I just picked up a softail heritage springer and the clutch engagement area is extremely small where it is almost rough shift every time. I have tried to adjust the screw under the derby cover and the inline adjustment with no luck. I am going to change all of the fluids pretty soon, does anybody have any ideas?

 

Nick, what year is your bike and what mods do you know of that have been done to it? If the engine has been modified there may be non-stock parts in the clutch and operating mechanism.

 

it is an 05 springer classic. I know the engine has been modified with the edlebrock rpm kit, not sure what else has been done to it. it is also hard to find neutral and shifts rough when getting into first gear. I just changed all of the fluids in the bike with no change

 

I can't find anything about that kit. If you're having problems getting first and finding neutral it does suggest your clutch is out of adjustment, possibly your primary chain is slack.

 

Nick - when you adjusted the clutch rod, did you back off the cable adjustment first? The cable needs to be totally slack, then you adjust the rod - then the cable.

If adjusting the rod causes the cable to become tight (sometimes happens with aftermarket cables) take the cable end to of the lever and adjust the clutch rod.

If you want more release area, after lightly bottoming the clutch rod, back it out 1/2 turn (no less).

The only thing that might screw you up is if it has an aftermarket release ramp assy but I doubt that's the case unless your lever pull is super light.

 

I will redo the clutch adjustment, I believe I had the cable completely slack but will redo it just to make sure. I will also check the primary chain, I have never done that before but im sure I can find a couple videos to help me out. I will keep you all posted, thank you for the help and advice.

 

When adjusting your primary chain you may find it has a tight spot, which you should check for and use for setting tension. If you set tension at a slack spot it is likely to be too tight at the tight spot! Now would be a jolly good time to get yourself a factory service manual if you don't have one.

 

Make sure the bike is completely cold when you adjust the clutch components

 

I'll have to stop by the stealership and pick one up, I knew I would need one sooner or later.