2018 ES Clutch engages late in lever release

[RDC]

I just picked up a new 2018 today. I immediately noticed that the clutch doesn't engage until late in the lever release. It seems I have to let out at least 3/4 of the clutch lever before it starts engaging. I had a 2009 a few years back and never noticed this issue. Could this just be a simple clutch lever adjustment? I moved the dial on the clutch lever from #1 to #3, but didn't notice any change. Or, could it need to be bled?

Didn't want to run back to the dealer unless it's something I can't fix at home.

Thanks!

 

[RossKean]

Bleed, most likely.

 

[philter]

Is the adjustment only from 1 to 3???

 

[El Toro Joe]

I also noticed this when I got my 16...the clutch engagement is different than my 06 was. I have the PSR GP levers and adjusted them accordingly, and love where the clutch engages.

 

[dcumpian]

I also noticed this when I got my 16...the clutch engagement is different than my 06 was. I have the PSR GP levers and adjusted them accordingly, and love where the clutch engages.

Same here. I swapped some Piazzos on and the clutch engages about 1/4" off the bar. Full engagement comes about three quarters of the way out.

Dan

 

[Fred W]

If there was air in the line it would move the engagement point closer to the handle bar, not further away.

 

[cl12000]

My 2016 is the same way and made no difference after bleed either. I just got used to it because I heard (on this forum) that's the way the bike and hydrophilic clutches works.

My 2016 wing engages right off the handle bar. Oh and congratulations on the new 18

 

[roger dodger]

Try adjusting all the way to #5...

...if you don't love it, ride for 500 - 1000 miles... and you will be 'used to it' now. YMMV

 

[escapefjrtist]

When I rode a '16 a while back I noticed the same thing. Clutch engagement is different, not wrong, just different. Give it a thousand miles and it'll be old hat!

Congrats on the new '18 and enjoy!

~G

 

[RDC]

Is the adjustment only from 1 to 3???

No, 1 to 5. I tried 1 to 3 and it didn't seem to make any difference at all.

I'll move it to 5 and give it a try.

As others noted, maybe it will just take some time for me to adjust to the new clutch engagement. I'll give it a go for a while and see what happens.

Thanks for all the input.

Rick

 

[RossKean]

If there was air in the line it would move the engagement point closer to the handle bar, not further away.

Correct - so bleed isn't the answer as I had suggested.

 

[RacinRay]

My'16 is the same way. I put Pazzo levers on and while more comfortable they don't change your release point. Ive just gotten used to it.

 

[Millrat]

I never liked stock levers on my '18ES much because my hands aren't that big. Went with Piazzo levers and really like them. Black looks better, anyway.