NB: These instructions are given for guidance only and cannot engage the author's liability in the event of misinterpretation, failure to assess the vehicle's actual condition and/or non-conformity, unsuitable mechanical practice or the use of inappropriate tools.
Causes of a heavy clutch action
Contrary to what is often claimed — and apart from the very earliest Laverda 750s with a steel clutch drum — the clutch action should not be excessively heavy if everything is in good condition, correctly set up and adjusted.
Fitting an extension to the engine-side lever softens the action if everything is in good order, but it will not help otherwise. For an excessively heavy action, first carry out the following preliminary checks:
- Clutch cable and outer in good condition and correctly lubricated with engine oil.
- Handlebar lever in good condition, no play on its pivot, pivots and pin greased.
- Cable routed without over-tight bends. The recommended length (120 cm with a standard handlebar) allows a wide sweep on the left of the engine, between the exit under the tank and the engine lever.
- Clutch plates perfectly aligned.
- Clutch-drum splines in good condition: if lightly marked, dress them gently with a fine file; if too marked (plates catching on the ridges), the drum sometimes needs replacing.
- Original-type springs, not SFC type.
- Pushrods perfectly straight.
- Thrust balls in good condition and perfectly spherical.
- Engine-lever mechanism free, without play and correctly greased.