Is it necessary to drain the fluid to remove the cover and replace a clutch cable on a '97 Road King? It's my first time dealing with it on this bike and wasn't sure how far down the fluidity sat.

 

<p>You're gonna lose a bit. Have some handy.Probably easier to drain it.</p>

 

It's possible. I've found its easier to drain it in a clean container and put it back in if its still clean fluid and you don't want to waste it.

 

Put the front and rear tires up on a 2x4 and leave the bike on the jiffy stand and you won't lose much if any fluid.

 

"Put the front and rear tires up on a 2x4 and leave the bike on the jiffy stand and you won't lose much if any fluid." Yup, what he said. I use a length of 2 X 6 and roll her up on that, lean her over on the jiffy and no fluid loss. Easy peasy...

 

Thank you

 

Just drain it. Probably could use a change anyway. Much less mess and don't have to worry about possibly dropping the bike trying to get it up on a 2X4.

 

+1 for running the wheels up on a 2x6. I run both wheels up very little fluid loss.

 

Drain it, like said earlier. It's probably do anyway.

 

Maybe I am missing something but when I change a clutch cable I have to drain the trans, remove the side cover to screw in the cable and attach the end to the cam. Clutch cable at least 60.00..... quart of oil 10 or less ?? Why take the chance of making a mess, or dropping the bike for 10 dollars ??

OK now if you are on the side of the road and are doing this and you only have a new cable and not a quart of oil well then ok...

For me, I change all 3 at 5000 and if I needed to service the trans or primary I would use new oil..... cheap insurance, maybe overkill but can't hurt.

Be Safe JIM