Can't adjust clutch

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Chester1

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Hi gentlemen,

Member from the past, once again pulling my bike out of the cobwebs. Official sr. citizen.

I have an 850 Commando that I bought in '74.
It has low mileage with original parts.

A recent development, is that the clutch is very very stiff. According to some past threads, that's not an uncommon feature.
I relubed the heck out of the cable and it slides very smoothly in the sheath. Just in case it may be useful information; when I pull the lever quickly, I can pull it all the way in. And if I try to pull the lever slowly, It feels and sounds like it is catching every fraction of an inch. Both ways are a very hard pull.
Cable routing is good.
Cannot get it in gear. It's like the clutch won't disengage. I've tried all the clutch adjustments as per shop manual instructions, but still can't get it into gear.

I appreciate any thoughts you fellows in the world wide web of Norton owners might have. Thank you.
 
Does the pressure plate lift when the lever is pulled in? Have you tried standing on the kickstart (ignition OFF) when it's pulled?
 
"Pulling the bike out of the cobwebs"

Time to open the primary cover and disassemble the clutch. Remove the clutch plates, thoroughly clean them and reinstall.
Open the access hatch of the transmission and verify that the actuator arm that the cable attaches to can move freely.
It might need some lube.
 
My vote is stuck plates. I'm guessing when it was running that there was oil in the primary and not ATF which is the preferred method. That oil is gunning everything up.

Take clutch apart and clean, then see how it feels.
 
Thanks fellas. It's been sitting for about a year since I last used the clutch. Been fighting with carbs in the meantime, and think I mught have them solved.
I stood on the kickstart, with the bike in gear, pulled in the leaver, and no movement.
Sounds like I may have to be taking it apart. Going to try the other few visuals you have suggested.

Tnx again
 
Oh, and the pressure plate moves in and out about 1/8 th of an inch when I pull the lever...
 
Chester1 said:
I relubed the heck out of the cable and it slides very smoothly in the sheath.

It feels and sounds like it is catching every fraction of an inch.
Click to expand...

Sounds like it could be a bad cable. I had a similar heavy clutch problem recently (but not on my Commando). Disconnected, the inner cable ran smoothly through the outer but under tension, felt rough like that. A new clutch cable cured the problem.

Chester1 said:
Cannot get it in gear. It's like the clutch won't disengage.
Click to expand...

Very likely stuck plates as others have said, although I've never known the bronze friction plate clutch (which your Commando would have if original?) to stick.

Chester1 said:
Oh, and the pressure plate moves in and out about 1/8 th of an inch when I pull the lever...
Click to expand...

What actually lifts is the diaphragm spring. 1/8" is about right for the diaphragm spring lift at the centre.
 
Last edited:
Pulling in on the clutch lever and standing on the kickstarter with no movement sounds more and more like stuck plates. Taking it apart and cleaning them might be all they need.
 
And whilst the plates are off, check the clutch centre for notching; it's not necessary to run atf in the primary. I've never done so & I've not had any of the claimed issues in 22+ years of ownership.
 
No ATF here either but used Shell Rotella 15W 45 last time I had it apart as that's the only oil I had handy in the shop. Clutch has little/no drag and neutral pretty easy compared with the 20W 50 MC oil I used before. If I had a problem, though, I would try ATF.
 
Thanks for the input gents. Tried all the scenarios. Was hoping for a dropped actuator arm! But it was fine.
Got everything back together, and no luck. Dammit.
I will admit I dropped the ball on thorough clutch plate inspection. I got about 4 plates in and everything looked pristine with a slight shine of oil on them, so I just put them back together at that point. Guess I'll do it again and take everything out.
Not take it for granted.
Shame
 
Chester1 said:
Thanks for the input gents. Tried all the scenarios. Was hoping for a dropped actuator arm! But it was fine.
Got everything back together, and no luck. Dammit.
I will admit I dropped the ball on thorough clutch plate inspection. I got about 4 plates in and everything looked pristine with a slight shine of oil on them, so I just put them back together at that point. Guess I'll do it again and take everything out.
Not take it for granted.
Shame
Click to expand...

That's like getting to 3rd base and just saying, naw, I'm good.
 
Fact is you may never end up with a clutch which just slides in upon a finger pull and have to settle for the best you can get.... I did.... also had that scratchy feel you're speaking of which disappeared with the installation of a new quality cable and things felt smoother. I don't believe easy is listed in the manual.
 
swooshdave said:
My vote is stuck plates. I'm guessing when it was running that there was oil in the primary and not ATF which is the preferred method. That oil is gunning everything up.

Take clutch apart and clean, then see how it feels.
Click to expand...
Ah David,

ATF is not my preferred. It leaks faster.
 
Hi Chester,
My MKIII clutch was originally a hard pull. When I went through the primary case , I replaced the clutch hub which was really notchy and got a Venhill cable. Now its very smooth and far easier to pull , Its easier to pull than most other Nortons I have had the opportunity to test. My plates are bronze original type and I run 20-50 oil in the case.
 
Ha ha, ya swooshdave, guess I got to third base and said yeah...i'm tired.

Thanks again guys. Feels like a bunch of old friends.
I will be addressing all of the above, and keep y'all in the loop with results, just incase you may be interested.
 
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