Clutch Problem

[Dragonstaff]

My son has just picked up a (cheap) 2003 1300. I went down and checked it out yesterday.

The clutch lever has to be pulled right up hard against the grip to release, and if you so much as twitch the little finger you are moving. It also has a lot of free play before it starts to get any feel at all.

Am I correct in thinking that the master needs a kit putting through it?

How much of a headache is it to bleed afterwards?

Other than that and a melted heated grip, it is a nice bike that rides well. It should be at only 138,000 km.

His on the right, mine on the left.

[Brookester]

Had clutch issues with WendyL's bike, off this week to mechanic for new slave cylinder, hopefully this finally sorts it. As for doing it myself, tried that but it's a PITA, especially if you have big hands or thick fingers

[Brock]

May just need to bleed the system, there could be an air bubble. Its easy to do, so try it first

[Diesel]

These guys are correct. Bleed it first and see if that adjusts it out.
I run a blackbird clutch lever on STella which affords better comfort and is easy to adjust the lever/clutch bite position.
If these don't help, you may need a clutch slave cylinder refurbish. If all that fails,
I'm guessing it's your clutch basket/ plates.
But STella has 248,000km on her with plenty of towing miles and original clutch still. (Touch wood)

[ruSTynutz]

May just need to bleed the system, there could be an air bubble. Its easy to do, so try it first

Got to agree with you, Brock!
I bled mine last year and if I can do it, anyone can...lol

Here's a YouTube "How To" for your viewing pleasure...

https://youtu.be/gHDWa2Hhado?si=otaM534j1p08OxYO

[Dragonstaff]

Bled this today, and problem solved. It now feels about the same as mine. Sucked all the dirty old fluid out too, so it is now nice and clean.

I like how accessible the bleeder is, not like the GL 1200