[Devynv]

I have a vtx 1800 and the clutch wasn’t engaging until like 1/2 of a inch from the handle bar. I didn’t know it was a hydraulic clutch so I took the clutch line off at the handle bar and under the seat by the battery. There was zero fluid and in it. What do I do and where do I start to fix this , also is there anything I could have damaged and need to check out? Thank you !!!

 

[Vinish]

Put the hydraulic line back on. Fill the reservoir with the appropriate DOT brake fluid (can't remember if this is DOT 3 or DOT 4). Then bleed the hydraulic clutch system. The process for doing all of this can be found in the service manual which is available as an electronic download for free here on the VTX Cafe. While doing this work, keep in mind that DOT 4 brake fluid will rapidly damage paint. This includes the "pretty" paint on the bike tins, the black frame paint on the bike, the black paint around the clutch fluid reservoir, the black paint on the brake caliper, paint on the garage floor, and paint on nearby vehicles. In other words... ALL paint. Do not let brake fluid get on any painted surface while doing this work.

 

[Devynv]

I

Put the hydraulic line back on. Fill the reservoir with the appropriate DOT brake fluid (can't remember if this is DOT 3 or DOT 4). Then bleed the hydraulic clutch system. The process for doing all of this can be found in the service manual which is available as an electronic download for free here on the VTX Cafe. While doing this work, keep in mind that DOT 4 brake fluid will rapidly damage paint. This includes the "pretty" paint on the bike tins, the black frame paint on the bike, the black paint around the clutch fluid reservoir, the black paint on the brake caliper, paint on the garage floor, and paint on nearby vehicles. In other words... ALL paint. Do not let brake fluid get on any painted surface while doing this work.

I don’t have to repressurize the system or anything? There is way to much clutch play and very little engagement

 

[Vinish]

The system is "pressurized" by the pumping of the clutch lever during normal operation. You need to fill the system with fluid and eliminate any air pockets in the hydraulic system. This is accomplished during the normal bleeding process just as it is for a hydraulic brake line.

 

[Devynv]

The system is "pressurized" by the pumping of the clutch lever during normal operation. You need to fill the system with fluid and eliminate any air pockets in the hydraulic system. This is accomplished during the normal bleeding process just as it is for a hydraulic brake line.

Thank you I’ll do it when I get home should I use a flush on the it?

 

[Vinish]

No. Flush it using the final fluid that will be used in the system with is either DOT 3 or 4 (only one of these is correct but I do not remember which) brake fluid. You can buy a 16-32 oz. bottle of this at Walmart for less than $10.

 

[darrenbashby]

It requires DOT 4 brake fluid. It is easy to flush. Make sure you are very careful not to let it get on any paint, it will strip it. Fill the resevoir, slowly pull the lever, open the bleeder on the slave. Close the bleeder release the lever. Repeat until there are no more bubbles coming out.

 

[D Walker]

I have a vtx 1800 and the clutch wasn’t engaging until like 1/2 of a inch from the handle bar. I didn’t know it was a hydraulic clutch so I took the clutch line off at the handle bar and under the seat by the battery. There was zero fluid and in it. What do I do and where do I start to fix this , also is there anything I could have damaged and need to check out? Thank you !!!

The clutch slave unit may be leaking.

 

[rxbert605]

It's DOT 4 and Revzilla has a YouTube video on how to do the job.