Really tight clutch lever

[elShabazz]

As the title says, I'm trying to figure out why it's so hard to pull the clutch lever. I thought it was normal until my buddy bought the same bike (81 xs400s) and his is much easier to pull. Any suggestions as to why mine's tougher?

As far as I can tell, the lever assembly itself isn't rusty at all. Is it common for the cable to get wrapped or something?

 

[drewpy]

I'd say it needs oiling, rerouting or replacing

 

[midtown]

I'm experiencing a similar issue. Does it matter what kind of lube is used? I have lithium grease, but I've heard liquid silicon would work better. Thoughts?

 

[JARichmond]

You can also use regular automatic transmission fluid just fine

 

[drewpy]

wouldn't use grease IN the cable, engine oil is what you need. grease will harden after time and make it worse.

ATF would be ok too

 

[thijs81]

So there are more problems like mine ....

I m building since last year a hardtail and want a clean handle bar. So i made a feet clutch , but now its going to heavy to use. But now im thinking ... ( before the rebuild) when i used the clutch it picked up very fast not smooth. SO im thinking now , are the springs in the clutch not to heavy . if i use weaker springs maybe the clutch becomes weaker and easier to use. Have somebody ever attempted this?