More Hydraulic Clutch
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
More Hydraulic Clutch
Well, this is turning out to be a s-l-o-w project. In between bouts with my back, my ear infection has returned. Nothing like having the ever-present crickets in my head turn into screaming jets, followed by a little balance problem!
I mounted the foot clutch, floorboard, and the kickstand. When I checked the operation of the clutch pedal and master cylinder combo, the pedal hit the floorboard mount. Pulled it all off and cut the offending portion away, and remounted it. Now I can operate the pedal through it's full travel. That showed me the rod that operates the master cylinder is too short. So tomorrow I pull the rod apart and see what it'll take to make a longer one.
While I'm sitting on the cutdown kitchen chair I use to save my back, a great big ol' light bulb starts flashing in my head. With each flash I hear a voice that says, "Hey dummy! Yer rocker pedal operates the exact opposite a stock one does."
Sure enough, the guy who designed and made the thing has it set up so toe down = clutch disengaged & heel down = clutch engaged. No biggie, just something I'll have to remember. If he'd built the thing so it operated the normal way it would've required a buncha linkage, or having the master cylinder located behind the pedal, and on top of the primary. Looks better where it is, so I'll get used to it.
I've been taking pictures and making notes of the clutch project. Also am going to install my home-made drag pipe baffle and lollipop set-ups. I'll take some pics of that, too.
I mounted the foot clutch, floorboard, and the kickstand. When I checked the operation of the clutch pedal and master cylinder combo, the pedal hit the floorboard mount. Pulled it all off and cut the offending portion away, and remounted it. Now I can operate the pedal through it's full travel. That showed me the rod that operates the master cylinder is too short. So tomorrow I pull the rod apart and see what it'll take to make a longer one.
While I'm sitting on the cutdown kitchen chair I use to save my back, a great big ol' light bulb starts flashing in my head. With each flash I hear a voice that says, "Hey dummy! Yer rocker pedal operates the exact opposite a stock one does."
Sure enough, the guy who designed and made the thing has it set up so toe down = clutch disengaged & heel down = clutch engaged. No biggie, just something I'll have to remember. If he'd built the thing so it operated the normal way it would've required a buncha linkage, or having the master cylinder located behind the pedal, and on top of the primary. Looks better where it is, so I'll get used to it.
I've been taking pictures and making notes of the clutch project. Also am going to install my home-made drag pipe baffle and lollipop set-ups. I'll take some pics of that, too.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: More Hydraulic Clutch
Sorry you're having such a go of it, and all while dealing with your son...looking forward to seeing the pics though. Make sure you get a good one of that new chrome piece too!
Mac
Mac
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: More Hydraulic Clutch
ORIGINAL: pilot1996
Sorry you're having such a go of it, and all while dealing with your son...looking forward to seeing the pics though. Make sure you get a good one of that new chrome piece too!
Mac
Sorry you're having such a go of it, and all while dealing with your son...looking forward to seeing the pics though. Make sure you get a good one of that new chrome piece too!
Mac
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: More Hydraulic Clutch
Now wait a minute...I'll find the post, but I KNOW that you said a part that you ordered was CHROME...now I gotta go look for it...
FOUND IT!
http://www.vtwintalk.com/m_18053/tm.htm
Mac
FOUND IT!
http://www.vtwintalk.com/m_18053/tm.htm
Mac
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: More Hydraulic Clutch
I have the clutch pedal/master cylinder mounted. Also lengthened the plunger assembly about 1/2 inch to get what I hope is the correct pedal freeplay, and still push the master cylinder all the way in. It's a bit tricky because with a rocker clutch pedal there is a spring that assists a friction disc in holding the pedal in the fully engaged or fully disengaged position. I want to keep that capability, and don't want a suicide clutch. (But the suicide setup would be a lot easier to fabricate!)
I've bent up the 1/4 " stainless tubing for the hydraulic line and installed it. Decided to do a 2-piece installation on it so I wouldn't have to pull the brake pedal assembly completely off the bike. It'll make it easier to work on things, too. After supper I'll head out and start adding the fluid and bleeding the system.
I'm waiting on some header wrap & sealer, and also have to install those home-made baffle/lollipops in the exhaust. Couple new tires and it'll be back on the road. I'm still not sure about my hand shift lever. I made it out of some 1" flat bar, bent to shape, and with lightening holes drilled in it. It may be a little on the thin side, and if it is, it'll probably vibrate in some particular rpm range. If it does I'll have to find some thicker stock and make another one.
I've bent up the 1/4 " stainless tubing for the hydraulic line and installed it. Decided to do a 2-piece installation on it so I wouldn't have to pull the brake pedal assembly completely off the bike. It'll make it easier to work on things, too. After supper I'll head out and start adding the fluid and bleeding the system.
I'm waiting on some header wrap & sealer, and also have to install those home-made baffle/lollipops in the exhaust. Couple new tires and it'll be back on the road. I'm still not sure about my hand shift lever. I made it out of some 1" flat bar, bent to shape, and with lightening holes drilled in it. It may be a little on the thin side, and if it is, it'll probably vibrate in some particular rpm range. If it does I'll have to find some thicker stock and make another one.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: More Hydraulic Clutch
Tonight I finished the hydraulic line, poured in some DOT 5, bled the system, and got the clutch to operate. But I noticed it was extremely difficult to push the pedal down. I lengthened the master cylinder plunger rod another 1/2 inch to take nearly all the slack out and make sure the master cylinder piston bottomed as the pedal bottomed against its stop. Even with getting a full piston stroke it is way too difficult to operate the clutch. There is just not enough leverage with the relatively short length of the rocker pedal. And because of the arc the pedal must swing through there isn't room to lengthen it. It also doesn't act as a rocker clutch, in that it must have foot pressure on it to stay disengaged.
Disappointing, to say the least. I've e-mailed the guy who made the set-up to see if he has any ideas.
Disappointing, to say the least. I've e-mailed the guy who made the set-up to see if he has any ideas.
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