[ELTWIN]

Originally Posted by pat1098

When you have air in the system some of the finite travel of the clutch lever is used up compressing the air.
A properly bled system with new fluid will achieve greater separation of the clutch plates, thereby making it easier to find neutral, and quieter into first when at a standstill.
The larger the slave cylinder piston (28, 29 or 30mm) the lighter the lever action, and the more progressive the clutch 'take-up'. However the larger piston disengages the clutch less for a given lever travel.
Therefore a system with a larger slave cylinder piston needs bleeding more frequently to work nicely, and may need lever adjusting away from the handlebar slightly to find neutral easily.
And don't forget to bleed the master cylinder on the handlebar, as air collects there.

Nicely summarised Pat!

[joe1972]

Originally Posted by pat1098

When you have air in the system some of the finite travel of the clutch lever is used up compressing the air.
A properly bled system with new fluid will achieve greater separation of the clutch plates, thereby making it easier to find neutral, and quieter into first when at a standstill.
The larger the slave cylinder piston (28, 29 or 30mm) the lighter the lever action, and the more progressive the clutch 'take-up'. However the larger piston disengages the clutch less for a given lever travel.
Therefore a system with a larger slave cylinder piston needs bleeding more frequently to work nicely, and may need lever adjusting away from the handlebar slightly to find neutral easily.
And don't forget to bleed the master cylinder on the handlebar, as air collects there.

Great explanation! THANK YOU!!!

[^Spike^]

My 1098 has 22k miles and definitely has this spongy feel in the handle. I have been bleeding the two valves every week as they blacken rapidly now. I will replace my slave cylinder and new plates while Im at it. However, one of my mechanic friends said I should use some apparatus to force the bubbles out??? Anyone know what he refers to?

[ttpete]

Originally Posted by ^Spike^

My 1098 has 22k miles and definitely has this spongy feel in the handle. I have been bleeding the two valves every week as they blacken rapidly now. I will replace my slave cylinder and new plates while Im at it. However, one of my mechanic friends said I should use some apparatus to force the bubbles out??? Anyone know what he refers to?

There's a good chance you have a release bearing going out and causing the pushrod to spin inside the slave. It's an easy fix, and the bearing is cheap. Also, make sure the pushrod isn't seized in the top hat piece that goes between it and the release bearing.

[^Spike^]

Sounds a bit technical for me but I will try to look for diagrams for that on my service disc. Thanks, great insight.

[Wa11er98S]

Originally Posted by ^Spike^

My 1098 has 22k miles and definitely has this spongy feel in the handle. I have been bleeding the two valves every week as they blacken rapidly now. I will replace my slave cylinder and new plates while Im at it. However, one of my mechanic friends said I should use some apparatus to force the bubbles out??? Anyone know what he refers to?

Is your mechanic friend refering to a vacuum brake bleeder?

[^Spike^]

Funny you say that! Asked him today and thats what he said I should try first. He said air may still be trapped after my bleeding at the valve. I will buy one tomorrow and give it a try.

[Luckylefty]

Originally Posted by joe1972

I don't know about that product per say... but when you open up the system air sticks to everything!
You need to flush and bleed the HELL out of your system to get the bubbles out!
When you do it you need to make sure you TAP GENTLY on the clutch slave to try to get the air bubbles stuck in there to let go! It will take a LOT of Patience and time to do it right... I don't know why air bubbles cause this problem but they do.

Good Luck!

Because air is compressible