Bikerdocs' 650TR (CF650-2) review

[bikerdoc]

Update.

Have had to replace the clutch cable due to the original one breaking down near the clutch housing arm linkage mechanism. Was riding along having just exited one of my favourite mountains. Stopped at a cross road intersection, turned right to make my way towards DongQian Lake, whilst 'changing up' and as I let the clutch lever out I felt a little give in the lever, not much but enough to know "this 'aint normal". Kept riding while at the same time, engaging and releasing the clutch lever multiple times. Each time less resistance was felt in the lever, and twisting the throttle only bought about an increase in forward momentum. Sure enough clutch cable had snapped. Found that the cable was still attached at the handlebar/lever end, so it was snapped some-place else along its length.

Rode the other 40km home, mainly through mountains so the need for clutch use was minimal and changing gears without a clutch is easy. This 'aint my first rodeo.

Fortunately getting to my residence was pretty easy, as I live in a small town (would have been a hassle in the big smoke e.g. SH, BJ, SZ etc.). With only half-a-dozen sets of traffic lights, I selected a route that would put me in a position where I could approach traffic lights slowly or as needed make free right turns, followed by a U-turn then another right turn, depending on the signal phases. Only one set of traffic lights scuttled my plans, meaning I had to stop, as it's a major arterial roadway/highway so phases are long and drawn out and with a major median strip, not possible to make a free right turn followed by a U-turn etc. No worries, hit the kill switch as I came to a stop, selected neutral, got off the TR, pushed across on the pedestrian crossing. Good thing it was night, so I didn't look like a complete oddity. Once on the other-side of the intersection, turned ignition on, ran alongside the bike, got up to a fair speed, jumped on the seat, crashed into gear and rode off. A minute later, I was back at home pulling up outside my garage. Put bike away.

Ironically, another MCM member (Prince666) had just had his TR clutch cable snap a few days prior. We had chatted about it at the time. Both bikes have done around 5000km and as it transpires, both clutch cables have snapped at the same location.

Had already ordered new cables, as at the time only one clutch cable was needed for Prince666. At the time my cable was still good, but I'd ordered two cables, just in case. Luckily as it turns out.

Called my CFMoto contact, Mr Lan, who is very interested to receive both cables, which I will be forwarding to him tomorrow (Monday).

Spent time yesterday fitting the new replacement clutch cable. Removed the RHS midsection fairing (tupperware), RHS fake frame cover and other associated bits and pieces. Had to remove and un-clip several metal and plastic retaining clips too. The plastic one's need a little bit of finesse to get undone. With cable released and free to move, disconnected from the lever, it was time to consider removal, but not before...
Connecting the old cable to the replacement, using tape (duct or insulation tape) securely applying tape to the top end of the replacement cable to the bottom end of the old cable, and making sure both were secure, slowly pulled the cables through. Once new cable was in place, removed the tape holding the two cables together. Checked the routing and lay of the cable etc.

Set about connecting the cable down at the clutch housing arm linkage end first. Removed the little cylindrical nipple and the small 5-10mm section of wire (cable had snapped around 5-10mm up from lower nipple) from the clutch housing arm linkage, then inserted the new cable end, then connected the handlebar/clutch lever end. Checked and adjusted for operation. Reattached the clips and what have you.

Checked clutch operation and adjusted cable. Felt a whole lot better in operation, very smooth and not nearly as notchy.

A couple of observations. The old cable and new cable look to be the same design. No perceivable differences. The operation of the clutch had become increasingly more notchy when attempting to find neutral while at a stand still with engine running. This was something I and the other MCM member had discussed as both of us had noted this. The location where both cables have snapped is about the same location. My cable did not show any evidence of fraying, the snap seemed very clean.

Will be interesting to see what comes back from CFMoto on this one.

As a side note, Buck & Amy from the Great Ride of China (note the comments section) have covered ~25,000km without any clutch cable issues.

Photos to come...