I just picked up an NC30 yesterday, rode it back from Yeovil to Cardiff with no real issues as such, though my left hand felt like it had gone through a mangle after 2 hours repeated gear changing.

The bike had been sat for 6 months so i expected it to be a bit rougher than it was, though as a temporary measure i have used some fuel cleaner direct into the carbs to clean out the gunk till such time as i have free allows me to strip them down for a clean.

Anyhoo, on a short go out earlier i paid a bit more attention to the clutch, the biting point is right out near the end of the lever travel, i hardly have to pull it to change gear and the range of the bite is very small, certainly a lot less than id expect or had on my NC23.

I try to avoid rev-shifting as much as possible but i may have to in the short term to avoid clutch use.

What should i be looking for to properly evaluate the clutch, has anyone else had this issue, what solves it etc
If i had to replace the clutch assembly, is it fairly straightforward for a relative mechanical novice and how much would i be expecting to be out of pocket ?

have a look at the top of the V4 workshop forum sticky for a link to my video on how to replace the cluctch yourself

Thanks mate, will do.

Also make sure the cable is adjusted correctly, as they stretch over time.

If it does turn out to be the clutch it's not a tricky job. Just get a new gasket too for the clutch cover, otherwise you'll regret it later when it leaks and you'd wish you spent £2 and an extra 2 minutes to fit one.

if you need clutch plates we do Ferodo ones at £37.99 a set with free shipping to grey bike members

i'd check it's adjusted ok first - dick jones on broadway (behind reg braddick cycles) is great local mechanic (and v. reasonable too) since you're in cardiff

viper61 wrote:Also make sure the cable is adjusted correctly, as they stretch over time.

If it does turn out to be the clutch it's not a tricky job. Just get a new gasket too for the clutch cover, otherwise you'll regret it later when it leaks and you'd wish you spent £2 and an extra 2 minutes to fit one.

It sounds like you need a new cable. They get stiff over time and need replacing. Other than that the 400's clutches aren't heavy, not if you are used to riding bigger bikes (Try a 955i Daytona some day if you want heavy).

I think i may replace all the internals of the clutch and the cable too, if only for peace of mind.

I was having an issue earlier where i'd select a gear, open the throttle and it would respond - then seem to disengage the gear and re-engage it a split second later, Im wondering if i may have some more serious issues so i will try to make some mental notes about how it runs and take it over for a visit to Dick Jones if i can find his number.

Get a new proper Honda cable and set it properly, you'll find everything will be fine.

Don't get pattern cos the lengths can differ and cause more problems than they solve.

Where do people generallt get their spares from, i know of David Silver but what happened to Graeme France, he still operating ? had a bunch of stuff from him previously.

Seems teh bike has done 4500 miles in 10 years so i will drop the fluids and replace, change the plugs / filters etc.

Just got to get a parts list and prices :)