73 Yamammaha TX500 Clutch Won't Chooch!!

[nmBen]

Hey All,

I've got a '73 Yamaha TX500 and the clutch doesn't want to operate, it is both stiff as hell and seems like there isn't enough travel.

This bike is a basket case and dude who had it before me loosened every bolt he could get a wrench on but the crank side case bolts were German torque spec and had unmolested paint on them. I noticed when I had it open that the clutch wouldn't open smoothly and bound on the fore end.

I adjusted the clutch per the manual (thanks for that doc btw) before pulling the cover but it didn't get it..

The guts look ok and I will mic them tomorrow but expect to find them in working order.. Any pointers?

Thanks
Ben

 

[my-79-750-k]

Check your clutch engagement mechanism. It's prone to gumming up and becoming "sticky", preventing it from engaging the clutch. Pictures would help diagnose the issue. I've got a 74 and the clutch worked just fine before I tore it apart, so I may be able to sort of compare yours to mine and narrow down the problem.

 

[nmBen]

I wouldn't even know what to take photos of but your suggestion gives me some hope that is your just sticky old junk.

 

[my-79-750-k]

The clutch rod could be bent, the mechanism could be gummed up or broken, it has a plastic housing so that's a possibility. Also, the clutch rod is 3 separate pieces. A short rod that is actuated by the engagement mechanism, a long rod that engages the clutch itself, and a ball bearing between the 2. If either of those rods are bent, or if the passage way they sit in is full of dirt and grime, then it would definitely cause issues with the clutch.

 

[nmBen]

I'm betting you're right, it might have felt inconsistently sticky. Looks like I'm buying more brake clean!

BTW, I enjoyed reading about your tx project!

 

[my-79-750-k]

I'm betting you're right, it might have felt inconsistently sticky. Looks like I'm buying more brake clean!

BTW, I enjoyed reading about your tx project!

Thanks, it's been on the back burner for a little while since I blew the transmission in my daily driver, but now that that's replaced, hopefully I can get back to it soon.