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  #1  
Old 05-24-2005, 07:11 PM
barrynfla barrynfla is offline
 
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Default Clutch Question

Howdy, y'all. First, let me say that I'm not a Harley owner. I ride a Kawasaki 1600 Classic. However, this question is NOT for me. I work with a lady who has an '00 Night Train that her late hubby rode. She took the MSF course and wants to ride it. She can flatfoot it so that's not a problem. However, she just isn't strong enough to pull the clutch in. I know Harley clutches are stiff but is there ANY way she can get the clutch any softer and easier to use??? Any help would be appreciated.

TIA and ride safe,

Barry
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  #2  
Old 05-24-2005, 08:16 PM
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pococj pococj is offline
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Default RE: Clutch Question

Here are several ways to reduce the clutch pull.

One device goes inside the transmission side cover on the right side where the clutch cable goes in. It replaces a piece of the ball-and-ramp assembly with a slightly longer piece to give more leverage. Aesthetically it is the most pleasing, and is also the simplest choice.

Another device replaces the clutch lever mount, etc. It has some gears that are arranged to reduce the pull.

A third solution is to replace install a hydraulic clutch setup, available from HD for ~ $700 or so. There are also aftermarket hydraulics available for a bit less, especially with some judicious shopping.

Or you could install a V-Twin rocker clutch and hand shift kit. Or a suicide clutch and jockey shift. And someone makes a hydraulic suicide clutch and hand shift kit.

The first method above is probably the best overall for your friend's purpose. The piece is generally available at an HD dealer, or from any aftermarket catalog outfit.
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  #3  
Old 05-24-2005, 08:31 PM
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Terry1955 Terry1955 is offline
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Default RE: Clutch Question

Barry,

Your friend is in luck. Harley sells a hydrolic clutch that is much easier to pull. A little pricy but worth it. Someone on this forum will inform you of another option to decrease the pressure on the clutch lever. I have no knowledge of that item except that the person is trustworthy and it could probably save her a lot of money. Either way, her clutch will be much lighter.

Terry

P.S. Hang around us and you'll be ordering a Harley before you know it.
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  #4  
Old 05-24-2005, 10:24 PM
barrynfla barrynfla is offline
 
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Default RE: Clutch Question

Thanks, Skip and Terry. I'll pass this info on to her. And Terry, I never say I'll never do something so ya never know!
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  #5  
Old 05-24-2005, 10:25 PM
DannyDFXWG DannyDFXWG is offline
 
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Default RE: Clutch Question

Another option for your lady friend is a White Bros. 'Easyboy' Lite Clutch. You can get it through Custom Chrome for about $30. I work in a motorcycle shop and the mechanic i work for recommends this clutch to all customers with the same problem.
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  #6  
Old 05-24-2005, 11:04 PM
barrynfla barrynfla is offline
 
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Default RE: Clutch Question

Thanks, Danny. It sounds a lot like the first method Skip mentioned. I'll pass the word to my friend.

Barry
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  #7  
Old 05-25-2005, 01:18 AM
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John TN John TN is offline
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Default RE: Clutch Question

Yes it's the first method Skip refers to and IMHO the cheapest and best over the Hydraulic. That's what I run and it's smooth and easy, also, be sure to lube the clutch cable as well, as this adds friction if the cable is dry and not lubed properly.

John TN
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  #8  
Old 05-25-2005, 07:23 AM
barrynfla barrynfla is offline
 
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Default RE: Clutch Question

Thanks a lot, John. I'll be giving her this info. I would be happy to do the work for her but, unfortunately, I have a pretty good tool collection but, as you would expect, it's all metric. She likes her dealer, though, and will probably have them do it. Hey, maybe I can ride the Train to the dealer for her! That would be sweet! [sm=goodidea.gif] She knows she'll pay more but that doesn't seem to bother her too much.

Ride safe, bro

Barry
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