Clutch Adjustment

[JGlass]

Is there a way to adjust the Friction Zone of my clutch so it engages closer to the handle bar rather than is being further away from? the friction zone for the clutch to grab is like less than half an inch squeezed in, and my Honda was about 1/16th of an inch AWAY from the handle bar, so is there a way to adjust it or does it all have to do with the wear on the clutch?

[ducpainter]

There really isn't an adjustment.

The clutch slave might have some air in it which is affecting the engagement point.

[stopintime]

There should be a screw/plunger rod which does this. It might be filled with epoxy to keep us from messing with it. Too much adjustment will make the clutch slip and wear out fast OR not disengage enough to allow smooth shifts/easy neutral.

The APTC clutch doesn't allow as much adjustability as the lever does, so make small adjustments.

[ducpainter]

There should be a screw/plunger rod which does this. It might be filled with epoxy to keep us from messing with it. Too much adjustment will make the clutch slip and wear out fast OR not disengage enough to allow smooth shifts/easy neutral.

The APTC clutch doesn't allow as much adjustability as the lever does, so make small adjustments.

That adjustment is actually for bleed back.

As Lars says, mess it up and you'll fry your clutch.

[JGlass]

There really isn't an adjustment.

The clutch slave might have some air in it which is affecting the engagement point.

awesome ill have to check that one out! if anything ill just learn to live with it I guess If nothing is wrong. 

[GK]

Appreciated this discussion.

I went out and checked the position of that conical pin on my lever.

Was stock so I adjusted it in a little. Neutral harder to find so I put it back.

Been having a few clutch niggles so I might swap out one steel plate for a thinner one.

[JGlass]

ive been assuming my clutch is fine being it only has 4600 miles on it but I have no idea how the original owner drove this thing? when is a good time (mileage wise) to replace a clutch in a 696?

[ducpainter]

ive been assuming my clutch is fine being it only has 4600 miles on it but I have no idea how the original owner drove this thing? when is a good time (mileage wise) to replace a clutch in a 696?

When it slips.

[stopintime]

ive been assuming my clutch is fine being it only has 4600 miles on it but I have no idea how the original owner drove this thing? when is a good time (mileage wise) to replace a clutch in a 696?

When it slips.

... which in my case have been at a steady ~15K in synthetic oil and a steady ~25K in semi synthetic oil.

YMMV and probably will, so that brings us back to "when it slips"

[JGlass]

... which in my case have been at a steady ~15K in synthetic oil and a steady ~25K in semi synthetic oil.

YMMV and probably will, so that brings us back to "when it slips"

huh awesome, my 83 silverwing gl650 has over 30k on the stock clutch and it help up amazing lol but, that's Honda for ya

[Howie]

That screw is, as dp said, not really an adjustment.  That is why they epoxy it at the factory.  Well actually, as an initial adjustment, if needed after changing a master.  Too little free play and it will slip.  Free play should be 1 - 1.5mm at the lever.  Friction zone is pretty far from the handlebar, and somewhat vague, IMO, on the APTC clutch your bike uses.  Is yours normal?  Can't tell over the internet.  Do try bleeding.  You might also try adjustable levers if not already fitted.

As far as clutch life goes, short of routinely feel like removing and inspecting the plates, "when it slips".  Mileage is dependent on rider and conditions.  Don't expect this on your APTC clutch, but my old 750 had over 80K mostly urban mileage on the original clutch when I sold it over two years ago.  New owner is still running that clutch.

[danaid]

ive been assuming my clutch is fine being it only has 4600 miles on it but I have no idea how the original owner drove this thing? when is a good time (mileage wise) to replace a clutch in a 696?

Unfortunately that is how the 696 clutch is from the factory.  I had a hard time adjusting to this clutch, lots of stalling! I eventually got use to it and mastered it. I think the 695 had the same clutch. The 696 was my first Ducati, the clutch was one of the things I disliked about the bike and I was releaved to have a standard operating clutch when I upgraded to a 1100.

[JGlass]

Unfortunately that is how the 696 clutch is from the factory.  I had a hard time adjusting to this clutch, lots of stalling! I eventually got use to it and mastered it. I think the 695 had the same clutch. The 696 was my first Ducati, the clutch was one of the things I disliked about the bike and I was releaved to have a standard operating clutch when I upgraded to a 1100.

Well that's good to know lol maybe once I start to grow hair in funny places and become a man ill get something bigger than a 700cc for once lol

[danaid]

Well that's good to know lol maybe once I start to grow hair in funny places and become a man ill get something bigger than a 700cc for once lol

HaHa!  That is a great bike once you learn that clutch. If you set that bike up correctly, you'll very much enjoy it because of its light weight and flick ability!

[JGlass]

HaHa!  That is a great bike once you learn that clutch. If you set that bike up correctly, you'll very much enjoy it because of its light weight and flick ability!

once I get this one paid off in the next year or so I might have to look into it then. I just remember riding my buddy's R1 and it was nuts, but this monster being my second bike and learning on it more, the 1100 might be a nice improvement? whats the weight difference do you know?