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Clutch problem

Technical help for Series one, two and three Lambrettas. Models include the Li, Li Special, TV, SX, GP, Serveta and API/SIL models

Clutch problem

Postby Rushy » Mon Jan 25, 2016 8:34 pm

I am having trouble with my clutch. I've got arthritis in my left hand and find it hard to pull the clutch. Would a dog leg lever make it easier to pull the clutch. Any advice would be appreciated.
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby Knowledge » Mon Jan 25, 2016 10:58 pm

Yes, it would, but would it be enough?

There is a conversion that MB does, using an RD350 clutch lever. The gear selector needs modifying at the handlebars, but the photos on MB's website are good enough to copy. A clutch lever can be purchased from eBay.

The important thing here is not that the lever is dog leg, but that the distance between the lever pivot and the cable nipple is slightly longer on the RD lever than on the standard Lambretta lever, meaning that you pull more cable as you pull the lever.

Don't assume that a dog leg standard (aftermarket) lever is enough on its own.

Does that help?
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby Tractorman » Tue Jan 26, 2016 9:46 am

I tried the SIP dogleg lever (vespa px) but I was not happy the clutch was clearing properly. So I am looking into other methods.
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby Scooter Paul » Tue Jan 26, 2016 12:46 pm

There used to be a device available called an 'easy clutch'. It fitted inline with the clutch cable so some fabrication of cables were called for. The best way I can describe it as a box with an internal fulcrum that gave you an increased leverage ratio. It may be still available. It was usually marketed at trials riders so try Sammy Miller Products.
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby Scooter Paul » Tue Jan 26, 2016 1:41 pm

I've Googled motorcycle easy clutch and they're still available via eBay.
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby Omega 7 » Tue Jan 26, 2016 1:52 pm

Check at Beedspeed, they had the easy clutch and the right cables to go with it. I bought a friction free cable from MB and I couldn't believe the difference that made. It cost me about £16 with postage but well worth it
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby dscscotty » Tue Jan 26, 2016 2:02 pm

I concur , friction free cables make an incredible difference, my preferred one is the MB type although there are other makes available.
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby dscscotty » Tue Jan 26, 2016 2:02 pm

I concur , friction free cables make an incredible difference, my preferred one is the MB type although there are other makes available.
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby HxPaul » Tue Jan 26, 2016 3:03 pm

Omega 7 wrote:Check at Beedspeed, they had the easy clutch and the right cables to go with it. I bought a friction free cable from MB and I couldn't believe the difference that made. It cost me about £16 with postage but well worth it

This is the one - https://www.beedspeed.com/lambretta-clu ... 5k8e4v59p4
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby Storkfoot » Tue Jan 26, 2016 6:46 pm

Knowledge refers to the Yamaha RD conversion that MB do. May I also refer you to this lever that they do:


http://www.lambrettaspares.com/spares/h ... r-(headset)-clutch-lever-for-all-standard-clutch-housings,-short-dog-leg-type,-mb/mrb0696k.html

Yes, it is not cheap but I find it works really well with a friction free cable. In fact, out of choice, I'd always use these lever whatever actual clutch I had on any Lambretta.

I can only imagine how painful it must be to change gear with bad arthritis, so, anything that makes gear changes easier has got to be worthwhile. This will make gear changing easier

PS, that link doesn't seem to work but if you do a search on their website on that reference number at the end, you'll find it. Good luck.
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby Rushy » Wed Jan 27, 2016 8:38 pm

Thank you for the replys. I will give the mb lever a look. I will also look at the easy clutch.
Hopefully I can make my clutch easy-going on my hand.
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby gaz_powell » Wed Jan 27, 2016 8:57 pm

I used a nylon lined cable, mb springs with a far eastern origin dogleg that matched the hydraulic lever - it was easy to use and smooth.
With decent standard springs it would have been even easier.
Good cable routing also helps.
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby Solid Air » Wed Jan 27, 2016 9:19 pm

I've got the lever that Storkfoot mentioned. A good bit of kit, moves the lever closer to the bar and made a definite difference... recommended :)
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby gaz_powell » Wed Jan 27, 2016 9:36 pm

There's one on ebay at a good price buy it now/ best offer.
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby dickie » Wed Jan 27, 2016 10:42 pm

If you have a 4 plate clutch you could convert to 5 plate using 2.5mm plates and reduce the preload on the springs by 25%.

It takes a fair bit of pissing around to strike a balance between a slipping clutch and a light but effective one but I managed it in 3 strip and rebuilds.
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Re: Clutch problem

Postby soullad » Thu Jan 28, 2016 8:37 pm

LTH 7 plate, easiest / best clutch I've ever had on a lammy
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