Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Clutch lever travel - adjusting

[Mr_S]

Typically I ride with 2 fingers covering the clutch ( and the brake), and there's something starting to bug me, after 15 months of ownership.

Whilst riding, I can happily slip the clutch and control the speed in bends, filtering etc this way, and even disengage the clutch enough for a stop at lights etc.

But...

To disengage the clutch enough to change down a gear, I have to move the other 2 fingers out of the way, as the lever hits my fingers and stops coming back far enough. Which is annoying. Now it's done this with both clutches I've had fitted, fluids fresh, bubble free, and I've got the span adjuster set to max.

So, what if anything are my options?

Adjust the lever contact point on the M/C?
Different M/C? - Pricey though for an annoyance to be fixed
Some other adjustment?
Accept it, and adjust riding style?

I've already excluded a new slave cylinder as this increases lever travel.

Oh, and I already use clutchless upshifts, but I'm wary of clutchless downshifts on the 748, even when done properly so always use the clutch to shift down.

[rockhopper]

Slipping the clutch in bends? New one on me!

I think your only option is a different master cylinder, as the standard one doesnt have adjustment like that.

[NBs996]

Yep, you'll need a different ratio m/c unless you can move the lever out a bit more with the dial adjuster.

Be careful adjusting that screw in the lever cos you might end up with the piston not coming all the way back, then you'll be slipping the clutch everywhere!

[Mr_S]

Originally posted by rockhopper
Slipping the clutch in bends? New one on me!

All about slow speed control, fast bends it's a no no, but slow stuff, all the time. Try a feet up U turn without using the clutch, that gives you some idea of how I use it.

Now, maintaining front brake in the bends is the new thing to do (apparently stops chatter) and very scary too


Looks like I'll be either changing my ways or changing the M/C then.

Anyone know what the current standard M/C ratio's are?


[Edited on 2-6-2005 by Mr_S]

[spinoli1]

Are you running a standard clutch?

I seem to remember comments that some slipper clutches require a longer clutch push-rod.

Just a thought.

Spin

[mikecardiff]

Could you not bend out the last couple of inches of the lever away from the bar - so the main part is in the same place and you can reach it with two fingers, but when pulled fully in, the end wont foul your fingers ?

Might be an easier fix than chaging cylinders or clutch etc...