TeeCat
One-Mik Wonder
Hi, guys...
I have been reading a lot on here, and at the Garage, about XS/TX650 clutches and transmissions, especially the threads in our Tech section here. I am aware of the inherent problems in this clutch and transmission cited in the articles, such as the clutch's propensity to engage quickly with no shock mitigation, very short friction area, etc.. However, I was wondering how much tolerance you all allow your bikes trannies for occasionally kloogy performance because they are old, and because, design-wise, "they are what they are".
My bike, for instance, does not slip, seems to shift up and down very well (though the "feel" at the foot shifter is "vague" compared to, say, my quarter-liter Ninja), and the short friction area is basically acceptable in that there is no discernible "drag" in first. My bike has a new/replacement actuator, fairly fresh cable, and a new perch and lever which I just installed.
Sometimes, though, I notice that first gear can be a little moody when shifting down to it. I'm reluctant to mess with the cable/clutch adjustment too much because, though first gear can very occasionally be "grabby" (referring to sudden engagement in the friction range) once or twice when cold (though it might be me letting out the clutch a little too fast, too), and downshifting to first can be fussy, performance is otherwise very good.
How much tolerance do you all allow for these little (mis)behaviors? Do you all think it's worth popping the right cover this winter just to have a look about, or am just inviting other possible issues, like oil leaks on that side? I have never been into the right side and am reluctant to have mere curiosity as a reason. With these bikes' trannies, what is a problem, and what is an idiosyncrasy?
Meanwhile, I'll keep reading and looking ate pics of the right side machinations.
Cheers!
TC
I have been reading a lot on here, and at the Garage, about XS/TX650 clutches and transmissions, especially the threads in our Tech section here. I am aware of the inherent problems in this clutch and transmission cited in the articles, such as the clutch's propensity to engage quickly with no shock mitigation, very short friction area, etc.. However, I was wondering how much tolerance you all allow your bikes trannies for occasionally kloogy performance because they are old, and because, design-wise, "they are what they are".
My bike, for instance, does not slip, seems to shift up and down very well (though the "feel" at the foot shifter is "vague" compared to, say, my quarter-liter Ninja), and the short friction area is basically acceptable in that there is no discernible "drag" in first. My bike has a new/replacement actuator, fairly fresh cable, and a new perch and lever which I just installed.
Sometimes, though, I notice that first gear can be a little moody when shifting down to it. I'm reluctant to mess with the cable/clutch adjustment too much because, though first gear can very occasionally be "grabby" (referring to sudden engagement in the friction range) once or twice when cold (though it might be me letting out the clutch a little too fast, too), and downshifting to first can be fussy, performance is otherwise very good.
How much tolerance do you all allow for these little (mis)behaviors? Do you all think it's worth popping the right cover this winter just to have a look about, or am just inviting other possible issues, like oil leaks on that side? I have never been into the right side and am reluctant to have mere curiosity as a reason. With these bikes' trannies, what is a problem, and what is an idiosyncrasy?
Meanwhile, I'll keep reading and looking ate pics of the right side machinations.
Cheers!
TC
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