My ride: 2012 Ultra TriGlide; SE 255 Cams; Syn3 in primary; stock clutch; 10k miles.

When the engine gets hot, the clutch misbehaves when starting out. I don't know what it is called, but it kind of grabs off and on. Years ago cars that had gunk built up on the flywheel we called it chattering...but it did it all the time. Mine only does it when it is hot. Before it gets hot the clutch engages nice and sooith and hooks up solidly. It never slips when shifting, even if I am really getting on it.

Is this just classic slipping? Would it only slip starting out when it is hit, and would it be grabby if an on until the clutch is fully engaged?

I'm going to take it to the dealer soon for the 10k service, and will have them look at it...but I would like to be prepared.

I appreciate your insight.

 

Sorry, I wish I had an answer for you. Let's know what solved your problem. I change all my oils at every 5K. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

 

Is it a cable clutch? If so is the cable close to the exhaust?

 

You say "slips when starting out" you mean when you're taking off? Usually if a clutch is going to slip it will do it in the high gears first 5th-6th long before the low gears.Here is something else to think about, bear with me. Put the bike in third gear let the clutch out about half way. Is the handle moving in your hand?

Here is why? http://bakerdrivetrain.com/street-door

A helical cut gearset has a condition known as axial thrust where the transmission shafts push away from each other one of those shafts is your main shaft that the clutch rides on. So if the shaft is moving so is the clutch and possibly disengaging the clutch plates. If your dealer cant find a reason or you run out of options you may want to give the street door a try.

Either way report back with the dealer's findings and we'll go from there.

 

Mark, Soft

Yes, I meant when taking taking off. I'll give your experiment a try.

I'll also check out the clutch cable routing as soft02 suggested.

 

If you are running synthetic oil in your primary, you want to change to a dino oil such as Rotella 15w40. Ride it of a few hundred miles. It will feel different and better. My opinion. Is the clutch basket adjusted correctly or due.

 

Something else to try. I do feel suspicious about the sny3 since the issue seems to be thermally related.

This weekend I'm going to do the tests Mark suggested. Check on the cable routing. Swap out the syn3 for HD formula+.