Hydraulic clutch surprisingly hard to pull

[stuartro]

After months of waiting I finally got my Super Tenere 1200 ES (2016) yesterday . Spent many hours in the parking lot getting acquainted, doing slow speed exercises, etc. Overall I am blown away. Despite being “big” she’s super nimble once moving and feels “light”. So much to love.

One of the things I was really looking forward to was the hydraulic clutch. Here I’m a bit disappointed (as is my left hand, which is aching after another hour this afternoon doing figure of eights, circles, etc. ). The clutch lever is surprisingly stiff / hard to pull and riding at slow speeds in the friction zone is hard work on my hand.

Is this normal? My old Suzuki Boulevard C50 (2005) has a cable clutch which is much easier to pull in / hold in the friction zone. I’m hoping this is adjustable or there is something that can be “fixed”.

Anyone have a similar experience?

 

[Sierra1]

Remember that the engagement point on the clutch is adjustable. And don't forget that if you activate the back brake first, it gives you just the back brake. This makes the maneuvers you describe much easier. I do know that after a while doing these maneuvers, the left hand will get tired. I've never noticed a difference between cable and hydraulic though.

 

[whisperquiet]

I replace and bleed the clutch fluid regularly……it is much easier with a Speed Bleeder.

Reminder: Bleed your clutch often

Its a tiny reservior. Its a pita. Its also easy to overlook, so go order a SB8125L speed bleeder and make it easier. Reminder: Three full pumps will near empty that tiny reservoir. I do two pumps and refill. This is what two year old fluid looks like (bike was in storage for a year so its...

yamahasupertenere.com

 

[stuartro]

Hi @Sierra1,

Thanks for the quick reply.

I haven’t read the full owners manual yet (working on it ) but thought that the brakes were “linked”. Are you saying that if I use the back brake first then the “linking” doesn’t engage? That will make the “motojitsu” exercises a lot easier.

I didn’t know what to expect with a hydraulic clutch, but the “hype” I’d heard made me expect something super light. The difference between my Boulevard’s brakes and the Tenere is night and day.

Do you know if it’s possible to shorten the distance between the clutch lever (when it’s fully let out) and the handlebar? I’m finding it quite a stretch.

 

[stuartro]

@whisperquiet: Thanks. I’m a bit of a newbie (been riding for just over a year) and am a bit lost. Is there an “idiots guide” explaining how to “bleed” the clutch fluid / what to do with those “bleeder screws”?

 

[whisperquiet]

@whisperquiet: Thanks. I’m a bit of a newbie (been riding for just over a year) and am a bit lost. Is there an “idiots guide” explaining how to “bleed” the clutch fluid / what to do with those “bleeder screws”?

Search this site……brake fluid bleed and/or Google Super Tenere brake/ clutch bleed and many tutorials will pop up.

 

[stuartro]

Will do. Thanks

 

[Sierra1]

. . . . Are you saying that if I use the back brake first then the “linking” doesn’t engage? . . . . Do you know if it’s possible to shorten the distance between the clutch lever (when it’s fully let out) and the handlebar? I’m finding it quite a stretch.

As far as the brakes go, yes. If you activate the rear brake first, it is the only one activated. If you squeeze the front brake, you will also get back brake activation. And you're right, it makes slow speed maneuvers much easier. The clutch lever engagement point can be adjusted by pushing the lever forward and turning the dial from 1-4. I can't remember which number is further/closer. Just put it on 1, and then on 4. You'll know which one does what, and then you can fine tune it by using numbers 2 or 3 if needed.

 

[stuartro]

Thanks @Sierra1

 

[stuartro]

Search this site……brake fluid bleed and/or Google Super Tenere brake/ clutch bleed and many tutorials will pop up.

Just watched a couple of videos (including this one, which was pretty good) and it looks doable. Ordered a vacuum bleeder kit from Amazon and will replace the brake and clutch fluid this week.

 

[Cycledude]

Might help if you remove and grease the bolt that goes through the clutch lever.

 

[stuartro]

I’ll give that a try and see what mileage I get. Thanks

 

[whisperquiet]

Be very careful vacuum bleeding the clutch as there is very little brake fluid in the total system.

 

[thughes317]

I didn’t know what to expect with a hydraulic clutch, but the “hype” I’d heard made me expect something super light.

Do you know if it’s possible to shorten the distance between the clutch lever (when it’s fully let out) and the handlebar? I’m finding it quite a stretch.

The clutch on the S10 is not "super light"...I wouldn't spend a lot of time/effort bleeding it or chasing other "solutions" unless it is not functioning properly (sounds like it is working fine).

The distance between lever and bar can be adjusted, see owner's manual.

Enjoy the new ride and keep practicing!

 

[Boris]

The clutch on the S10 is not "super light"...I wouldn't spend a lot of time/effort bleeding it or chasing other "solutions" unless it is not functioning properly (sounds like it is working fine).

The distance between lever and bar can be adjusted, see owner's manual.

Enjoy the new ride and keep practicing!

I’m in this school of thought. The clutch is highly likely, fine.
The manoeuvres you’re practising aren’t realistic riding and include lots of clutch work, it will be heavy going on your left wrist. A bit like lots of town riding. Realistically, for most, this isn’t a true representation of usual riding.

 

[stuartro]

@thughes317 You’re the second one (my neighbour / biker buddy) said the same last night. His advice was to keep practicing and let my left hand strengthen

 

[gv550]

Since you bought the bike used, maybe the previous owner replaced the stock clutch with a Barnett pressure plate. If so, there are optional springs you could try to reduce the clamp force and lever pull.

 

[thughes317]

@thughes317 You’re the second one (my neighbour / biker buddy) said the same last night. His advice was to keep practicing and let my left hand strengthen

 

[stuartro]

LOL

 

[stuartro]

Since you bought the bike used, maybe the previous owner replaced the stock clutch with a Barnett pressure plate. If so, there are optional springs you could try to reduce the clamp force and lever pull.

I’ll ask him. Any way I could tell looking at the bike?