When I was working at the local motorcycle shop I could not believe how many people came in with clutch cables bango tight. We would have customers come in all the time for diag on slipping clutches that took 20 minutes to two hours of labor to fix on Dirtbike's and it was end up costing well over 100 dollars almost every time. The best was when you would do the guy a favor and lube and adjust the cable to spec to be told by the customer that we messed up his now perfectly functional clutch
Good video. Method I used to adjust cable free play servicing bikes was to turn the steering to full lock both sides, one side usually has less free play than the other as the cable bends more around the steering head, then adjust so it just has free play on the tight side. That usually gives enough straight ahead and ensures at least some free play even on full lock. Same for throttle cables.
Thank you! I wish I did this a year ago! 2 minutes adjusting the cable and the bike moves like a totally different bike. Probably a couple years before the clutch actually needs work!
Yeah finally someone who doesnt say a sticking clutch is slipping :D Almost every time someone says their clutch is slipping I need to ask, does it SLIP or stick?
Great video. One thing to add, if you wear the clutch too much, in the pinch you can put washers between screws and springs, this will work for a while, just to let you go home.
Thank you bro!! Very educational as always. I just finished my top end on my 01 cr125. I'm trying to work all the bugs out. Loving what u do bro, keep up the good work!!
Love your videos Cam, clear, precise, easy to follow and interesting. You’ve come a long way since your first videos, much more confident and engaging in your presentations. Great camera work and sound too, very slick. Keep up the good work, btw how is that cr250 rebuild coming along. G’day from a land down under👍🏽
Hello, I just got my dirtbike "repaired" I had a broken crankcase and kick start gear, but my transmission before was working fine, now when I start the bike, pop it in first gear to take off, only to find out I'm back in neutral, I'll kick down to put it back on first , only to be able to kick it in first over and over, occasionally it stays on first then seems to slip out of it, only way I got it to work is if I literally hold my foot pushing it down to keep it In first gear, what do you think it could be? Any info/help would be greatly appreciated!
This video helped me fix the clutch's function on my 03 xr100r. Only additional information needed was the location of the major adjustment on the clutch cable, which is in the manual.
Another great video! My suggestion for a vid and something that is easy enough to do is a compression test and/or a leak down test. Something that should be done at regular intervals.
thanks for this excellent video, I felt my engine let go during an enduro sprint, thought it was overheating, but clutch was slipping, my lever had no play at all, I must have smoked it. Thanks I'm pretty sure I have diagnose problem and solution with your video!
Great video. I noticed my clutch is very stiff. Might take a look inside my bike. It's a 50cc moped tho. Noticed it slipping much today. Don't know what happend before that. Thanks alot man
Here's one for you Cameron... My '07 Bombardier DS650X has trouble finding neutral accompanied with a noticeable 'clunk' when I go for 1st gear. Now you'd think that my cable is full of slack and the clutch isn't disengaging properly however the P.O. had it set to where the cable was actually under tension, resulting in a clutch that slipped anywhere above 60% throttle... I checked another DS650X with a good clutch for reference and there seemed to be the same amount of travel in the lever [etc.] so I am assuming that the problem isn't there. Someone told me that changing the oil could reduce the amount of drag on the clutch plates, thus solving the issue (P.O. probably used an oil with a high viscosity rating), and I would greatly appreciate your opinion on this as well as any other suggestions you may have! *:)*
No matter the machine, you should always have the about 1/8 to 1/4 of freeplay at the lever. I'd guess a notched basket, or possibly the oil. Not likely it's the oil but doesn't hurt to change it out for something recommended for your model.
Thanks for showing the actual measuring of the fiber plates. Visual inspection cannot discern 2.7mm from 2.8mm which can be the difference between a well working or a slipping clutch. Sharing your knowledge makes us all better. Great video.
heyy how it going broo thanks for yours videos I really learning a lot.. hey Im kinda confuse about the right amound of engine oil and trans oil for 450 and 250 4 stroke change. I try to follow the container but I really appreciate any right amount for my next changes. thanks in advance
Awesome video as I just bought a 89 CR125 and clutch is getting weak and wanted to know how to do this and its super easy. Anyway curious if you or anyone has tried those semi auto clutches like the Rekluse auto clutches?
