Motorcycle Repair: honda magna v45 clutch problem, honda magna v45, hydraulic clutch

Question
Ok Chris,
The clutch on my '85 magna won't engage. The clutch reservoir is low. Could that be the problem? If not, what would be my next course of action?

Thanks a lot!:)
Dennis

P.S. We just bought this bike a few days ago. Prior to that it had been garaged for about a year.

Answer
Hi Dennis.
 Yes, that is almost all of the problem.  It has a Hydraulic clutch and, just like the brakes, if the fluid id low or if there's air in the line, the system will not work.

When you replace the fluid, there is one thing that you will need to do and that is to properly bleed the line.

The Magna, as well as some of the bikes, have an additional problem with both the clutch and front brakes.  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 this 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 should not need more than 2-3 times.

Also find out if the bike was stored with fuel in the system.  If so, find out if the carbs were cleaned prior to you purchasing it.  If they were not (chances are they were'nt), then you will need to pull them and have them properly cleaned.  If the carbs are not clean, then you will have problems with the idle speed, startup, mixture, etc.

Good luck.
FALCON