Re: [St] Lighten the clutch pull on a Tiger or ST

[JES_VFR <jes_vfr@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 10:38 AM 8/7/2008, you wrote:
> Fellow Sprint owners,
>
> I am recovering from carpal tunnel surgery - both hands.  Right side 
> was just done a week ago and is coming along fine.  Left side was more severe
> and is slowly coming around, but continuous clutch pull is a problem yet.
>
> But I have got more good info and suggestions off this list than any 
> other, so....
>
> Has anyone tried either of the following solutions on any bike??
>
> My 01 ST is slightly easier than the 07 Tiger, but still a problem 
> right now.   And I am sick and tired of not riding........
>
> More expensive solution, but if it gets me back on the bike.... 
> Magura Hyd. set up modified to fit Tiger
> *http://tinyurl.com/5ekbum*<http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Brand/Kawasaki/KLR%20650%20Hydraulic%20Clutch.htm>
>
>
> or the Moose Easy Pull Clutch System (Googling this item, I am 
> finding good and bad things said about it.....) http://tinyurl.com/69jdda
>
>
> Easiest and cheapest, but not sure how much difference it will make.
>
> Just extend the actuating arm about 1/2" on the engine..*
>
> Hey, you gotta admit, it beats an oil thread...
>
> Dave Bardell
> 07 Tiger
> 01 ST
> 05 Scorpa
> *
Well, I have had both hands done for CTS, so I have some idea of what 
you are dealing with.
Is it more stiffness or outright pain in the left hand when you are 
trying to hold in the clutch??

If it is stiffness. then you could try this. loosen the perch and 
rotate whole assembly downward until you only have your fingers to 
the first joints over the lever (not the second joints). That will 
allow you to initiate the clutch lever pull with one set of muscles 
and then allow you to hold it in with a second set. Since the less 
worked set (which will be moving the finger tips) will handle the 
fine motions for smooth takeoffs with less fatigue, While the second 
group of muscles will only need on or off contraction to do their 
part to of the task. This was what I had to do with my brake lever 
until the hand was completely healed.

If it is pain, and it is not from pulling at your stitches, then I 
would look at the lever travel and the angle of the lever. If you are 
rotating that wrist up to make the pull, then you will have to move 
the lever closer to the bar and possibly down as well. Pain is a sign 
that you are contacting that still inflamed nerve bundle when you 
rotate the wrist up, so you have to unlearn the habit. bringing the 
lever toward the bar slightly and then downward will make you isolate 
the wrist and only use you fingers to work the lever.

The last thing I would look at is if it really is just too stiff with 
your weakened hand right now, then maybe rig some extension on the 
clutch arm at the case. But keep it short, something 1/2 or less (3/8 
would be better) will dramatically change the leverage ratio between 
the clutch and the perch. Just remember this will also shorten the 
total throw of the clutch lever and make the engagement range much 
narrower. Or to put it very simply, it will be alot easier and 
shorter to pull it in, but engagement band will be very short and touchy.



JohnS
A Dragon Ascending
"Forging my body in the Fires of my Will"

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