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.
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! 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?
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!!
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.
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!
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!
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
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!!!!
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.
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 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.
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?
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
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.
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!
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!
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 .
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....
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, 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!)
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?
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.
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 stripped my drain bolt on my rm125, i ordered a m14x1,25 dolt and tap. Tap drill for m14x1,25 is 12,8mm drilled the hole and tapped it. screw in the new bolt and gave it a little snug. the copper washer seals it. tip: never use imperial anything on a metric bike or car. it´ll just mess up things in the future. metric is allways best!
You have it the wrong way round, too much tension disengages the clutch which is why it slips. Also, way too much slack in the cable means the clutch doesn’t full disengage which makes it difficult to change gear and leads to premature gear wear. The master adjuster is at the engine end of the cable so adjust there first then fine adjust at the lever 👍
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.
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
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!
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! 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
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!!
You’ve got a very comprehensive tutorial! Keep up the good works, man!
Whats up with the CR250??
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!
My problem is I’m fighting between having enough free play and being able to fully disengage it.
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.
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
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.
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.
great job. i knew nothing and now i can confidently say i feel thoroughly informed and ready to tackle this.
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!
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!
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!
Man after watching this my clutch problem is literally fixed!! Wow so simple and easy bro great video thanks brother
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 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
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!!!!
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!
As usually absolutely awesome "how to" video! Great picture, great sound, detailed and clear explanations!
Thanks Taras!
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.
In-depth video and straight to the point. Thank you! I think this will help my 73 RD350 Yamaha!
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
Good video thanks alot!! my cable definitely needed adjusting & wasn't 100% sure about it..
Your videos are extremely helpful. Great help.. will this clutch operation bebthe same for a 2005 banshee?
You are the best teacher bro I watch all your videos your very helpful
Some CR's have aluminium clutch discs thar wear too. Steel ones doesn't
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!
You are a great teacher,thanks for the video.
Thank for for watching!
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
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!
GOOD JOB BRO, WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT THE HIDRAHULIC CLOUTCH ITS BETTER?
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?
Thanks for the video! I really appreciate it. Turns out I used the wrong oil, so it should be a quick fix.
Just came to say that Barnett clutch components are awesome!
Ha! 4:26 There is a CR250 engine on the stand waiting for some parts!! 😉
excellent video! you covered all bases before making a diagnosis. well done.
These videos help alot with all the bikes i buy and sell. Keep them coming
Thanks for watching!
Man you're the best
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?
Thanks for taking the time to post this very informative video.
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.
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 mate what year is your cr
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
He is waiting for some parts for the engine! This is the reason for no videos about the 250!
Well explained!
Obrigado Cameron, aprendo bastante com seus vídeos! Parabéns!
Extremely helpful bro
Great video my Man!! Just learned a lot of staff, thanks for shearing your knowledge, cheers bro.
I appreciate that man!
Thanks man! I have used 4 clutch plates under 25 hours😅😂
Thanks for the video great explanation
Great video , damn love the space you have were he can just let it rip on the grass !
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.
Is there a good way of removing the outer clutch basket without the special tool ?
Great video! Very informational
Thank You!
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.
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!
..again an awsome video...even the trick with the break pedal explaned...thx
Thanks man!
Thanks man. Fixed mine with your help!
thanks! this saved my friend from getting new clutch plates.
I run Walmart brand ATF Type F in my cr125 transmission. Very smooth. And extremely cheap. Like $2.50/quart or something.
very helpful friend hope you are well
Thanks fixed my issue
This video saved me
Thank you so much bro this helped me out.
Get well soon bro. Best wishes.
Great piece of work. Thank you. Learned a lot.
Thanks!
hey when are you going to finish up that cr250?? would like to know, really like those vids.
Awesome video as always!
Thanks for watching!
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!
Great vid Cameron. Learned alot.👍
Thank You!
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 .
Great video! Thanks!
Thanks man this helped I’m having this issue with my yz125
Thanks for watching!
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....
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?
is transmission oil is there for all bikes or only for old models?
Really helpfull and instructive.
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!)
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?
thank you so much for this video! i needed this info for my clutch! so glad i subscribed to your channel! keep it up man!
Thanks Brennon!
This video helped a lot!
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.
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?
Should say just snug in the drain bolt Cameron or get ready to do a time sert video for all the stripped plugs out there.
i stripped my drain bolt on my rm125, i ordered a m14x1,25 dolt and tap.
Tap drill for m14x1,25 is 12,8mm
drilled the hole and tapped it. screw in the new bolt and gave it a little snug. the copper washer seals it.
tip: never use imperial anything on a metric bike or car. it´ll just mess up things in the future. metric is allways best!
ddddduuuude the cr 250 ??????????
He is waiting on parts to arrive *;)*
You have it the wrong way round, too much tension disengages the clutch which is why it slips.
Also, way too much slack in the cable means the clutch doesn’t full disengage which makes it difficult to change gear and leads to premature gear wear.
The master adjuster is at the engine end of the cable so adjust there first then fine adjust at the lever 👍
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
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
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.
Thanks for the info & share