Hey everyone, I’m in a bit of a pickle here. My bike’s rear wheel just won’t stop spinning whenever I pull in the clutch, especially noticeable when it’s on the center stand. It’s got me stumped and a bit worried. Has anyone else run into this issue?
Response
Yeah I’ve seen this happen before. It might look concerning, but it’s often just a bit of clutch drag. I found that adjusting the clutch cable tension did the trick. It’s a quick and a inexpensive solution!
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusting Clutch Cable Tension | 4 | $0 – $10 | 15 – 30 |
| Lubricating Clutch Cable | 3 | $5 – $15 | 10 – 20 |
| Checking Drive Shaft and Universal Joints | 3 | $0 (if self-checked) | 30 – 60 |
Symptoms
- Rear wheel spins when the clutch is pulled in.
- The wheel continues to move even when the bike is on the center stand.
Possible Causes
- Clutch cable tension is not properly adjusted.
- Clutch cable needs lubrication.
- Issues with the drive shaft or universal joints in shaft-driven bikes.
Solutions that Worked
- Adjusting Clutch Cable Tension
- What I Did: Adjusted the tension in the clutch cable to ensure it wasn’t too tight.
- Outcome: The rear wheel stopped spinning excessively when the clutch was engaged.
- Personal Experience: After adjusting the tension, the clutch felt smoother, and the wheel movement reduced significantly.
- Estimated Cost: $0 – $10
- Time Needed: 15 – 30 minutes
- Steps:
- Locate the clutch cable adjuster near the clutch lever or down by the engine.
- Loosen the locknut and adjust the cable tension.
- Ensure there’s a small amount of free play at the clutch lever.
- Tighten the locknut back into place.
- Test the clutch lever for smooth operation and adjust further if necessary.
- Expert Tip: Regularly check and adjust your clutch cable tension. This simple maintenance can prevent many clutch-related issues. Also, ensure the cable isn’t kinked or damaged, as this can affect tension.
- Lubricating Clutch Cable
- What I Did: Lubricated the clutch cable to ensure smooth operation.
- Outcome: The clutch operation improved, reducing the rear wheel spin.
- Personal Experience: Lubricating the cable made the clutch lever action smoother and lessened the drag.
- Estimated Cost: $5 – $15
- Time Needed: 10 – 20 minutes
- Steps:
- Detach the clutch cable from the lever.
- Use a cable lubricator tool and suitable lubricant.
- Apply lubricant until it starts to emerge from the other end of the cable.
- Reattach the cable to the clutch lever.
- Test the clutch lever to ensure smooth operation.
- Expert Tip: Regular lubrication of the clutch cable can greatly improve clutch feel and prevent wear. Use a high-quality lubricant specifically designed for motorcycle cables.
- Checking Drive Shaft and Universal Joints
- What I Did: Inspected the drive shaft and universal joints for any signs of wear or damage.
- Outcome: Identified and rectified issues with the drive system, improving overall performance.
- Personal Experience: Found some wear in the joints, which after addressing, resolved the wheel spinning issue.
- Estimated Cost: $0 (if self-checked)
- Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
- Steps:
- Place the bike on its center stand.
- Manually rotate the rear wheel while in neutral.
- Listen for any unusual noises or resistance.
- Inspect the drive shaft and joints for any visible wear or damage.
- Check for any loose bolts or fittings and tighten them if necessary.
- Expert Tip: Regular inspection of the drive shaft and universal joints is crucial, especially for shaft-driven bikes like some Honda models. Also, consider applying a suitable lubricant to the joints during maintenance.
Motorcycle Models Where This Worked:
- Honda Shadow Series
- Honda Rebel 250
- Honda CRF100 Series