Hitchcocks Forum

I've now done 1000 miles with my modification to stop the gearbox cover from flexing. It's been a complete success. The gearchange is now sweet and there is no clutch drag even in heavy stop/start traffic. Well worth the effort. http://www.whfolk.co.uk/REOCHUMBER/Articles/flex.htm

Great article Pete, clearly written and illustrated, a perfect "How To" guide!
REgards, Mark

Ditto, my version of the repair combined with a fettling of the clutch has made all the difference so the gears change beautifully, there is absolutely no drag when stationary and in gear so that you can select neutral at any point. Makes you realize what a total cockup the bike was before the mods!

Never noticed the cover flex, never looked. But it sure did!
Good mod, well worth doing. Thanks Pete

Is it a classic engine cause mine drags even with the 3/16th ball inbetween the rods .

Phil - Clutch drag. It should still clear even with the flexy cover. Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment - Buckled plates or not lifting square most likely. Thick oil in the chain case - try ATF. My classic clutch always freed, but Pete F's mod is well worthwhile.

Phil,
Marsie's right, you can adjust the clutch to work properly without this mod but there's very little leeway, especially when the clutch gets hot. The mod just gives you an easier life as you don't have to keep adjusting the cable. You still need to get the clutch operating arm in the right place and it won't compensate for warped plates or badly adjusted springs. Mine was difficult to get right from new and I was always fiddling with the adjustment - after the mod I haven't had to adjust at all and the gearbox will easily go into neutral at standstill and there's no "clunk" when engaging first (I have to free the clutch first when it's cold of course)