I've read a bunch of stuff in the verses and other posts about clutch adjustments and replacement but how many miles will the original clutch and cable last? When can the average rider expect to replace these items?

My clutch cable has no adjustment left and it's hard to shift when it's warm. When it's cold, shifts fine. I changed the oil and it helped some but it still is hard to shift when it gets warm. Think I need just a new cable, just a new clutch or both?

My inclination is to replace both since I don't know whats been done and I've got 18,000 miles on it. The answer to the longevity question also has a bearing on which clutch I put in since I don't plan to have this bike much more than 2 or 3 years.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

How long a clutch will last depends greatly on how/where you drive. Are you (or the previous owner) trying to do wheelies or do you start out by pushing the bike yourself and let out the clutch on a rolling start? You drive in the city or on open roads?

On my 95 VN750, I have almost 30,000 miles and the original clutch and cable are fine (although there isn't that much adjustment left).

When I got it, it had about 7,000 and I put on about 11,000 miles a year when I used it (I used my 2003 this year). I used it to comute in city traffic (about 9 miles each way with plenty of stop lights) and driving around the area with the rest of the miles (about 6,500) each year being from trips.

I have a 93 with 18000+ miles with the original clutch and cable (as far as I know anyway) and I am nowhere near out of cable or clutch.
Just like a car clutch, longevity is related to driving style. If you slip it alot or are constantly starting and stopping or otherwise using the clutch heavily, expect a shorter life span. If you are easy on the clutch and don't do any of the above, expect a longer life span.
If you are out of cable, it may be wise to replace both the cable and the clutch. Since you are only planning a short life with the bike, put in whatever you feel is appropriate. Just remember, you will be riding the bike for some time so going ultra cheap may not pay off in the long run.

Hummm, I've been looking at the clutch adjustment cable again and I noticed that the adjustment at the handlebar lever is all the way in, the adjustment in the middle of the cable is also all the way in (don't see any threads) but the clutch lever on the engine is at the wrong angle. It's more like 50 to 60 degrees.

Quick question before I order these parts: if I adjust the middle of the cable out will this lengthen or shorten the cable? The manual is not clear on this about which way to go.:confused:

I don't remember. You will have to do something like I did. Have the top handle bar adjusted so there is a little more play than usual, then, by the shifter, adjust it by a couple of turns to see if it gets more or less slack and go from there.

Thanks. I'm at work so I'll nurse it home and then I'll attempt an adjustment before ordering parts just in case I get it so out of whack it's not drivable.