View Full Version : Hydraulic clutch vs non hydraulic clutch
tached1000rr
11-26-2009, 03:53 PM
Which do you prefer and why?
Tmall
11-26-2009, 04:09 PM
Cable. I can feel it better.
101lifts2
11-26-2009, 04:13 PM
No rubber. I can feel it better.
Having spent all my time on a cable clutch and now running a hydraulic clutch, it doesn't really bother me. It's not really that big of a deal.
karl_1052
11-26-2009, 04:25 PM
Cable
better feel, cheaper to fix when it breaks.
Tmall
11-26-2009, 04:26 PM
No fluid changes on a cable either.
No fluid changes on a cable either.
I notice a lot of people with poorly lubricated and out of adjustment cables. So it's not like you can neglect it completely. I am not going to change my own fluid, getting the air out of it is more important than brakes, so I am going to have the dealer change it when they do the ABS system every year.
was92v
11-26-2009, 05:13 PM
I like the feel of a cable, but hydros work ok.
Adeptus_Minor
11-26-2009, 05:20 PM
Having had both, I'm fine with either.
Also, I'm with Trip. I'm not dicking with the fluid when it comes time to change it out on the 1125.
Amber Lamps
11-26-2009, 05:51 PM
I've had both.
I like cable because you can adjust it to your liking.
I like hydraulic because you don't have to fuck with it...btw clutch fluid doesn't need to be changed as often as brake fluid due to the lack of heat. I mean, I've owned cars well over 10 years old with 100,000+ miles that have never had the clutch fluid changed:lol:.
No Worries
11-26-2009, 06:34 PM
I have both and slightly prefer the hydraulic. By the way, the fluid in my clutch gets dirty way sooner than the brake fluid. But it's a no-brainer to change and bleed.
Amber Lamps
11-26-2009, 06:44 PM
I have both and slightly prefer the hydraulic. By the way, the fluid in my clutch gets dirty way sooner than the brake fluid. But it's a no-brainer to change and bleed.
I mentioned heat because it's what causes brake fluid to lose effectiveness, right? I wonder why yours gets so dirty, so quick? I think that I changed clutch fluid once and that probably wasn't necessary...:lol:
Homeslice
11-26-2009, 06:51 PM
Had a hydraulic on an Aprilia, and it was smooth as silk......no rough spots like some cable clutches have. But it leaked down near the slave cylinder, so it needed bleeding every 2 weeks :lol: That wasn't very difficult, though......I would just do the lazy-man bleed......Hold the lever in, put a rag over the bleeder, and give it a real quick open-close with a wrench.
Rangerscott
11-26-2009, 07:47 PM
I've had both. More time on the hydra. Hand felling, the hydra is like having power brakes, and the cable is like not having power brakes.
They're the same. Some are smooth, some are clunky, some depends on the adjustment, etc etc.
tached1000rr
11-26-2009, 07:55 PM
I have a bike with each and I prefer the cable
racedoll
11-26-2009, 08:12 PM
I never had a hydraulic clutch so I can't really say what my preference would be. I suppose I would like the feel of the cable but :idk:
Erik - "hydraulic clutches suck"
Its a hard choice. I like cable, especially on dirtbikes. But i've had sportbikes with hydraulic clutches and they performed flawlessly. Cable may feel better, but hydraulic is pretty nice too.
No Worries
11-26-2009, 11:28 PM
I mentioned heat because it's what causes brake fluid to lose effectiveness, right? I wonder why yours gets so dirty, so quick? I think that I changed clutch fluid once and that probably wasn't necessary...:lol:
Doing mostly street riding, I must use my clutch lever 50 times to 1 use of the brake lever. All that movement probably lets in more dirt and moisture than the brake line. And with the little window in the reservoir, I change it when I can actually see color.
