Hitchcocks Forum

A while back I posted a problem of crunching into 1st gear on my b350 2003.Freeing of the clutch didn't help.I have cured the problem by adjusting the clutch cable and the actuating rod adjustment.However there's no play at the clutch hand lever and I turned the screw on the rod a bit more than the resistance against the rod.Alls working well no drag or slip on a test ride and slipping nicely into gears.I am in two minds whether to order a new cable as I am sure the cable isn't stretched.

If you've fixed it, then it ain't broke.

I would agree with Exile. As long as it doesn't slip I always adjust the rod so there is no play. I don't back off 1/4 turn as the book says. And, Exile, I thought I invented that line.

@ Creaky:


'Twould appear, that great minds do indeed think alike..!

Trouble is:
With no play at the lever or the rod end, you have friction on the rod all the time??
Have you fitted a gearbox outer case stiffener? They help a lot.

On these models the clutch adjuster adjusts the clutch and the cable adjuster adjusts the cable. The clutch play is always adjusted first with everything cold for minimal play and only once this has been done is the cable slack adjusted to suit. Also very important to note is that there's plenty of free play in the cable before attempting clutch adjustment. For best mechanical advantage requiring less effort at the handlebars, the clutch actuating arm should be set so it just clears the inside face of the outer casework. With the actuating arm requiring less force to push the operating rods inwards, the casework doesn't get pushed so far outwards


.

When I removed the clutch rod it was nothing like the parts on the Indian bullet 350 2004 diagram.I have two pieces.The screw out adjuster
about an inch long with bearing attached and a longer rod about 5 inches long.

Photos please ???

Alan r I will send a picture later.Peter f I intend to fit a gearbox stiffner and have the part number but can't find any info on fitting it.

Replacing the ball between the two rods with a ceramic ball will curb heat expansion lengthening the rod as the ceramic won`t transfer heat as much as a metal ball. Of course this is probably only noticeable on hot days or stop-start traffic in the cities, when changes in handlebar play will be noticed.