Great video!!! My Daughters dong fang 250 slipping bad only 600 miles, got hot during a parade, as a matter a fact all the bikes Harleys, Yam, Hondas overheated!!!! Not my VROD!!!!! only prob I had was finding the spec for VROD friction plates, slipping @19K miles, finally found it and they were right at the min. Replaced with slipper clutch, never need 3rd geaR AGAINST old school hogs!!!!
Off-topic, but do you know what stabbing the clutch do? I see some people do that, its like kinda tapping the clutch in a fluid motion with all fingers.. what does it do? Tried to search for an answer but couldnt find any.. thanks!
Hey, man hope you see and can respond to my comment in October of 2020 but I'm desperate because my bike's clutch slips, and I just changed the plates 2 months ago and my clutch is slipping again man, I don't think they've burned again, is it possible that it slips but they aren't burned? That there's only a problem with the cables? Or the clutch release adjuster nut is too tight or too loose? Hope you respond bro, I don't want to send my bike to the mechanics and spend another 150 bucks! (BTW your videos are awesome and they help a lot, i just don't understand a lot about clutches and I need a bit of extra help, keep up the good work man!)
Need help tech ,question 😫, I have Honda cb125r the clutch lever sticks half way through a gear change ,which creates high revs and failed transition!is it the cable that needs adjusting, or gulp a new clutch kit .thank you .
Hey man, just picked up a 2005 CRF450R, it had a broken perch and I replaced it with a nicer 1 finger easy pull perch but being a noob I rode it roughly 20 miles with it adjusted to tight slipping the clutch. Now I have a loud screeching sound coming from the clutch. Won’t be able to get inside the clutch for a few days but my question is, is that noise a common sign of bad clutch plates? Also it looks as if the fluid was slightly low as well so should I be worried about transmission damage?
Hi i purchased 03 cr250, felt like it ran okay however the bike wont start on first gear even i press the clutch all the way in the bike will move forward, is it common thing on 2 stroke dirtbike or is it my clutch?
Could someone help me? I bought a new clutch lever for my Honda XR400 but even at max adjustment, the clutch slips (the clutch plates are pretty much apart from each other). I think the lever is to big (the space between the adjuster and the lever itself is too wide) for the cable, is that possible? And is there a way around it other than buying a new lever? Would really appreciate some help!
i have a 2020 husq TC 125 and the manual doesn't mention anything about minimum plate thickness. All I know is that brand new they are 1.95mm and they are measuring about 1.86-1.89...clutch is slipping and oil smells burnt...any suggestions? inner and outer basket looks fine, pressure plate in pretty good shape, and the metal plates aren't too discolored....
Any advice for the bike being stuck in neutral and won't engage in any gear? Feels like something is grinding when going up or down but every once in a while it's smoothie and I will catch a random gear for a bit.
I have a question. With my crf250r up on a stand and in gear, when I pull in the clutch should the rear wheel turn easy or will it have some resistance to turn
thanks Cam, i basically have the opposite problem on my Husaberg. when i pull the clutch, then there is still a very light amount of friction and the bike very slowly rolls forward if i don't hold it back. i have an hydraulic clutch, so no clutch-cable to adjust.. i have already changed the hydraulic oil, to ensure it's properly bled, but it's still happening. not that it would really bother me, but i feel that i will get excessive plate-wear like that. any ideas?
I have a kawi Vulcan Classic 1500 that has sat unridden for quite a while. After starting, when I click into first gear, the bike lurches forward and stalls, which says to me the clutch is not engaging. Can someone suggest how I can determine if this is a pushrod problem or likely the plates need to be replaced?
okay so i never did this, but in case i will have to one day, this video was great! but also, i wonder if there isnt any kind of seal for the clutch cover?
Endurec yes there's a gasket and usually it's reusable, if it leaks oil after reassembling it, then just get a new one its not a big deal, but normally reusing is fine, unless it rips.
Hey im having a problem with my pit bike, it revs up fine the clutch is adjusted right, but it use to go Much faster than it does now, before I could hit probably 45-50 now it only goes 30mph, like i said it revs up fine clutch adjusted but it just doesn't hit any speed at all.
