Friction Zone

[barrynfla]

The friction zone on my Nomad is quite narrow and pretty far out from the bar. I was wondering if this is normal for all our bikes and just something I have to get used to.

Being hydraulic, I wouldn't think there is any adjustment for this but if I'm wrong, could someone please correct me?

Thanks!

Barry

[rickyboy]

the clutch lever is adjustable on my bike. Would that help?

[barrynfla]

I do have it adjusted in to #5. I'll try adjusting it out to #3 or so and see if that helps. Thanks!

[dogdoc]

The numbers on the wheelie on the levers only adjust how far a throw the lever is from the grip. it does not adjust the clutch or the front brake, etc. just a comfort thing.... friction zone threw me off.

[barrynfla]

Originally Posted by Doc (Lonewolf)

The numbers on the wheelie on the levers only adjust how far a throw the lever is from the grip. it does not adjust the clutch or the front brake, etc. just a comfort thing.... friction zone threw me off.

Correct, Doc. I just couldn't find anything in the service manual that would indicate that the free play in the clutch lever is adjustable. I find it a bit difficult to modulate the lever like I can with, for example, my 900.

[macmac]

I agree what seemingly should be adjustable for a friction zone is not, but on the other hand you can leave your last 2 fingers between the grip and the lever and clutch just fine.

It could take some time to get used to that feel...

There is no adjuster in Vulcans so far as i know and i am sure there is none on Nomads.

It is probably possible to alter the parts and so create one if you want to go thru redesigning a few parts. I haven't been in there myself, so that might not be true, but I think with some work a return spring could be made and the accuating rod be made adjustable.

Then it isn't likey that it would be practical...

[barrynfla]

Thanks, Mac. That's exactly what I thought. I'll just have to get used to the feel. The bike is still new to me.

[cactusjack]

The clutch lever "adjustment" simply changes the angle of the lever in relation to the handlebar. Hydraulic clutches have no adjustment like you might find with a mechanical system.

You'll just have to develop a feel for it.

[macmac]

Cj not quite true. If a set up has an adjustable rod and a return spring you can adjust free play and engagement. Since Nomads don't have these 2 items and no one is worried much, chances are there never will be custom parts to do this.

[gv550]

The 1600 nomad clutch friction point is quite far out on the lever travel, this is normal. The friction point is adjustable by changing the clutch-pack length with varying thickness of reaction plates, available from Kawasaki.

Garry

[kawbuc]

Barry
are you the same barry i used to talk to on the Delphi 900 Forum? I believe we talked about Buying some pipes from you for my 900.?

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by macmac

Cj not quite true. If a set up has an adjustable rod and a return spring you can adjust free play and engagement. Since Nomads don't have these 2 items and no one is worried much, chances are there never will be custom parts to do this.

Okay. But the hydraulic clutch system on the Nomad doesn't have these, so there is no adjustment.

[macmac]

Yup Cj that is correct, and I guess from the post above yours there is that other way, seemingly expensive.

The point being that there are and it is possible to have a hydralic clutch that is adjustable, and if you were to have one that is, it is a wise idea to have free play for the throw out device what ever that happens to be.

Unless a wet muliplate clutch is abused baddly they tend to not wear very fast. Abuse would be sitting on a steep hill stopped, and not holding any brake, and or many getting moving take offs, like maybe what is typical on a bike used for learning to ride. This bike of course would be use by hundreds of different people over a time measured in years.

Nimads have a very odd washer spring, which gets hot, and that heat is what causes them to fail. This also happens in other bikes like my old 850 triple where there is 6 conventi9onal coil springs.

Time, compression, and heat over time weakened these springs to the point they allowed the clutch to slip.

And of course allowing a clutch to slip and not replacing these pressure springs is another kind of abuse that if left for too long will wear out plates.

[barrynfla]

Originally Posted by kawbuc

Barry
are you the same barry i used to talk to on the Delphi 900 Forum? I believe we talked about Buying some pipes from you for my 900.?

That be me!! Is everyone going from a 900 to a Nomad?? Hope you're enjoying yours as much as I'm enjoying mine. Still haven't taken any long rides on the Nad (only about 120 miles) but I do find that the stock seat isn't bad at all. I'll find out coming back from Louisiana next month!!