danmasterfunk

I started it up the other day and the clutch felt like it had no pressure. I pulled the clutch in and when I put it in gear it lurched and died. The clutch didn't engage. I pulled the resevoir and it was really low. I filled it up but don't know what to do next. I pumped it a bunch of times but there seems to be no pressure building up. It is a hydraulic clutch I'm pretty sure. I need help if anyone has any ideas. --danmasterfunk

MSchu

I don't know about the nighthawk specifically, but usually hydraulic clutches need to be bled for pressure. If it's like most Hydro set ups, there should be a nipple bleed screw by either the mechanism or by the reservoir. Look for that and bleed like you would most hydraulic systems... pump, hold, open valve to let out air/fluid, tighten valve and repeat until all bubbles have been eliminated. this may take several attempts to get good feel at the lever.

danmasterfunk

Do you think this is mainly from the resevoir being too low? It seemed like it came on gradually. I noticed a little difference in the clutch last week and then this.

danmasterfunk

I wonder if there is some sort of actuator because when i pull the clutch in there is a click noise. Thanks!

MSchu

Well, they do have a diaphragm usually, that might have gone bad.

danmasterfunk

well it's always had the click even when it was working properly. I don't know, I'm just going to try and bleed it and see if that will take care of it. Thanks for the help. I'll let you know if it worked.

MSchu

Keep that res filled while you bleed so as to not run it dry

kneeslide

I drained the old fluid from mine lately and it was a pain to bleed!
Maybe because its not a fixed load at the other end like brakes (if you get me) In the end I was pushing and pulling fluid at the bleed nipple with a syringe and some clear hose.
you might be ok if there's not much air in there

Inyourface1650

The 650 has a hydraulic clutch? interesting, my 750 is cable actuated.

danmasterfunk

Yep it's definitely a hydraulic actuated clutch.

kneeslide

The 2004 CBR 1000RR has a hydraulic clutch yet the new model has a cable operated one,
so you can tell the guys at the bar that Honda now think that cable operated is better!

danmasterfunk

Well that fixed it! I added fluid, pumped a bunch of times and it built pressure back up. I then bled any excess air out. I was on the road all weekend. Thanks for the advice.

Inyourface1650

Glad to hear it!

My clutch cable broke today :rofl:. I instantly thought of this thread.....

natenewz

I am having a similiar problem, but when I tried to bleed the air out, no bubbles were coming out for 5-6 squeezes of the clutch, just straight brake fluid. My clutch was feeling a little spongy for about a week before. Then one day I went to ride it, and there was no clutch pressure at all. How many pumps did it take to get the air out for you? Do you think it could be something else?

Thanks,
Nate

natenewz

Nevermind, I just needed to bleed more.