On my Suzuki, when I changed to braided brake lines, I changed to DOT 5 silicone fluid. That was in 1982. The best thing about it is it doesn't absorb water. Regular brake fluid does absorb water. The water in brake fluid is what boils and degrades brake performance. When the fluid becomes dirty or cloudy, it's probably absorbed water and it's time to change it.
tommymac
11-26-2009, 11:59 PM
Having had both, I'm fine with either.
Also, I'm with Trip. I'm not dicking with the fluid when it comes time to change it out on the 1125.
If you are comfortable bleeding brakes you can just as easily bleed the clutch. Done it many times on my futura, only PITA on that bike is accessing the slave cylinder. I think its out in the open on the 1125, I will check tomorrow when I go home.
Tom
tommymac
11-27-2009, 12:01 AM
I have both and slightly prefer the hydraulic. By the way, the fluid in my clutch gets dirty way sooner than the brake fluid. But it's a no-brainer to change and bleed.
Just make sure the seals arent breaking down, had that problem on the futura and had to bleed it out every 2 weeks till I replaced the slave cylinder and havent had a problem since.
Tom
Adeptus_Minor
11-27-2009, 12:30 AM
If you are comfortable bleeding brakes you can just as easily bleed the clutch. Done it many times on my futura, only PITA on that bike is accessing the slave cylinder. I think its out in the open on the 1125, I will check tomorrow when I go home.
Tom
Not a big fan of bleeding brakes either.
Screwing with hydraulics and the possibility of air bubbles makes me nervous.
Besides, that's why I paid extra for the high holy service package when I bought the Buell.
I want to spend my time riding, not wrenching.
tommymac
11-27-2009, 12:35 AM
Not a big fan of bleeding brakes either.
Screwing with hydraulics and the possibility of air bubbles makes me nervous.
Besides, that's why I paid extra for the high holy service package when I bought the Buell.
I want to spend my time riding, not wrenching.
i actualy like doing most of the maintenance work myself. With a good mityvac bleeding is a breeze, but I do see the concern of getting air in the lines.
Speaking of the buells I need to make sure my local HD shop still services them, otherwise its going to be a bit of a trip for service.
Tom
Gas Man
11-27-2009, 06:04 AM
i actualy like doing most of the maintenance work myself. With a good mityvac bleeding is a breeze, but I do see the concern of getting air in the lines.
Speaking of the buells I need to make sure my local HD shop still services them, otherwise its going to be a bit of a trip for service.
Tom
HD in general still has to sell parts and service for buell for 7yrs. Law
tommymac
11-27-2009, 06:06 AM
HD in general still has to sell parts and service for buell for 7yrs. Law
The one by me blocked out the old buell sign so i was wondering if they were still servicing them. Will be fun to see when I bring it in for its 600 mile service and inspection
Gas Man
11-27-2009, 06:16 AM
They most likely will.
OneSickPsycho
11-27-2009, 04:46 PM
Cable. I can feel it better.
Ditto. I have the parts to convert my TLR's hydro clutch. At some point in time I'll get off my ass and off the internet and do it.
FT BSTRD
11-27-2009, 06:38 PM
They most likely will.
Not all dealers have to offer the 7 year parts/service. There is a servicing agreement that each dealer must sign in order to receive the dealer incentives on Buells.
Many dealers who previous to the 10/15 announcement were dealers, are NOT going to be parts and servicing dealers going forward.
Not all dealers have to offer the 7 year parts/service. There is a servicing agreement that each dealer must sign in order to receive the dealer incentives on Buells.
Many dealers who previous to the 10/15 announcement were dealers, are NOT going to be parts and servicing dealers going forward.
Yup, the law is written so that parts have to be available, it doesnt say anything about making it easy to get them
Gas Man
11-27-2009, 11:21 PM
Interesting. Well guess a call is in order before you take your bike to what you think is your buell dealer. I know my dealer is still doing everything.
Cutty72
11-28-2009, 12:58 PM
My dealer will still carry parts and service them.
They won't be servicing mine however.
I will order parts online from a dealership that used to actually support Buell (FT BSTRD, how's your shipping?) and do the work myself.
