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Clutch switch

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Oggers
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Clutch switch

#1 PostAuthor: Oggers » Wed Sep 02, 2020 10:42 am

Chaps

What is the plunger type switch actuated by the clutch handlebar for please?
1946 Ariel VB600, 1966 Triumph Bonneville, 1975 400/4, 1979 Z650

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Gus
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Re: Clutch switch

#2 PostAuthor: Gus » Wed Sep 02, 2020 10:45 am

I believe if it is in gear it won't start unless you pull the clutch in.

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Oggers
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Re: Clutch switch

#3 PostAuthor: Oggers » Wed Sep 02, 2020 11:16 am

Yes - OK I'll buy that...I assume if in neutral gear, it is over-ridden?
1946 Ariel VB600, 1966 Triumph Bonneville, 1975 400/4, 1979 Z650

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warren3200gt
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Re: Clutch switch

#4 PostAuthor: warren3200gt » Wed Sep 02, 2020 11:25 am

Doesnt matter if its in gear or not. The clutch lockout kills power to the starter. Even in neutral the clutch needs to be enaged for the starter motor to work.
PUM 488 June 2023
76 Z900A4, 77 Z650B1, 77 KZ650B1, 77 Z1000A1, 82 Z1000J2, ZRX1100R.

Oggers
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Re: Clutch switch

#5 PostAuthor: Oggers » Wed Sep 02, 2020 12:29 pm

Hi Warren

Interesting...Just tried it on my 400/4 which has similar, and the starter is dead in gear, but energizes when in neutral and without touching the clutch. Pretty sure the Z did similar before I ripped it apart....
1946 Ariel VB600, 1966 Triumph Bonneville, 1975 400/4, 1979 Z650

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KeithZ1R
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Re: Clutch switch

#6 PostAuthor: KeithZ1R » Wed Sep 02, 2020 1:29 pm

Oggers wrote:Hi Warren

Interesting...Just tried it on my 400/4 which has similar, and the starter is dead in gear, but energizes when in neutral and without touching the clutch. Pretty sure the Z did similar before I ripped it apart....



Nope the Competition were more advanced :lol: I'll get me coat :biggrin
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warren3200gt
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Re: Clutch switch

#7 PostAuthor: warren3200gt » Wed Sep 02, 2020 1:42 pm

Def as I described Oggers. I remember once when I got nicked and breath tested. I was just under the limit so get carted of to the nick for a blood test and they sent a bike copper out with a pillion on to bring my bike back to the nick. Between the pair of them they couldn't work out how to start it so had to push it the 400 yards back to the nick.
Just as they got back I was released so was in the nick compound when they turned up all red faced and heart attacks expected any second. I thanked them, jumped on and rode off. Hehe, made me laugh all the way home. :lol:
PUM 488 June 2023
76 Z900A4, 77 Z650B1, 77 KZ650B1, 77 Z1000A1, 82 Z1000J2, ZRX1100R.

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Re: Clutch switch

#8 PostAuthor: Oggers » Thu Sep 03, 2020 4:08 pm

Hi Warren

Fair enough, but I really do not remember pulling the clutch in when hitting the button! I am sure I simply did as I normally do with the Hodna - being used to that bike. Remember mine is a US version so it may be different. Anyways, no matter. It is now nearly complete so I can confirm for sure very shortly....

Incidentally what oil do you use? I am assuming some sort of (monograde?) 10/40 as per the oil cap/book, but cannot find much of the stuff around. Plenty of Castol mulitgrade 20/50 around though - Classic XL - which I believe is OK for the bike...

One more thing I have never seen before...Rear wheel has 3 tyre valve stems protruding through the rim! What is going on there!
1946 Ariel VB600, 1966 Triumph Bonneville, 1975 400/4, 1979 Z650

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Pigford
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Re: Clutch switch

#9 PostAuthor: Pigford » Thu Sep 03, 2020 4:22 pm

1 x valve stem - 2 x tyre locking clamps!

Any semi-synth 10w/40 or equivalent multi designed for bike "wet clutches" - even basic mineral oil is okay, 10/40 or 20/50 won't hurt.
And on the 7th day... Zeds were created!

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Re: Clutch switch

#10 PostAuthor: warren3200gt » Thu Sep 03, 2020 4:34 pm

As pigford says, only one tube valve and two tire bead locks. They are wickedly powerful y'know, you dont want to rip the valve out the tube when screaming away from the lights. :P

US bikes are the same as UK bikes regarding the clutch lock out switch. (I have one of each).

Oil is a contencious area. I only ever use 20/50 mineral. I only use bikes when its warm (ish) so prefer thicker oils. Its not given me any issues for over forty years, if it aint broken don't fix it works for me.
PUM 488 June 2023
76 Z900A4, 77 Z650B1, 77 KZ650B1, 77 Z1000A1, 82 Z1000J2, ZRX1100R.

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Re: Clutch switch

#11 PostAuthor: Oggers » Thu Sep 03, 2020 6:53 pm

3 tyre valves still a total mystery then! Just bizarre.....Oil - yes I use Castrol classic 20/50 XL on the Brit irons. I have no issues either and I prefer the heavier grade. It is multigrade though, but if it works for ancient British stuff.... Engine also seems to sound better.

One more thing...looking for the lower plastic casing for the idiot lights. It was just about the only part that was missing. Hen's teeth are easier to find. Might have to fabricate my own. Clues appreciated as to where to find it...
1946 Ariel VB600, 1966 Triumph Bonneville, 1975 400/4, 1979 Z650

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Re: Clutch switch

#12 PostAuthor: Gus » Fri Sep 04, 2020 8:22 am

Your three tyre valves :lol:

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Re: Clutch switch

#13 PostAuthor: rickm » Fri Sep 04, 2020 9:12 am

Regarding oil, I use bike specific wet clutch fully synthetic without any issues (no clutch slip etc).
I take the line that I want the best most slippery oil I can get to protect my moving parts :Oo
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Re: Clutch switch

#14 PostAuthor: Oggers » Fri Sep 04, 2020 9:39 am

Gus

Thanks for that. Truly odd. Never seen that before. Didn't realize there was so much torque on offer....
1946 Ariel VB600, 1966 Triumph Bonneville, 1975 400/4, 1979 Z650

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Re: Clutch switch

#15 PostAuthor: Pigford » Fri Sep 04, 2020 12:22 pm

rickm wrote:Regarding oil, I use bike specific wet clutch fully synthetic without any issues (no clutch slip etc).
I take the line that I want the best most slippery oil I can get to protect my moving parts :Oo



Allegedly, I've read tech papers stating if the oil is too SLIPPY, this can damage/wear roller bearings as they can end up sliding, rather then spinning as designed? :nikd
And on the 7th day... Zeds were created!


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