revtothelimit - motorbike forum

It's a fraction nearer the bar than I'd like.

But I think I've got both the bar adjuster and the adjuster down on the engine as far (tight / out) as they'll go.

How can I get the biting point further out? A new cable? And if so, surely the issue isn't the length of the cable but the length of the unsheathed (!) cable inner.


FWIW I think it's like this due to the high bar conversion.

Fit shorter fingers?

Bent lever?

Overstretched cable?

Clutch near end of life?

MyLittleStudPony wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 1:01 pmAnd if so, surely the issue isn't the length of the cable but the length of the unsheathed (!) cable inner.

In other words, the inner has stretched. Similar effect - although it tends to happen fairly quickly, as a warning of imminent failure - when the inner is fraying.

Either way, a new cable could be needed.

If you've fitted higher bars then often you need a new clutch cable to allow for the greater distance it has to cover. But usually this appears as the cable being pulled taut on full left (or sometimes right) lock. Another reason for the lost motion is one or other nipples pulling off the end of the cable.

If it stops drive and changes nice, its OK.

Thanks chaps, some good thoughts there.

I think the high bar conversion was done recently. I think is was a decent (German) kit with motocross type bars, new top yolk and clamps, brake hoses, throttle cable and clutch cable, and maybe a few other bits and bobs.

My instinct is the clutch cable is ok. But the unsheathed length is incorrect (too long). Maybe that's madness and they all have the same unsheathed length.

Dodgy69 wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 5:48 pm If it stops drive and changes nice, its OK.

A clutch without drag or slip is a win.

I adapt to its biting point. I don’t expect to be able to change it.

But then it’s a 1957 650.

JackyJoll wrote: Sun May 03, 2026 6:50 pm

Dodgy69 wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 5:48 pm If it stops drive and changes nice, its OK.

A clutch without drag or slip is a win.

I adapt to its biting point. I don’t expect to be able to change it.

But then it’s a 1957 650.

I think you and Dodgy may have the answer.

I adjusted both adjusters and it's not a bad position. Not perfect but it doesn't really matter.