Softening Clutch Pull on 04 rm250.

[kinada423]

I recently bought an 04 RM 250 which came with a Hinson clutch in it. The clutch pull is pretty stiff as I'm guessing the springs are much stiffer. This was a mx bike I've been converting into a woods bike and it absolutely murders me in singletrack or any other situation that requires a lot of clutch work.

I am interested in getting some advice one what I can do to fix this. Right now I've got the stock perch and an arc lever. Regardless of how I adjust it the pull is still significantly harder than my friends rides even though they have installed heavier clutch springs (comparing to an 01 kx250 and 06 yz250.)

I have been told the MSR Raptor lever and perch is great as you can adjust it to 3 different settings to get more leverage. Anyone tried these or have a better suggestion?

Thanks in advance!

[ebeck]

lol, you are 26 you should have no trouble with the clutch. If you do get a Marcy Wedge. Seriously, it is a fitness thing. 2 months with these 2 days a week for 20 minutes and you'll look back and laugh at this post.

And this

Also, http://www.motorcycle.co.uk/articles/MX_training/beat_forearm_pump.html

[kinada423]

Only on this bike. No problems on anyone elses. My forearms have never pumped up as bad as this last weeks singletrack ride. (First singletrack ride on this bike.) I bet that marcy wedge costs more than your viagra but less than that msr lever ?

Seriously though, thanks for the reply. I currently run, do weight training etc. and have been working on forearms and never had problmes like this previously. I assure you I'm not being a nancy. This is worse than the clutch on my old cable pull 380 and the angle doesn't seem right and I'm just trying to draw some information to see if anyone noticed similar issues with same clutch or maybe the lever on it just sucks and isn't giving me the appropriate leverage to have a smooth pull.

[ebeck]

I actually like the ASV shorty lever. I get more leverage on it that I do with the longer ASV's. Strange actually.

They make a moly based lube that has a needle to allow the lubing of the cable. That happens is that it goes in wet and drips out but when the liquid dries it leaves a dry moly film that makes the cable resistance really low. That may be a problem as well. many dealers sell it. It is a small green bottle with a metal screw on needle tip.

Also, a Magura hydraulic lever is not THAT expensive and this problem will be gone forever.

I ride a 125 at the track and let me tell you, you clutch every freaking 3 seconds. I used to be a REAL problem after a lap or two but the excercises have made it so I do not even realize I pull the clutch. Plus my arms look bitchin! lol.

Good luck!

[kinada423]

I think I'm going to give this msr raptor lever a try first. If I run into issues after that I'll look into a hydraulic. I've owned bikes with hydraulic clutches in the past. I think my forearms are up to snuff but you can never do too much so I'll check into it. Was really curious if anyone else has a hinson clutch and noticed similar problems.

[ebeck]

Normally I do not like thier products though. Looking at it, it looks like the top position that gives the most leverage has the cable end in the same place as ASV's or any other lever. It seems that lever is good for increasing resistance as opposed to decreasing it. Take a look at the cabe end point and compare it to other levers. I see no evidence of mechanical advantage. now the lever pin may be in a better place giving a different fulcrum point but the lever seems to showcase the cable enmd movement. Great for increasing resistance which some may need. I guess.

Levers are about leverage and the cable end point would have to move quiiiiite a bit to make a difference and I just do not see it with those levers. I could be totally missing something though. At $45 it is worth trying if you are in a position where you need to try something. Pretty cheap really. Let us know how it works!

[MrHankey]

I have an 03 , and it is stiff....also had a friend with an 01 and it was stiff also. Mine has a hinson basket....and it changed the resistance...none whatsoever. I think the linkage/lever that is inside the magneto cover may be the problem. I can't get my flywheel off.....to take the linkage apart, and grease/oil the bearing and just get it clean. The rest of the clutch is in an oil bath. Also the I've had stock springs and barnett clutch springs and still hard. The cable is not messed up...moves easily ...when disconnected.

These bikes brand new are not any harder to pull in than any other bike.

See ya

[mihylo33]

I think I'm going to give this msr raptor lever a try first. If I run into issues after that I'll look into a hydraulic. I've owned bikes with hydraulic clutches in the past. I think my forearms are up to snuff but you can never do too much so I'll check into it. Was really curious if anyone else has a hinson clutch and noticed similar problems.

I use the raptor on my rm and I love it! Get the shorty because you can use your 2 middle fingers to pull the clutch in while the pinky and pointer remain on the bars for more control. Great lever, but a bit pricey.

[kinada423]

I ended up using the msr lever with great success. Totally resolved my issue. Now everyone is jealous of the feel of the clutch. Even some hydraulic guys are very impressed.

[Bruce372]

i run the 06 springs on my 05 and they are a little stiffer, but even with the regular cable it wasnt too bad when its all clean and lubed well. maybe you should check the routing???

that said, the magura setup is so sweet, its got a lighter pull than my 125 now, and its not that expensive considering the cost of some on the fly perches.

[Doctor DK]

I have the same hard clutch on My 2004 rm250 ,which lever did You buy?...type Me and let Me know........thanks .Dr.D........

[Bruce372]

seriously guys, the RMs have never had a stiff clutch pull- it sounds more like the cable routed bad or needs cleaning or someother problem.

[Doctor DK]

I guess You are right, I think it's more the on, or off operation than the hard pull,.I do a lot of enduroes and I sure would like to know how to get just a little softer engagement or slippage if possible.........Thanks Dr.D. I know it's a serious motocross bike but I love it to much to go orange........Thanks