I have a 2018 crf250l a 500 miles. Yesterday I noticed when I'm downshifting the shifter made a loud clanking sound almost like I was downshifting a out using clutch. Any ideas? thanks
Hey dude, coming from a fellow Cameron lol and rider, what program do you use to edit your videos man? I'm trying to start a channel. Thanks for any help
what if the new cable is still too tight on the loosest setting on the adjuster by the engine and by the clutch lever? i bought the same cable for my model bike
I'm a little late, but, researching our own issue.. I'll try to explain, I'm not the rider tho. 22 KTM 85 (Lynks racing 105 head). He stopped & said it's not as powerful, like it needs cleared out. Local track guy thinks it's the clutch, Installed new pack, still same symptoms.. I'm currently poking around on it & have noticed I can push it while in gear, with a little drag. So, maybe the clutch isn't releasing... Idk, I'm not a dirt bike rider, or mechanic & I have a decent level 85 rider, so I'm learning... Ugh.
My clutch on my 2003 ttr125e is sticking when I pop the clutch and after shifting, and when I give it more than 50% throttle it sticks, but slow on it's fine. Plates? Basket? Springs? help.
What is the common problem you have with your bikes?
Sick video
Cameron Niemela drowning them in the uk fuel injected bikes are horrible to sort once drowned and that happens alot in the uk trails
Bolts vibrate out
Jack Callahan you have stripped the threads or just arent tightening them enough or need to use blue locktight
my most common problem is ...they run out of gas! ;)
If you can't tell if it is slipping or not, listen back-to-back.
Clutch slipping - 0:05
Not slipping - 14:43
When I was working at the local motorcycle shop I could not believe how many people came in with clutch cables bango tight. We would have customers come in all the time for diag on slipping clutches that took 20 minutes to two hours of labor to fix on Dirtbike's and it was end up costing well over 100 dollars almost every time. The best was when you would do the guy a favor and lube and adjust the cable to spec to be told by the customer that we messed up his now perfectly functional clutch
Good video.
Method I used to adjust cable free play servicing bikes was to turn the steering to full lock both sides, one side usually has less free play than the other as the cable bends more around the steering head, then adjust so it just has free play on the tight side.
That usually gives enough straight ahead and ensures at least some free play even on full lock.
Same for throttle cables.
Good tip, thanks!
You’ve got a very comprehensive tutorial! Keep up the good works, man!
Thank you! I wish I did this a year ago!
2 minutes adjusting the cable and the bike moves like a totally different bike. Probably a couple years before the clutch actually needs work!
Yeah finally someone who doesnt say a sticking clutch is slipping :D Almost every time someone says their clutch is slipping I need to ask, does it SLIP or stick?
What's the difference my is having some issues
Tx Cameron for very detailed and slow explications. I'm just bought my first yz125. I'm learning a lot of stuff from your YT channel.
These videos really help me out a lot, very informative and gives good guidance in terms of what to expect and what to look out for.
Thanks Rudi!
Great video.
One thing to add, if you wear the clutch too much, in the pinch you can put washers between screws and springs, this will work for a while, just to let you go home.
As usually absolutely awesome "how to" video! Great picture, great sound, detailed and clear explanations!
Thanks Taras!
Thank you bro!! Very educational as always. I just finished my top end on my 01 cr125. I'm trying to work all the bugs out. Loving what u do bro, keep up the good work!!
great job. i knew nothing and now i can confidently say i feel thoroughly informed and ready to tackle this.
Keep up the work man and where's the cr250 build videos
He said in a "post" on his channel he's waiting for backordered engine parts because the CR250 is not exactly a new bike with an abundance of parts.
Nick Childs thanks for that Just never seen the post
00¹po pool
10:29. Explains the magic of a clutch and how it works that no one seems to understand. Awesome video on clutch diagnosis!
No matter how I adjust my clutch on my 86 rebel 450 it always slips when accelerating hard through the gears.
I have no idea how the prior owner road it or f it’s toast or not. It never slips when taking off out of first though. I have replay also
Love your videos Cam, clear, precise, easy to follow and interesting.
You’ve come a long way since your first videos, much more confident and engaging in your presentations.
Great camera work and sound too, very slick.
Keep up the good work, btw how is that cr250 rebuild coming along.
G’day from a land down under👍🏽
Thanks for the kind words! The 250 is still awaiting a lot of engine parts so that's holding things up at the moment.
