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New Member 1969 Scrambler owner

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 11:10 am
by tonyduc
Hello

Just joined the group, my first Bevel Ducati. I have a 69 Scrambler which sat for a long time, after cleaning the fuel system, she started right up and runs really smoothly. The clutch is frozen, any suggestions on how to proceed? I was going to open the case side which holds the clutch basket (right side?), then try and dissassemble the clutch to clean the plates. Is this a wet clutch? I have a couple of manuals but not much help for just servicing the clutch. The bike is original, all pieces are there and there's just some patina and surface rust - I am thinking of leaving it original rather than full restoration.

Thanks
Tony

Re: New Member 1969 Scrambler owner

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 12:45 pm
by Jordan
To unlock the stuck clutch plates, I used to start the engine, hold the clutch in and engage a gear. That would most often free things up, if somewhat brutally.
Nowadays, in deference to the age, cost and difficulty of repairing broken gears, I'm inclined to agree with you. Remove the clutch cover instead, to access the clutch. With the cover off, it's a straightforward job to undo six screws. Then prise the plates apart, then reassemble. Watch the small pushrod parts don't drop out and get lost. You'll likely need a new gasket. There's a trick to easy removal of the cover. It's a wet clutch.
When I know the bike won't be used for a while, I use a timber wedge to keep the bottom clutch lever lifted a bit. Done it for years - no spring weakening evident, and it prevents the clutch from sticking solid.

Re: New Member 1969 Scrambler owner

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 2:04 pm
by Bevel bob
Sometimes you can free it by putting in top gear and with the clutch pulled in and rock back and forth. Don't know why a back movement is effective ,but it can be. To remove the cover a claw hammer levering inside the inspection cover works without damage.Watch out for kickstart shaft shim and spacer.

Re: New Member 1969 Scrambler owner

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 6:50 am
by Nick
To free up stuck clutch: Start bike, push to get it rolling and snick it into gear, shift up to 2nd or 3rd, ride at about half throttle, pull clutch in and press on the rear brake.
Ride along like this with the rear brake applied and the clutch lever pulled in and the clutch should break loose.

Nice find! Great patina. Definitely don't 'restore' it.

Clutch is on left side.

Re: New Member 1969 Scrambler owner

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2017 10:46 am
by tonyduc
Thanks to all for the advice!