Bandit Clutch

lrgk9

Member
Finally installled Bandit setup in '05 Bulldog attempting to remedy the clutch slipping under hard acceleration. Still having some issues - what is the proper starting point for the push rod assembly? Stock says run it in then back off 3/4, Bandit won't work at 3/4. 1/4 gets it close, but if clutch cable is adjusted so no slippage at hard acceleration it is a "violent" shift from nuetral to first. If I increase the cable adjustment to "smooth" shift - it still has some slippage at hard acceleration? Any suggestions?
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
You just need to play with it. Set it at different positions and find the golden spot for you. Remember your cable adjustment doesn't adjust the clutch! When I put my Bandit in I seem to remember I had it set at about a 1/2 or so but that was a long time ago and I did have to play with it and adjust it a few times.

Also, when you first screw in the clutch rod go in a lot further and put pressure on it and back it out till you can feel where it's actually starting to open up the pressure plate. That will be your starting point.

Just leave the scallop cover off and ride it a bit then pull over and adjust it a bit then test and test. And try not to burn your hand on the pipe!!!

:cheers:
 

lee

Well-Known Member
yeah what Ray said. I got an 05 Bulldog and I also had to replace my pushrod as some were wrong around that year. This was causing a very heavy shift from neutral to first when the bike was cold. A new pushrod is not expensive.
 

john sachs

Well-Known Member
Back off the cable adjustment all the way.
Turn adjuster in untill there's a little resistence.
Pull clutch lever in
Check to see if you picked up any more adjustment.
If not back adjuster out a half turn,and tighten nut.
Adjust cable,and you should be good to go.:up:
Now,the time consuming part: All springs need to be set at the correct pre-load.Different color springs = different pressure,as well as the pre-load.:bang:
If you're using a stock wet primary,be sure you have clearence(usually need to grind quite a bit).:angry:
John
 

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
Hey guys, I need the preload for the green springs. I'm installing a Bandit with no directions. Anyone know?
 

lrgk9

Member
Ray has a great description with pics in ,how to, section. I used three of the bigger shims and still trying to work it out.
 

lee

Well-Known Member
Hey guys, I need the preload for the green springs. I'm installing a Bandit with no directions. Anyone know?
From memory the bolts have to be torqued to 25 ft lbs. I can't remember the load the clutch will handle per shim if you need that although I can probably find the instructions if you need it
 

surferdude

dry docked
I have a hard time adjusting it also. I do notice that it doesn't shift as hard after it warms up. I also thinik I put too thick of primary oil in it. I just might drain it out and take out the plates, clean and put thinner oil. I think the adjustment calls for the bike to be cold ... but is there anything wrong with adjusting it when it's warm/hot other than it might burn your hand when adjusting the pushrod? thx :eek: :D :up:
 
Do you have the Bandit Bruiser assembly with four springs or the six spring set-up. If you have four springs, start with two full thickness shims in the bottom of the spring cups and torque the shoulder bolts to 25 foot pounds. Set your clutch rod to 1/4 turn back after LIGHTLY seated. Then adjust your cable to give you 1/16" freeplay. You may need more shims for the clutch to hold, it all depends on how much power your motor is making. You can check your clutch rod for scoring and replace if necessary. Lube with anti-sieze after cleaning it. I never had an issue with the clutch rod adjustment, only playing with the shims until the clutch held good enough on hard acceleration...
 

strtjkt

Member
I just did mine 3 weeks ago. At Bandit's suggestion I used two shims. Also followed instructions exactly to make sure I had the proper travel. I have had no problems. Took a few adjustments attempts to get the travel right. John at Bandit really emphasized the importance of the travel.
 

stinger1

Member
there is a difference between hot and cold, i have to let mine warm up a couple of minutes then pull clutch in and out 4 or 5 times before engaging 1st gear. if i dont do this procedure it jumps and stalls with an almighty clang. tried lots of adjustments and this is how i got it best.
 

TLB08K9

Well-Known Member
Ok I have my bandit installed and worked great for the first 500 miles, well now I have adjusted and played and everything else. I have it set to where it doesnt slip in 1 and 2nd but if I get into it in 3-5th you can tell it is slipping. It has smooth shifts into first and I can find neutral with no issues. Anyone know why this might be??? 3rd and 4th you can run it up to 3k and then nail it and hit the limiter before you really take off, you can roll on the throttle with no issues, but smoke the tire in 1st and 2nd WTH?
 

lee

Well-Known Member
greater load in the higher gears. Sounds like you either need to adjust it again or add shims but it shouldn't be slipping - what primary oil are you using?
 

TLB08K9

Well-Known Member
thanks lee, I have rev yec primary oil in it . I need to see about adjusting my rod to see if that might help before adding shims. was kinda hoping to not tear back into this dog but hey gotta pay to play! is there any rule of thumb as to the number of shims or is it just add until you find your sweet spot?
 

ClutchDoctor

New Member
You are close, you just need a little more spring pressure. Like Lee said, there is more load on the clutch in higher gears. For a basically stock motor with a few mods, you'll need at least one .050 shim under each spring. Do make sure you have enough free play in the pushrod to make sure it is not holding the clutch slightly released.

We recommend Golden Spectro primary oil or Bel Ray Gear Saver 80W in the primary, we've had mixed results with HD primary oil, and the RevTech oil is a clone of the HD oil.

John Magee
Bandit Machine Works
 

bdmridgeback

Low Down Chop Shop
I run .600 cam , pipes filter and XXX carb. My Bandit has two shims in it and I can pull the front tire two feet off the ground going into second gear! NO SLIPPAGE in mine!

Love the Bandit!!!!
 

Pops

Active Member
You are close, you just need a little more spring pressure. Like Lee said, there is more load on the clutch in higher gears. For a basically stock motor with a few mods, you'll need at least one .050 shim under each spring. Do make sure you have enough free play in the pushrod to make sure it is not holding the clutch slightly released.

We recommend Golden Spectro primary oil or Bel Ray Gear Saver 80W in the primary, we've had mixed results with HD primary oil, and the RevTech oil is a clone of the HD oil.

John Magee
Bandit Machine Works
Hey John,

Assume you mean Spectro Golden Gear Lube SAE 80 correct?

PS - LOVE THE BANDIT :cheers:
 
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