Hello, I just got my dirtbike "repaired" I had a broken crankcase and kick start gear, but my transmission before was working fine, now when I start the bike, pop it in first gear to take off, only to find out I'm back in neutral, I'll kick down to put it back on first , only to be able to kick it in first over and over, occasionally it stays on first then seems to slip out of it, only way I got it to work is if I literally hold my foot pushing it down to keep it In first gear, what do you think it could be? Any info/help would be greatly appreciated!
Wow, excellent video. You make it all look so easy. Makes me want to tear into my DRZ400SM just for the experience...and see how the plates are doing.
Whats up with the CR250??
i love how you explain everything. like why its important why to fix it how to fix it and how to know whats wrong. i love your videos i learn so much
Thanks for watching!
This video helped me fix the clutch's function on my 03 xr100r. Only additional information needed was the location of the major adjustment on the clutch cable, which is in the manual.
Man after watching this my clutch problem is literally fixed!! Wow so simple and easy bro great video thanks brother
GOOD JOB BRO, WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT THE HIDRAHULIC CLOUTCH ITS BETTER?
Your videos are extremely helpful. Great help.. will this clutch operation bebthe same for a 2005 banshee?
My problem is I’m fighting between having enough free play and being able to fully disengage it.
Another great video! My suggestion for a vid and something that is easy enough to do is a compression test and/or a leak down test. Something that should be done at regular intervals.
Good idea!
In-depth video and straight to the point. Thank you! I think this will help my 73 RD350 Yamaha!
thanks for this excellent video, I felt my engine let go during an enduro sprint, thought it was overheating, but clutch was slipping, my lever had no play at all, I must have smoked it. Thanks I'm pretty sure I have diagnose problem and solution with your video!
You are the best teacher bro I watch all your videos your very helpful
You are a great teacher,thanks for the video.
Thank for for watching!
My sons CRF 150F wont shit into 2nd gear. Do you think its time for a new clutch? Or kno what would cause that to happen?
Good video thanks alot!! my cable definitely needed adjusting & wasn't 100% sure about it..
These videos help alot with all the bikes i buy and sell. Keep them coming
Thanks for watching!
Great video. I noticed my clutch is very stiff. Might take a look inside my bike. It's a 50cc moped tho. Noticed it slipping much today. Don't know what happend before that. Thanks alot man
excellent video! you covered all bases before making a diagnosis. well done.
Thanks for taking the time to post this very informative video.
Another sign your basket has grooves is if the bike wants to stall or go forward a bit when you put it in gear with the clutch pulled in
Great tech info man..Cameron What type/Brand Gear oil and engine oil do you prefer or would recommend for a CRF450
Don Simpson Cameron would do maxima, duh. I run Lucas oil on my crf 250r. I do 10w-40 for the engine oil, and 80/85 synthetic gear oil
I'm partial to Maxima, but have good luck with Rotella T 10W-40 in my previous bikes.
I love your videos like this so when I get a bike I know how to do stuff like this. Can't wait to get a bike
Thanks for watching man!
Great vid mate what year is your cr
Here's one for you Cameron...
My '07 Bombardier DS650X has trouble finding neutral accompanied with a noticeable 'clunk' when I go for 1st gear. Now you'd think that my cable is full of slack and the clutch isn't disengaging properly however the P.O. had it set to where the cable was actually under tension, resulting in a clutch that slipped anywhere above 60% throttle...
I checked another DS650X with a good clutch for reference and there seemed to be the same amount of travel in the lever [etc.] so I am assuming that the problem isn't there.
Someone told me that changing the oil could reduce the amount of drag on the clutch plates, thus solving the issue (P.O. probably used an oil with a high viscosity rating), and I would greatly appreciate your opinion on this as well as any other suggestions you may have! *:)*
No matter the machine, you should always have the about 1/8 to 1/4 of freeplay at the lever. I'd guess a notched basket, or possibly the oil. Not likely it's the oil but doesn't hurt to change it out for something recommended for your model.
Thanks for showing the actual measuring of the fiber plates. Visual inspection cannot discern 2.7mm from 2.8mm which can be the difference between a well working or a slipping clutch. Sharing your knowledge makes us all better. Great video.