Oh, and I like the hydro on my 25R...
Gas Man
11-29-2009, 02:03 AM
My dealer will still carry parts and service them.
They won't be servicing mine however.
I will order parts online from a dealership that used to actually support Buell (FT BSTRD, how's your shipping?) and do the work myself.
Oh, and I like the hydro on my 25R...
KFTC Cutty. Earn that sig line!
Cutty72
11-29-2009, 05:18 AM
KFTC? haven't seen that one before.
Digifox
11-29-2009, 09:34 AM
I like a good ole fashion cable.
Once i get my dads Vulcan i wont have a choice but to use a Hydraulic though
Gas Man
11-29-2009, 09:13 PM
kftc? Haven't seen that one before.
jfgi
azoomm
11-29-2009, 09:26 PM
Hydraulic.
In fact, I like it so much I'm putting a conversion kit on my '73 Norton. It goes nicely with the Brembo upgrade...
tached1000rr
11-29-2009, 09:27 PM
Hydraulic.
In fact, I like it so much I'm putting a conversion kit on my '73 Norton. It goes nicely with the Brembo upgrade...
cool
Particle Man
11-29-2009, 10:18 PM
Cable.
Besides being easier to work on, I feel more connected to the bike
Adeptus_Minor
11-29-2009, 10:49 PM
Hydraulic.
In fact, I like it so much I'm putting a conversion kit on my '73 Norton. It goes nicely with the Brembo upgrade...
I thought that was 'his' '73 Norton :whistle:
azoomm
11-30-2009, 08:45 AM
I thought that was 'his' '73 Norton :whistle:
If HE rode it, or worked on it... it would be HIS. :whistle: :lol:
Cutty72
11-30-2009, 12:36 PM
FINE
KFTC Cutty. Earn that sig line!
An acronym for Keep Fucking That Chicken. The phrase was popularized by a New York FOX 5 anchorman, Ernie Anastos and appears to have been an on-air non sequitur. See YouTube for the historical documents.
jfgi
Just Fucking Google it. You say it when somebody asks a stupid question.
Happy now?
Rider
11-30-2009, 12:50 PM
I've had both.
I like cable because you can adjust it to your liking.
I like hydraulic because you don't have to fuck with it...btw clutch fluid doesn't need to be changed as often as brake fluid due to the lack of heat. I mean, I've owned cars well over 10 years old with 100,000+ miles that have never had the clutch fluid changed:lol:.
Well if you ever need that done let me know. I'll also change your head lamp fluid, muffler bearings,change the air in your tires, and adjust your variable power band.
Amber Lamps
11-30-2009, 07:27 PM
Well if you ever need that done let me know. I'll also change your head lamp fluid, muffler bearings,change the air in your tires, and adjust your variable power band.
In the bikes that have had hydraulic clutches smart boy!!!:lol:
fnfalman
11-30-2009, 10:44 PM
Cable or hydraulic? Whichever one that was designed and made well.
Gas Man
11-30-2009, 11:10 PM
FINE
An acronym for Keep Fucking That Chicken. The phrase was popularized by a New York FOX 5 anchorman, Ernie Anastos and appears to have been an on-air non sequitur. See YouTube for the historical documents.
Just Fucking Google it. You say it when somebody asks a stupid question.
Happy now?
You are a great student Sir Cutty.
You are a great student Sir Cutty.
OreoGaborio
12-03-2009, 06:13 PM
I like the one that works :)
I currently have two bikes, one has cable, one has hydraulic.
No real preference one way or the other, though I like the FEEL of the hydraulic one better.
Generally speaking, you only put a hydraulic system on clutches with heavy heavy springs (high torque motors that require a lot of clutch pressure to avoid slipping) but that's not necessarily always the case.
marko138
12-05-2009, 10:45 PM
No pref.
pauldun170
12-05-2009, 10:59 PM
Been back and forth and never really payed attention.
In other words...no preference.
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