Mr. B Posted June 2, 2019 Share Posted June 2, 2019 Hi all, I've owned a 96 Thunderace which I really like but.....the clutch is really heavy. Anyone else have this issue or am I just a real whimp? I had an issue with not hitting neutral so replaced the clutch friction & steel plates, springs, seals at the business end of the push rod but although I can now hit neutral (most of the time) and despite all this, the clutch is as heavy as it ever was. I'm assuming early R1s would have a similar clutch setup and wondered if anyone else out there either is more manly than I or has a solution.....??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhat250 Posted June 3, 2019 Share Posted June 3, 2019 Them new springs mustabeen heavy duty, is it a cable on the ACE.,, ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neversaydie Posted June 4, 2019 Share Posted June 4, 2019 The Chunderace is a big old heavy bike, cant think for a minute the R1 would have the same clutch. If the springs are the correct ones and not heavy duty, then you might want to try lubricating the cable, and checking that the cable is routed correctly from the bars to the housing. Conversion to hydraulic is a possible solution if a kit is available Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Alex Posted June 4, 2019 Admin Share Posted June 4, 2019 You can always fit an easy pull clutch device, obviously there are nicer ones than this one https://www.thirdgear.com.au/easy-pull-clutch-system take a look on ebay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator drewpy Posted June 5, 2019 Moderator Share Posted June 5, 2019 17 hours ago, Alex said: You can always fit an easy pull clutch device, obviously there are nicer ones than this one https://www.thirdgear.com.au/easy-pull-clutch-system take a look on ebay I got one from China, £5 I think it was Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilninggas Posted June 7, 2019 Share Posted June 7, 2019 the clutch on the Ace is hydraulic. they can get heavy if the pivot on the lever isnt greased [copper slip], if the slave cylinder is corroded or if the pushrod has corrosion on it. My money would be on the second one as that happens most frequently. Sort all three and it'll be as light as a feather. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. B Posted June 10, 2019 Author Share Posted June 10, 2019 Spot on pilninggas - I should have put that it is a hydraulic clutch first... I've had the pushrod out previously and that seemed ticketty-boo but maybe worth another look as when I bought the bike it had obviously had one careful owner..... That turned out to be me unfortunately :( Some penny-pincher hadn't bothered replacing the paper gasket over the drive sprocket cover and all sorts of nasty stuff was lodged in there. There is no issue with the action as it is very smooth in operation - just blinking heavy. It does amaze me that people refer to the big old beast of a Thunderace. It's only 20kgs heavier than an R1 or Fireblade. Now I could either be a big old bunter at 100kgs or the svelte person I am at 75kgs....... and the difference is.....bugger all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 of 3 Posted January 12, 2022 Share Posted January 12, 2022 Mr B. I just got a 97 Thunderace with the heavy clutch problem. Did you solve your issues and if so what cured it? Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Snakebite68 Posted January 13, 2022 Moderator Share Posted January 13, 2022 Just service the parts, make sure everything moves nicely. The Ace may not be the lightest of clutches, but it's hardly 'heavy'... Remember the power that clutch has to hold! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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