possible clutch failing?

[chmorro]

Just curious as to what are signs of the clutch wearing out? I hear everyone talking about the clutch spring.. What does this do with relation to the clutch. My clutch is engaging the gears far out on the release.. Just wondering. My Nomad's got 43,000 miles on it. Thanks!

I've never had a clutch go out on me on a bike or car but I think you would be able to tell by the way it accelerates. If you don't like where the clutch grabs that can be adjusted. On my '06 I have the clutch set on #3 and it grabs almost immediatly.

[Idaho]

Wolfman, I'm not sure what you mean by having the clutch set on #3. There is an adjustment for the clutch lever position but not one that I'm aware of for where the clutch engages. The owners manual states that there is no clutch adjustment but that you only need to check the level of oil in the clutch reservoir.

Chmoro, you might start by checking the clutch fluid and make sure that you are topped off. According to others more informed that myself the clutch on these big bikes is designed to slip a little to make for a smoother transition through the gears, up and down. That said you can pay attention when accelerating and if the clutch seems to be slipping then maintenance will be in order. There are several recent threads here on clutch washers and springs. That may be all you have to replace. Read these threads http://kawanow.proboards77.com/index...0439482&page=2

http://kawanow.proboards77.com/index...ead=1190824139
IDaho

I used to have it set on 4 and when I put it on 3 it seemed like it engaged sooner - (didn't have to let it out as far.) Maybe it was my imagination ???

[Idaho]

I'm going to go out on a limb here, the clutch lever adjustment only affects how far out the clutch lever will travel from the grip to accomodate rider preference for comfort. The lever adjustment is only a set of cams on different size mounted on a round shaft. Best way to understand is to set the adjustment on 5 and note the lever position then set it on 1 and see the difference. At 5 your lever will be close to the grip, set on a 1 the lever will be farther away. I can't explain your observation because I believe it should have been the opposite.
Is it snowing in the toolies of Utah?

[dogdoc]

Wolfman, the 1-5 wheel your talking about adjusts the amount of distance the lever depresses to the grip. it's there because everybody has different finger lengths. i guess it could slightly alter when the clutch engages due to shorter distance to the grip say at 5. but ther is NO clutch adjustment per se. :-)

Ya you guys are right about the lever adjustment. I used to have it on #2. I like 3 better because it feels more like how my shadow felt. No snow YET (thick clouds though.)