, it's effectively maintenance-free and will last for years.

IMHO it's just not worth faffing around with cable-oilers, etc and if it's nylon-lined and stiff then it needs replacing as the sleeve will be worn through somewhere.

 

I've used a cable lube device with WD40, first, to clean out the cable, and then followed it with a Teflon based lube, such as Tri-flon or Break-Free, etc. These do not seem to affect the nylon sheathing. Jim

 

I use the cable luber and the aerosol cable lube that is intended for it, have been doing this about twice per season since the bike was new.

Last year, I replaced the original clutch cable out of an abundance of caution because it had one or two frayed strands, but it probably had years left in it. No sign of deterioration of the liner, I think that is a myth, unless you dump something in there that you have no business using.

By the way, if you use the cable luber, wrap it completely with a rag when you squirt the lube, because it will spray everywhere, including the inside of the cable where you're trying to put it. Spray until it comes out the other end, then put a rag under that end and let it sit for a few hours or overnight to drain out the excess oil.

 

+1 to that. If a single strand has failed due to metal fatigue then the rest will be on the point of failure. Years of riding bikes on a tight budget has taught me that. Fit a new clutch cable and it's like having a whole new clutch - but cheaper.

 

I got 11 seasons out of the original, wasn't going to push it any further!

 

I changed my clutch cable because of miles. The old one was fine best I could tell. I got one with Teflon inside. Seems to work fine. I'm now thinking about the throttle cables. It ain't broke but I fix it anyway. I'm good like that.


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Where are you guys getting these lined cables? I still have the OEM cables that came on the bike...from 60,000 miles and 13 years ago. Might be time to replace them! I would certainly be interested in replacing them with coated cables.