Street Glide Fluid on Clutch Lever
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
same issue here
I have the exact same problem after my 5k service.
I took the bike in last fall for the last clutch recall and they screwed it up where the clutch wouldn't engage until it was almost all the way out which made the bike lunge forward.
I waited until my 5 k service to have them fix it because I don't want to keep going over there every day.
I asked them to fix the lunging problem during my 5k service and they did..Now it squirts out clutch fluid onto my rear view mirror and it is leaking down the clutch cable.
Not sure where it is coming from because it only comes out when I riding.
The bike is a 2014 street glide special. Now I have to take it back to the dealer again for the 4th clutch issue.
I took the bike in last fall for the last clutch recall and they screwed it up where the clutch wouldn't engage until it was almost all the way out which made the bike lunge forward.
I waited until my 5 k service to have them fix it because I don't want to keep going over there every day.
I asked them to fix the lunging problem during my 5k service and they did..Now it squirts out clutch fluid onto my rear view mirror and it is leaking down the clutch cable.
Not sure where it is coming from because it only comes out when I riding.
The bike is a 2014 street glide special. Now I have to take it back to the dealer again for the 4th clutch issue.
Last edited by awidener; Jul 17, 2015 at 08:45 AM. Reason: added bike
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 169
Likes: 30
From: Gulf Harbors/Woodlands, FL
Same problem on my '14 SGS after the clutch recall. Check the Banjo bolt fitting it's probably loose and you don't realize that when you squeeze the clutch lever a little bit of DOT 4 comes out. The concern is it sucking air in. I tightened mine to spec and never had the problem again. Topped up the DOT 4 per the instructions in the owners manual and haven't had the problem again. It seems the dealer either forgot to torque down the banjo bolt or it works itself out over time. I still carry a snubby ratchet and socket in the tool kit just in case. But since torquing down the banjo bolt at the clutch master cylinder, no issue at all.
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
finally fixed
So I had it sent back in for the 3rd trip and ask them to check the plunger seal and thats where the problem was, they installed a new master cylinder and lever ...got it back Friday and have logged about 75 miles with no more leaking. Seems the tech didnt have it set properly when he did the recall.
I also check the banjo screw making sure both copper washers where there before sending back but they where there and good. Thanks for the info
I also check the banjo screw making sure both copper washers where there before sending back but they where there and good. Thanks for the info
Stage II
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Bay
I have a '14 FLHXS. I have had both recalls performed. I have had mine in to my local dealer 3 times for leaking clutch and front master cylinders. I even called H-D up in Milwaukee. Seems to be particularly bad in warm/humid climates. My dealer says they have replaced the caps and gaskets the last 2 times. I just took the caps off because they were both leaking again. I cleaned the caps and gaskets with Dawn dish soap. They are literally squeaky clean. From what I understand, the caps, gaskets and reservoirs need to be completely clean and dry to get a good seal with very little (6 in-lbs.) torque on the screws.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 267
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
That's normal, they all do that - apparently!
Mine is on the recall list, too, but I just pump it up 3-4 times after it stands for a few days and all's well. It doesn't leak and I like the engage/release points just as they are.
Screw the recall and letting some ham-fisted "tech" mess with my bike!
Mine is on the recall list, too, but I just pump it up 3-4 times after it stands for a few days and all's well. It doesn't leak and I like the engage/release points just as they are.
Screw the recall and letting some ham-fisted "tech" mess with my bike!
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 699
Likes: 13
From: Northeast
Mine had some small dots of fluid around the gasket too after having the clutch recall done. Rather than the hassle of taking it back to the dealer, its a simple fix to do yourself. I've done it this way on previous bikes.
-Pull the reservoir cover
-Clean the top and bottom of the gasket until its dry. I use an old piece of t-shirt.
-Make sure the edge of the master cylinder reservoir where the gasket goes is completely dry
-Carefully put all groves of the gasket back onto the cover.
-Lightly screw the cover back on to the master cylinder reservoir. 12 in-lbs max. Too tight and you will deform the gasket and it will eventually leak again.
-Clean outside of master cylinder reservoir with dish soap to remove any trace of fluid and prevent blistering of paint.
-Pull the reservoir cover
-Clean the top and bottom of the gasket until its dry. I use an old piece of t-shirt.
-Make sure the edge of the master cylinder reservoir where the gasket goes is completely dry
-Carefully put all groves of the gasket back onto the cover.
-Lightly screw the cover back on to the master cylinder reservoir. 12 in-lbs max. Too tight and you will deform the gasket and it will eventually leak again.
-Clean outside of master cylinder reservoir with dish soap to remove any trace of fluid and prevent blistering of paint.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 123
Likes: 34
From: Florida
Mine was fine until the clutch recall was performed. Just noticed 3 days ago, fluid on side mirror, fluid on clutch lever, fluid weeping out around the master cylinder rubber seal on the handle bars. Looks like it will be going in to get it fixed. They are going to replace the whole damn thing...not getting stuck with paint peeling off the reservoir.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
No not all, the rushmore Street Glides have a cable clutch. The Specials have a hyd clutch.