Motorcycle Repair: possible hydraulic clutch lever problem, honda v45 magna, v65 magna

Question
Hi Chris,

I have an '84 Honda V45 Magna.  The clutch lever moves more freely than I remember from last season (there is a click when the sensor/switch is pushed in) and the clutch does not dis-engage.  The hydraulic fluid was low, and I have filled the reservoir.

I have a CLYMER manual but it doesn't offer any suggestions. My initial guess is that the clutch swith is broken.  I have checked the wiring from the clutch handle into the body of the bike, and as far as I can tell it is all connected and not broken.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Jame

Answer
Hi Jame.
 Ignore my first response, I got your question and another question mixed up.

   Bleeding brakes, as you know, is not a complicated thing and it works to get air bubbles out of the line.

But, here's the part they don't tell you (which is also not mentioned in any repair manual;

Some bikes have an additional problem with both the clutch and front brakes, including my own on my V65 Magna.  The problem stems from the configuration of the master cylinder, which is that the connection to the hydraulic line at the master cylinder creates a pocket that air bubbles like to hide in (this is called a reverse trap) and the method for bleeding that section is a little tricky if you've never done it before.

 Here's the proceedure;

1) Bleed the clutch/brake line like normal.

2) Put a wrench on the banjo fitting and squeeze the lever.


3) (NOTE: Use a box end wrench for this) While holding the clutch/brake lever in, crack loose the fitting and reclose it quickly. Have a rag over the fitting connection that you are working on because it will spit at you as pressure expells the air and a little fluid.

<<<<<<<IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT release pressure on the lever till the fitting is tightened back up or you will suck air back into the line.>>>>>>>

4) Test the clutch/brake again.  If done correctly, you will have pressure near the beginning of the lever movement rather than at the end.

5) repeat as needed, but you should not need more than 2-3 times to get the system working correctly.

Good luck.
FALCON