Heavy clutch (2021 R3R)

[Guffer]

Was watching an early YouTube video about the 2.5l Rocket. The bloke in the video described the clutch as “lady fingers” suggesting a light action. I’ve never found mine to be that way. In fact, during a long stop-start ride through Edinburgh today on my 2021 R3R, I was thinking that the clutch was pretty heavy. I’m no Popeye but I’m no weakling either but my fingers were starting to suffer after a while. Do other 2.5l Rocket owners find that their clutches are light or heavy? Just a bit worried mine is a dud or something.

 

[atomsplitter]

It's hydraulic so the pressure at the lever should be pretty light. It's far lighter than my Thunderbird or any of the cable operated clutches on my other bikes with the lone exception being my Speed Triple. My old 1200 Trophy had a hydraulic clutch and the pull on that lever was pretty light as well. You might try flushing some fresh DOT 4 brake fluid thru the system, sometimes if a lot of moisture is in the fluid it turns to a gummy varnish that makes the whole thing feel a bit woody.

 

[Guffer]

It's hydraulic so the pressure at the lever should be pretty light. It's far lighter than my Thunderbird or any of the cable operated clutches on my other bikes with the lone exception being my Speed Triple. My old 1200 Trophy had a hydraulic clutch and the pull on that lever was pretty light as well. You might try flushing some fresh DOT 4 brake fluid thru the system, sometimes if a lot of moisture is in the fluid it turns to a gummy varnish that makes the whole thing feel a bit woody.

Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

 

[zenbiker]

Was watching an early YouTube video about the 2.5l Rocket. The bloke in the video described the clutch as “lady fingers” suggesting a light action. I’ve never found mine to be that way. In fact, during a long stop-start ride through Edinburgh today on my 2021 R3R, I was thinking that the clutch was pretty heavy. I’m no Popeye but I’m no weakling either but my fingers were starting to suffer after a while. Do other 2.5l Rocket owners find that their clutches are light or heavy? Just a bit worried mine is a dud or something.

??...Something wrong. My clutch on my 2021 R3 is very light!

 

[Mighty Mouse]

My 2020 GT clutch is sort of in between I would say. It’s not a hard pull like my Harley’s in the past but it isn’t Lady fingers either. I like the tension and I’m use to it. I noticed the ‘Grey’ area of the clutch is much less forgiving, engages sooner and more urgent than any other motorcycle I have had. I don’t think much about it anymore but it’s like Goldilocks would say, just right for me.

 

[Jagster]

+1

Sounds like you should get the dealership to check it and give a verdict. That's what I would do....unless you can do a direct side by side comparison with another similar Rocket.

 

[Guffer]

Yep. I did that when I recently put it in for a service. The other R3 I tried was much the same. I think it’s probably my increasingly arthritic fingers. I cycle a lot and find my finger joints are getting sorer and stiffer even braking and changing gears on my bicycle. I’m hoping that when they finally ossify, the pain will get less (and I’m still able to operate the clutch and brake!)

 

[Dr.D]

I think the clutch has a very light pull especially considering what the mechanism has to handle. My Recluse clutch on my Indian Springfield is buttery light and luxurious compared to the Barnett upgraded clutches on my other Indians.