Thanks for watching Don!
heyy how it going broo thanks for yours videos I really learning a lot..
hey Im kinda confuse about the right amound of engine oil and trans oil for 450 and 250 4 stroke change.
I try to follow the container but I really appreciate any right amount for my next changes. thanks in advance
Awesome video as I just bought a 89 CR125 and clutch is getting weak and wanted to know how to do this and its super easy. Anyway curious if you or anyone has tried those semi auto clutches like the Rekluse auto clutches?
Great video!!! My Daughters dong fang 250 slipping bad only 600 miles, got hot during a parade, as a matter a fact all the bikes Harleys, Yam, Hondas overheated!!!! Not my VROD!!!!! only prob I had was finding the spec for VROD friction plates, slipping @19K miles, finally found it and they were right at the min. Replaced with slipper clutch, never need 3rd geaR AGAINST old school hogs!!!!
Some CR's have aluminium clutch discs thar wear too. Steel ones doesn't
Ha! 4:26 There is a CR250 engine on the stand waiting for some parts!! 😉
Well explained!
Just came to say that Barnett clutch components are awesome!
Is there a good way of removing the outer clutch basket without the special tool ?
Off-topic, but do you know what stabbing the clutch do? I see some people do that, its like kinda tapping the clutch in a fluid motion with all fingers.. what does it do? Tried to search for an answer but couldnt find any.. thanks!
My clutch cable somehow got too tight and I got stuck in the mud, over heated, had to truck it home…. This fixed it thanks so much
Hey, man hope you see and can respond to my comment in October of 2020 but I'm desperate because my bike's clutch slips, and I just changed the plates 2 months ago and my clutch is slipping again man, I don't think they've burned again, is it possible that it slips but they aren't burned? That there's only a problem with the cables? Or the clutch release adjuster nut is too tight or too loose? Hope you respond bro, I don't want to send my bike to the mechanics and spend another 150 bucks! (BTW your videos are awesome and they help a lot, i just don't understand a lot about clutches and I need a bit of extra help, keep up the good work man!)
Man you're the best
Need help tech ,question 😫, I have Honda cb125r the clutch lever sticks half way through a gear change ,which creates high revs and failed transition!is it the cable that needs adjusting, or gulp a new clutch kit .thank you .
is transmission oil is there for all bikes or only for old models?
Extremely helpful bro
Hey man, just picked up a 2005 CRF450R, it had a broken perch and I replaced it with a nicer 1 finger easy pull perch but being a noob I rode it roughly 20 miles with it adjusted to tight slipping the clutch. Now I have a loud screeching sound coming from the clutch. Won’t be able to get inside the clutch for a few days but my question is, is that noise a common sign of bad clutch plates? Also it looks as if the fluid was slightly low as well so should I be worried about transmission damage?
hey when are you going to finish up that cr250?? would like to know, really like those vids.
Hi i purchased 03 cr250, felt like it ran okay however the bike wont start on first gear even i press the clutch all the way in the bike will move forward, is it common thing on 2 stroke dirtbike or is it my clutch?
Thanks for the video! I really appreciate it. Turns out I used the wrong oil, so it should be a quick fix.
This problem happend to Tyler Monagan’s kx125😆 Nice video!
Yeah I saw that!
Thank you for doing this. Your chanel is amazing, learned a lot from you AND saved some money.
Great video! Very informational
Thank You!
Great video , damn love the space you have were he can just let it rip on the grass !
Could someone help me?
I bought a new clutch lever for my Honda XR400 but even at max adjustment, the clutch slips (the clutch plates are pretty much apart from each other). I think the lever is to big (the space between the adjuster and the lever itself is too wide) for the cable, is that possible? And is there a way around it other than buying a new lever?
Would really appreciate some help!
i have a 2020 husq TC 125 and the manual doesn't mention anything about minimum plate thickness. All I know is that brand new they are 1.95mm and they are measuring about 1.86-1.89...clutch is slipping and oil smells burnt...any suggestions? inner and outer basket looks fine, pressure plate in pretty good shape, and the metal plates aren't too discolored....
Any advice for the bike being stuck in neutral and won't engage in any gear? Feels like something is grinding when going up or down but every once in a while it's smoothie and I will catch a random gear for a bit.
