How to Adjust a Yamaha Clutch
by Chris Gilliland
A grabby clutch is a sure sign that your Yamaha's clutch cable is out of adjustment, a situation that is typically created as the steel clutch cable stretches after repeated use. Adjusting the clutch to eliminate the grabby feeling is accomplished using one of two separate adjusters on the ends of the clutch cable. Under normal circumstances, the cable can be tightened with the adjuster placed near the clutch lever's perch, while the remaining adjuster on the motorcycle's clutch cover can eliminate excess cable slack.
Step 1
Pull the clutch lever in slightly with your left hand to measure the clutch cable's free play. Take note of how far the lever will move before it begins to pull the clutch cable. Ideally, the clutch lever should only be able to move 1/8 inch before pulling the cable.
Step 2
Loosen the large round lock nut on cable adjuster near the clutch lever by hand.
Step 3
Twist the cable adjuster clockwise with a 10-mm wrench to tighten the cable and reduce the cable's free play. Twist the adjuster counterclockwise with a 10-mm wrench to loosen the cable and increase free play. Adjust the cable's tension until there is only 1/8 inch of free play at the clutch lever.
Step 4
Tighten the large round lock nut against the cable adjuster by hand.
Step 5
Pull the clutch lever in and measure the clutch cable's free play. Stop here if there is 1/8 inch of free play at the clutch lever. Continue to adjust the cable further as needed.
Step 6
Loosen the lock nut from the cable adjuster on the clutch cover, positioned on the right side of the motor, using a 10-mm wrench.
Step 7
Twist the cable adjuster clockwise with a 10-mm wrench to tighten the cable and reduce the cable's free play. Twist the adjuster counterclockwise with a 10-mm wrench to loosen the cable and increase free play. Adjust the cable's tension until there is only 1/8 inch of free play at the clutch lever.
Step 8
Tighten the adjuster's lock nut with a 10-mm wrench.
References
- "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program"; Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
- "Yamaha YZF-R1 Service Manual"; Yamaha Motor Co.; 2001
- "Yamaha WR250FR Owner's Service Manual"; Yamaha Motor Corp.; 2002
Tips
- Replace the clutch cable if it cannot be adjusted to provide an 1/8 inch of free play at the clutch lever, or if there are any signs of fraying or damage.
- Contact your Yamaha dealer if your motorcycle is equipped with a hydraulic clutch.
Things You'll Need
- 10-mm wrench
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
