Gear selecting problem.

[mark.scott]

now i'm being dumb. i bought parts book and user guides when i acquired the bike, maybe i should look at them

[simon.holyfield]

I made one... but I am a bit of a tool-geek. You'll get by with a regular screwdriver, just use a fairly large one.

[Dave.Barkshire]

You can make one out of an old wide blade screw driver (make a slot which will fit over the stud). I have a proper tool now but for years I just used an ordinary screw driver.

[mark.scott]

Hi just stripped the clutch plates down (easy really) and cleaned them up. Couldn't get the clutch centre off as I don't have a spanner that big but the splines look OK see pic. When should the cork clutch plates be replaced ? Put it all back together seems slightly better but still grinds when trying to engage first. Just topped the box up with grease and will try a bit more on the cable adjustment. Not sure after that. Many thanks for your help. Mark

[ian.scott]

I would expect your problem is that the clutch springs are not allowing the pressure plate to rise squarely , causing clutch drag. Ideally use a clock gauge or just a indicator arm to show which part is lifting higher than the rest and reset the springs individually so it lifts squarely.
Ian

[dave.owen]

Have you setup the activation lever as per the manual.on the gearbox when activated the lever should be upright if the handlebar levers have been replaced then the new ones may not have sufficient leverage, measure between the pivot and cable nipple.
Dave

[chris.shearwood]

Hello Mark,
Don't forget that these old clutches need more time than modern ones to do their job. It might help your situation if you wait a few seconds after pulling in the handlebar lever before attempting any movement of your right foot on the shifter lever.

[simon.holyfield]

Is it only first that's graunching? My BA is noisy engaging first from a standstill, and I believe they just are (thoughts anyone?) but on the move, its as quiet as a Japanese bike.

Your splines look good!

As Ian says, look at the pressure plate whilst you turn the engine over, and while it is turning, lift the clutch. It's pretty obvious if it is not lifting squarely.

[mark.scott]

Ah - Wondered how you tell if the clutch is lifting squarely. I was going on the distance of the spring retainers. I'll try it with the engine running. Just worried if I'm causing any damage with the crunching.

[simon.holyfield]

If it is very bad, you'll see it just turning it over on the kickstart.

Put it in neutral; lift the clutch; turn the clutch with the kickstart.