making k75 clutch lever easier to pull

DG123 · Jan 18, 2006

i am desperate. the clutch lever on my 94 k75 is extremely difficult to pull back in day-to-day in-town traffic. after a short while my hand hurts. a lot. i don't think i did anything to injure it. the lever is too far from the handlebar grip and has too much pulling resistance. unfortunately, unlike the new bikes, there is no mechanism for changing the levers position to be closer to my hand. can anyone help? thanks.

kbasa · Jan 18, 2006

Have you lubed all the appropriate points? Clutch lever at the little drum at the end of the cable? At the pivot point on the back of the clutch?

If the little drum at the lever gets dried out, you'll be bending the cable at that point every time you pull the lever in, which can add quite a bit of resistance and effort.

dbrick · Jan 18, 2006

KBasa said:
If the little drum at the lever gets dried out, you'll be bending the cable at that point every time you pull the lever in, which can add quite a bit of resistance and effort.

In addition to increasing operating effort, the flexing will also cause the clutch cable to break.

ERIC1514 · Jan 19, 2006

I'm not sure about a '94, but on my '87, the clutch also retracts the sidestand. I'm thinking any misadjustment in this linkage might also cause you to have to exert extra effort.

I'd start with a "by the book" clutch adustment, making sure all the lengths (pushrod, lever free play) are up to snuff. Adjust the sidestand linkage next. After everything is proper and you still have to work too hard, you might have to get inside and lube the splines the at the clutch (not rear drive).

Do you have small hands? This is not a slight, but if you do, you might be using just your fingers and not your hand and that could get tiring after a while.

Good Luck,
Eric

bmwmick · Jan 19, 2006

davidgoin said:
i am desperate. the clutch lever on my 94 k75 is extremely difficult to pull back in day-to-day in-town traffic. after a short while my hand hurts. a lot. i don't think i did anything to injure it. the lever is too far from the handlebar grip and has too much pulling resistance. unfortunately, unlike the new bikes, there is no mechanism for changing the levers position to be closer to my hand. can anyone help? thanks.

If the existing clutch cable has ever been lubricated (the cable itself, not the barrel ends) It could be breaking down inside. This will create a much heavier lever pull since the cable is actually cutting through the inner teflon (or nylon) lining. You should never lubricate the cables on a BMW.

sgborgstrom · Jan 19, 2006

Might I suggest:

Steve

breyfogle · Jan 19, 2006

If you have ridden other street bikes and find the K75 clutch pull much harder than other bikes, something is mechanically wrong with your K. Could be a worn-out or pinched cable, could be a worn clutch lever pivot bushing, but I'm guesing that you are pulling against the side-stand retraction linkage.

Mar · Jan 19, 2006

I think I read over on the IBMWR list some time ago that K75 clutch levers are a little "heavier" than most. I know mine is, especially in comparison to the R1150R clutch lever.

Sgborgstrom was being cute but he's got a good point. Weak hand and forearm muscles will tire quickly.

breyfogle · Jan 19, 2006

Mar said:
K75 clutch levers are a little "heavier" than most. I know mine is, especially in comparison to the R1150R clutch lever.

Ever try a Buell ? For me, they are basically un-ridable.

PHMARVIN · Jan 20, 2006

If I knew where Davidgoin lives (I presume somewhere in NM), I might volunteer to ride one of Harriet's K75's there, bringing with me a new cable (just in case) along with some grease for the pivots and a manual so he can read up on clutch adjustment (if, in fact, that is the problem). But since I don't know, I can't volunteer unless he lets me know!

BELG · Jan 20, 2006

When mine gets heavy, a little lube on the kickstand joint works wonders. Start there, it's a 60 second fix. I've never had to go beyond a quick short squirt with Slick 50...

Consultant · Feb 3, 2006

K75 clutch lever force

On my '94 K75S I rebuilt the sidestand, especially the bolt that holds it on. I used Mercury marine grease and the operation is much smoother. There is a Zerk fitting on the sidestand bushing on my bike for easy greasing.
Also, be sure to use a bit of teflon (Tri-flon) lube from time to time on the barrel fitting at the lever end of the cable. This will help keep the cable from breaking at the lever end. Also, carefully follow the instructions for adjusting the cable length. I never use the clutch lever to raise the sidestand.

DG123 · Feb 8, 2006

clutch lever fixed

thanks to all for your suggestions. i compiled them and proceded to lubricate, adjust, and replace (cable.) it is now as it should be; easy to pull and a joy to use. again, thanks. :dance

gregfeeler · Feb 8, 2006

Mar said:
I think I read over on the IBMWR list some time ago that K75 clutch levers are a little "heavier" than most. I know mine is, especially in comparison to the R1150R clutch lever.

My K75s clutch levers are a bit heavier than the K12RS, but that's the difference between a mechanical and hydraulic clutch design. If a K75 is hard to pull there's a problem with the cable and/or clutch retraction system. I'd pull the cable and check it. Excellent chance its bad.

making k75 clutch lever easier to pull

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