I have a question. With my crf250r up on a stand and in gear, when I pull in the clutch should the rear wheel turn easy or will it have some resistance to turn
thanks Cam, i basically have the opposite problem on my Husaberg. when i pull the clutch, then there is still a very light amount of friction and the bike very slowly rolls forward if i don't hold it back. i have an hydraulic clutch, so no clutch-cable to adjust.. i have already changed the hydraulic oil, to ensure it's properly bled, but it's still happening. not that it would really bother me, but i feel that i will get excessive plate-wear like that. any ideas?
Get well soon bro. Best wishes.
@cameron Niemela could you put a another washer on the rod that push’s the clutch for a easier pull on the clutch lever?
Thanks man. Fixed mine with your help!
Obrigado Cameron, aprendo bastante com seus vídeos! Parabéns!
I have a kawi Vulcan Classic 1500 that has sat unridden for quite a while. After starting, when I click into first gear, the bike lurches forward and stalls, which says to me the clutch is not engaging. Can someone suggest how I can determine if this is a pushrod problem or likely the plates need to be replaced?
Awesome video as always!
Thanks for watching!
very helpful friend hope you are well
Great piece of work. Thank you. Learned a lot.
Thanks!
okay so i never did this, but in case i will have to one day, this video was great! but also, i wonder if there isnt any kind of seal for the clutch cover?
i guess there is..but it was on the cover not on the engine..so we couldnt see it..
Endurec yes there's a gasket and usually it's reusable, if it leaks oil after reassembling it, then just get a new one its not a big deal, but normally reusing is fine, unless it rips.
Endurec yeah my old 85 had a metal gasket, they can be hard to see but they are there
Thanks for watching! There is an o-ring on the cover
Great video my Man!! Just learned a lot of staff, thanks for shearing your knowledge, cheers bro.
I appreciate that man!
Thanks fixed my issue
So my manual says my spring wear limit is 69.5mm. If my springs are in good condition they should have a longer free length?
You got the I.Q. of a genius when it comes to dirtbikes. Did you go to a school or just teach yourself?
Thanks haha. I am mostly self taught
Great vid Cameron. Learned alot.👍
Thank You!
Hey im having a problem with my pit bike, it revs up fine the clutch is adjusted right, but it use to go Much faster than it does now, before I could hit probably 45-50 now it only goes 30mph, like i said it revs up fine clutch adjusted but it just doesn't hit any speed at all.
thanks! this saved my friend from getting new clutch plates.
I installed a pink spring on my crf 250r. They are sligtly bigger (height) than the original ones. Is that a problem?
Thanks for the video great explanation
I have a 2018 crf250l a 500 miles.
Yesterday I noticed when I'm downshifting the shifter made a loud clanking sound almost like I was downshifting a out using clutch.
Any ideas?
thanks
Hey dude, coming from a fellow Cameron lol and rider, what program do you use to edit your videos man? I'm trying to start a channel. Thanks for any help
I use Adobe Premiere Pro
Cameron Niemela ok thanks dude
I run Walmart brand ATF Type F in my cr125 transmission. Very smooth. And extremely cheap. Like $2.50/quart or something.
This video saved me
I have an 03yz 450f. It slips in 4th. Do you think it could just be the plate?
Super helpful. Thank you.
How about clutch creep? With clutch lever pulled in, disengaging the clutch, my 2013 crf250r pulls forward slightly. Why? How do I fix that?
Are Honda clutches and yamaha clutches pretty much the same ?
what if the new cable is still too tight on the loosest setting on the adjuster by the engine and by the clutch lever? i bought the same cable for my model bike
Thanks man! I have used 4 clutch plates under 25 hours😅😂
I'm a little late, but, researching our own issue..
I'll try to explain, I'm not the rider tho.
22 KTM 85 (Lynks racing 105 head). He stopped & said it's not as powerful, like it needs cleared out. Local track guy thinks it's the clutch, Installed new pack, still same symptoms..
I'm currently poking around on it & have noticed I can push it while in gear, with a little drag. So, maybe the clutch isn't releasing...
Idk, I'm not a dirt bike rider, or mechanic & I have a decent level 85 rider, so I'm learning... Ugh.
My clutch on my 2003 ttr125e is sticking when I pop the clutch and after shifting, and when I give it more than 50% throttle it sticks, but slow on it's fine. Plates? Basket? Springs? help.