Motorcycle Repair: clutch malfunction, honda magna v45, clutch side

Question
Chris,

I own a 1985 Honda Magna, V45 700cc.  Awhile back, it was knocked over in a parking lot bending the handlebars.  I stripped the clutch side and the throttle side of the bars to prepare for replacing the handlebars, but had to leave it hanging for awhile until the bars came in.  They did, I installed, but now the clutch will not work.  I never opened the master cylinder, I never did anything thing to any clutch component, other than removing the master cylinder from the handlebars. The clutch functioned properly after the bike was knocked over.  I attempted to bleed the system, but could not get the fluid to strongly run from the bleed valve when I applied the clutch.  Where should I go from here?

Tom  

Answer
Hi Tom.
Some bikes have an additional problem with both the clutch and front brakes, including and especially the 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 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.
(NOTE: Use a box end wrench for this)

3) 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.

Good luck.
FALCON