Motorcycle Repair: 84 yamaha venture hydralic clutch, clutch lever, box end wrench

Question
84 venture royale hydralic clutch. parked it in unheated garage, everything fine. started it a few times over the winter,everything fine.went to drive it on a warm day two weeks ago, and the clutch did not disengage completly. i checked the master cylinder oil level and it was full. i let the engine running and kept working the clutch. i could feel it start to disengage about 3/4 of the pull or squeeze stroke. i could drive it, but it was difficult. it would idle in gear, but shifting to nuteral was very difficult. any suggestions? the book says there are no adjustments.                      paul

Answer
Hi Paul.
 Well, the book is correct.  There are no adjustments.  What it sounds like, is that there is a component in the caliper may be sticking, or there is an air bubble in the line.  Probably near the master cylinder at the banjo fitting.

Start by bleeding the clutch line.

Here's the proceedure that will catch any air in the system and remove it;

1) Bleed the clutch 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 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.

This also works on the front brake system.

Good luck.
FALCON