The Hodaka Club Forum

Hello all,

Had a question on the "feeling" my bikes have when riding. If I pull in the clutch and coast (while in gear), it feels like the clutch is dragging or not fully releasing because I feel resistance. Is that normal? So in short, my Aces (2 M92's and a M94) don't free wheel with the engine running or stopped, unless in neutral. They don't creep either if in gear with the clutch in. If I try to coast down a hill, I can't do it while in gear without that dragging feeling. I've rebuild and blue-printed the clutches (per Capt. Eddie's helpful guidance) and they all exert the same issue or "feeling." None of my bike's have any rolling resistance, that's to say in neutral they can roll on flat ground with almost no effort.

Thanks,
Bev

By its nature, a "wet clutch" will never go to completely "zero" drag. There will always be the (quite low) viscosity drag of the oil between the clutch plates and the friction disks. That being said, there are some remaining things you might check to assure that you have achieved the minimum drag situation.
1. Proper adjustment of lever freeplay (at the engine) by way of the shims under the "throw out bearing".
2. Blue printing the clutch (which you have already done).
3. Be sure there are no warped steel plates or friction disks
4. Oil selection. The factory recommendation from half a century ago to use non-detergent 30 wt motor oil WILL result in higher drag than using a modern oil formulated for motorcycle wet clutches. NOTE: We used "purpose made" motorcycle wet clutch oils in the Service Department "rider machines" at PABATCO back in the 1970's (and did NOT use non-detergent motor oil).
5. Cold oil will drag more than warm/hot oil in the clutch. So an early morning test 15 seconds after start up will give different results than a test at the end of a 10 mile trail ride.

Ed

What you're feeling and describing as a "dragging" sensation is the totally normal feeling of the clutch plates moving within the clutch pack with the clutch disengaged. Freewheeling will only occur with the bike in neutral. Some would advise against coasting long distances with the throttle closed. REmember, it is the premix that lubes the piston/cylinder/rod, bearings, and seals. Allowing no premix through the carb results in dry running of the power plant.

Ooopsies...just saw that The Captain just addressed your posting. What he said...

A bike with the clutch on the end of the crankshaft where the clutch spins very fast (like a Hodaka) will drag a lot more than one where the clutch spins a lot slower after the primary drive reduction on the transmission shaft. That is a normal "feeling" for Hodakas.

Thanks fellas. I’m relieved to know that I’m not crazy or that I’ve “built” the inability to “free-wheel” into my bikes.

Ed, as always, your sage advice is greatly appreciated. Last weekend I went over 2 of my 3 bikes, just to verify that I hadn’t missed something obvious before I posted my query. They both did have 3/32” free play in the clutch arm and a bit of play in the cable. I didn’t tear into their clutches because neither bike creeped when in gear and both clutches had smooth actuation. As far as oil, I’ve been using what many on the forum have recommended, Bel-Ray Gear Saver 75w Transmission oil, and have been very happy with it so far. Cold drag is not something I had even though about, but I have felt it and something to think about with colder seasons ahead.

My concern with “free-wheeling” is in coasting up to a stop light, intersection or the like. I do find myself coasting down hills with a dead engine or to pop start the bike, but as Matt mentions, not to coast for long distances… as fuel brings oil and oil is life… for an engine.

Ossa95, I wondered if the clutch being on the crankshaft had anything to do with it as well. Hodaka’s are the only bikes I’ve owned that are like that and your description makes perfect sense.

Personally, it feels odd when I pull in the clutch and start to feel the resistance, I guess that’s something I’ll just have to get used to. Thanks again for putting my mind at ease.