Loose clutch - '03 Yamaha VStar 650

[ohyeah29]

I just replaced the final drive on my '03 Yamaha V-Star 650 this past month. It runs great, but the clutch seems to be "loose". Loose meaning, it only engages the gear when completely opened. Not sure if I am saying this right...it sounds right to me. Let me see if I can explain it better.

When sqeezing the clutch and shifting into gear, the gear does not engage until the clutch lever has completely been let go, or just before. I am not sure if there is an adjustment that I need to adjust for this or not.

Any advise is appreciated.

[Gumby73]

I tried to find a picture for you but didn't have any luck.

Either way, and mind you I'm not familiar with yamaha so this is based on my experience with other bikes, but there should be an adjustment nut on the cable where it connects to the clutch housing. Just track the cable from the handle down to the motor and it should be right there.

Now as to which way to tighten and which way to loosen, I can't help you.

[KMWilliams]

WARNING, this link is to a 14+MB PDF

http://www.paulmilner.com/yamaha/handbuch/VSTAR_650_MAIN_MAN.pdf

Go to section 3 page 20. There you will find the proceedure to adjust clutch free play.

This is assuming the problem is with the clutch cable and not the clutch itself.

[Cornelius]

WARNING, this link is to a 14+MB PDF

http://www.paulmilner.com/yamaha/handbuch/VSTAR_650_MAIN_MAN.pdf

Go to section 3 page 20. There you will find the proceedure to adjust clutch free play.

This is assuming the problem is with the clutch cable and not the clutch itself.

Sounds like a cable adjustment problem to me.

[4Raven]

And it probably is the cable...it is a common problem with Yamaha VStar 650...I have an '07 and you just have to keep adjusting the cable until you get it the way you want it....I had to keep doing that to mine at least weekly the first year and then monthly the second year...now it is fine....it takes some time to get used to it...