Clutch Bleed Quick Guide

This procedure begins on page 9-7 of the service manual.

Tools and Supplies

Tools

• Small spirit level
• JIS or Philips #1 cross-point screwdriver
• 10mm combination wrench
• Vacuum pump with capture bottle (MityVac or similar)
• Large syringe
• Teflon plumber's tape

Supplies

• Suitable coverings for the area around the clutch reservoir and all surrounding paint and plastic
  • Brake fluid eats paint alive. You have been warned.
• Fresh brake fluid
• Disposal container for used fluid

Disassembly

Place the bike on the center stand on a level surface.

Remove the left lower cowl. (See FairingRemovalQuickGuide)

Uncap the bleeder valve located behind the bottom of the coolant recovery tank.

Turn the handlebars to the right until the top of the clutch reservoir is level along the line between the screws.

Cover the area around the clutch reservoir and all surrounding paint and plastic

• • Brake fluid eats paint alive. You have been warned.

Remove two screws from the clutch reservoir. (JIS Screwdriver)

Remove the cap, diaphragm stiffener and diaphragm.

Clean all of the above with paper towels. Remove as much moisture as reasonably possible from the diaphragm.

Procedure

Drain all fluid from the clutch reservoir using a syringe.

Carefully clean the inside of the clutch reservoir.

Verify that the metal retainer in the hole at the bottom is properly seated.

Connect the vacuum pump

Repeat the following until the clutch line is completely empty:

• Apply 20-25 mm Hg of vacuum.
• Open the bleeder screw and allow fluid to drain. (10mm combination wrench)
• Close the bleeder screw.

Optional but Recommended: If this is the first time the clutch has been bled:

• Remove the bleeder screw
• Apply Teflon tape
• Replace bleeder screw

Repeat the following until the clutch line flows fluid without bubbles:

• Add brake fluid to the reservoir until it reaches the fill line
• Apply 20-25 mm Hg of vacuum.
• Open the bleeder screw.
• When the fluid is almost to the top of the reservoir drain, close the bleeder screw.

Top off the reservoir.

Pump the clutch lever several times.

• Do this carefully so fluid does not escape.

Reassembly

Install the diaphragm, diaphragm stiffener, reservoir cap and screws. (JIS Screwdriver, torque to 2 N-m or 1.1 lb-ft)

• Screws should be just barely snug.

Cap the bleeder screw.

Replace the left lower cowl.

Post-Service Checkout

Verify proper clutch operation before riding.