Bleeding the Clutch

[Amarrache]

I found a forum topic on the simple way to bleed the clutch - http://www.v11lemans...clutch cylinder - but how do you reach the bleed screw in the first place without having to remove anything for accessibility?

[docc]

I've learned what tools to use to bleed the clutch slave without even taking the rear wheel off, but it's easier if you do.

 

Certainly, a picnic with the swingarm  out . . .

[Amarrache]

I've learned what tools to use to bleed the clutch slave without even taking the rear wheel off, but it's easier if you do.

 

Certainly, a picnic with the swingarm  out . . .

I'd like to avoid removing the rear wheel off (not to mention the swingarm) and I accept that the procedure will take me longer if I don't. What tools will I need. Just the appropriately sized wrench with a real long handle to make the reach?

[coreytrevor]

Mine has the carbon rear hugger. With the stock plastic one I think it would have to come off. 

 

I slip left hand up behind the shock reservoir and right hand through the triangle of tubes on the LH side of the swingarm. Pop off the rubber cap, chase it around the garage. Slip a regular 10mm combination wrench through the rear, using the box end on the bleeder. Use left hand to help. Lots of room in front of the tire to swing the wrench. Run bleeder hose in under the shock reservoir. Use right hand to help put it on the bleeder fitting. I don't have gigantic hands so that probably helps.

 

Proceed to bleed clutch. 

 

Or as stated, remove the swingarm, but that takes a lot longer.

[docc]

As coreytrevor says, it can be done without removing anything but the rubber cap.

 

Much easier on a lift or, at least, with the bike held straight up off the sidestand.

[Amarrache]

Thanks guys.

[docc]

Scud just posted a reminder on his frame thread that it is much more difficult to get to the later V11 slaves because of the cross bracing in the lower rear subframe.

[grossohc]

Just cleaned up my front brakes and changed the oil. Looking across to the clutch cylinder on the bars and the fluid looks like cold tea. I know it’s a pain to get to the bleed nipple so have sort of ignored it for a long time .  Any way the battery is out of the bike, so I removed the starter motor and the rear shock cylinder thing, all the room you will ever need to get to the bleed. Job done, easy peasy 

[pete roper]

As some may know the CARC bikes use a remote breather from the slave cylinder to a bleed nipple up under the seat. I'm sure it would be very easy to fabricate something similar for the V11 and it makes bleeding the clutch a breeze.

[docc]

Wouldn't that be quite something?

The V11 clutch bleed is a fussy thing, otherwise . . . but not to be neglected!