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Hydraulic clutch replaces cable

Submitted by robert_bainbridge on Tue, 16/08/2016
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Nortons - General

Hi

i have been looking at fitting a hydraulic clutch to my commando for many years. Even thought of cutting outside case of gearbox and fitting cylinder from modern triumph.

problem solved I have purchased from China through eBay a cylinder which pulls and therefore is a direct replacement for the clutch cable.

It comes with a lever which works fine but not for purists. This cost £29.99 when I bought mine but they are cheaper now. Easy fit smooth and light pressure. I have waited until I have used it for a year to prove it and it's great. I still carry a spare clutch cable which could be fitted in minutes. (But never needed).

Ebay uk look for "hydraulic foldable clutch levers master cylinder for motorcycles" cost £24.99. Only a few left.

Contact me through the club any questions. I have no connection with the Chinese company and won't normally buy from China but for £29.99 it was worth a chance.

Submitted by robert_bainbridge on Tue, 16/08/2016

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Previously Dan Field wrote:

Do you mean this one?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hydraulic-Foldable-Clutch-Levers-Master-Cylinder-for-motorcycle-1-2M-Hose-Black-/121657506576?hash=item1c535a3b10:g:TGcAAOSweW5VXcUx

Dan

Yes. The cylinder goes on the gearbox with the "cable" (it's a rod) through the cable hole and slots in the actuator. A couple of nuts on the cylinder gives adjustment. Oh! don't try to unsolder the nipple its screwed on. I have a bigger lever and master cylinder which looks a bit more manly but never bothered fitting it as the neat little one provided works great.

hope this helps.

Bob

Submitted by robert_bainbridge on Tue, 23/08/2016

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Previously david_evans wrote:

I don't think you could buy a braided hydraulic hose for that price.

That's why I bought one and am telling Norton owners. There is not much that's too good to be true but is.

Submitted by john_bailey on Tue, 23/08/2016

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Previously robert_bainbridge wrote:

Previously david_evans wrote:

I don't think you could buy a braided hydraulic hose for that price.

That's why I bought one and am telling Norton owners. There is not much that's too good to be true but is.

Hi Robert, I've just ordered one for 750 Commando, will do a post when it has arrived and fitted, as for the price, how much does a cable cost with P/P and vat not much less than the hydro kit.

ATB John.

Submitted by phil_hannam on Tue, 23/08/2016

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If a version of this gadget could be adapted for the front drum brake you could have a matching pair on the handlebars.

Submitted by robert_bainbridge on Sat, 10/09/2016

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Exactly. It transformed the task of changing gear for me. Easy neutral and no pain in my arthritic wrist. That's why I wrote in.

Submitted by david_evans on Fri, 16/09/2016

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Robert, can you get the shortened rod in through the outer case and threaded where the cable went, without removing the outer cover each time?

Submitted by david_evans on Sun, 18/09/2016

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I replaced my LH switch with a Honda Blackbird one quite some time ago. It was a bit of a game because the Blackbird has headlight on all the time. I eventually ended up with one relay operating when the headlight switch is on, that feeds through a second relay to manage dip/main.

Back to the hydraulic clutch. Spent some time shortening the slave cylinder thread to ensure it's not up against the rear isolastic tube. Shortened the rod and re-threaded it (2mm x 0.4mm) slimmed down the screw on nipple to fit the fork in the gearbox. Struggled to bleed the system as I had to undo the banjo screw to align the pipe. Finally I just couldn't get enough travel on the rod to properly release the clutch, so gave up. I may re-visit this with a larger master cylinder from a Honda to match the brake lever, or try and get more movement out of the existing setup by more meticulous bleeding. For now it's in the pending tray along with an LED headlight bulb that illuminates everything except the road and a trispark ignition that craps out at the first sign of rain.Undecided

 


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