non-recall SGS having clutch issues
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio
non-recall SGS having clutch issues
Hey everyone,
Yep. I'm new here. But been riding Harley's since 2005.
Have a SGS with 398 miles on it (bought it with 2 just a very short time ago).
First week, clutch goes out and I take it into the dealer. Not a recalled bike based on my VIN. They bleed the line and it works fine. Next week as I start the bike, no clutch at all. Have it hauled to the dealer and still not on the recall list.
Now waiting on the "backordered" parts.
My question: my bike isn't on the recall. Is this a bigger issue that still hasn't been fixed?
I'm confident they'll fix mine as soon as the backordered parts arrive, but maybe other 2015 owners not on the recall should be extra careful starting their bikes.
Yep. I'm new here. But been riding Harley's since 2005.
Have a SGS with 398 miles on it (bought it with 2 just a very short time ago).
First week, clutch goes out and I take it into the dealer. Not a recalled bike based on my VIN. They bleed the line and it works fine. Next week as I start the bike, no clutch at all. Have it hauled to the dealer and still not on the recall list.
Now waiting on the "backordered" parts.
My question: my bike isn't on the recall. Is this a bigger issue that still hasn't been fixed?
I'm confident they'll fix mine as soon as the backordered parts arrive, but maybe other 2015 owners not on the recall should be extra careful starting their bikes.
My confidence level is this:
If it is at Cowboys Alamo City HD or Javelina HD, I have no confidence.
Caliente HD or Gruene HD, it will likely be fixed correctly...
Howzzat for an answer?
If it is at Cowboys Alamo City HD or Javelina HD, I have no confidence.
Caliente HD or Gruene HD, it will likely be fixed correctly...
Howzzat for an answer?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 267
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
Hey everyone,
Yep. I'm new here. But been riding Harley's since 2005.
Have a SGS with 398 miles on it (bought it with 2 just a very short time ago).
First week, clutch goes out and I take it into the dealer. Not a recalled bike based on my VIN. They bleed the line and it works fine. Next week as I start the bike, no clutch at all. Have it hauled to the dealer and still not on the recall list.
Now waiting on the "backordered" parts.
My question: my bike isn't on the recall. Is this a bigger issue that still hasn't been fixed?
I'm confident they'll fix mine as soon as the backordered parts arrive, but maybe other 2015 owners not on the recall should be extra careful starting their bikes.
Yep. I'm new here. But been riding Harley's since 2005.
Have a SGS with 398 miles on it (bought it with 2 just a very short time ago).
First week, clutch goes out and I take it into the dealer. Not a recalled bike based on my VIN. They bleed the line and it works fine. Next week as I start the bike, no clutch at all. Have it hauled to the dealer and still not on the recall list.
Now waiting on the "backordered" parts.
My question: my bike isn't on the recall. Is this a bigger issue that still hasn't been fixed?
I'm confident they'll fix mine as soon as the backordered parts arrive, but maybe other 2015 owners not on the recall should be extra careful starting their bikes.
The basic problem seems to be that the MOCO is not capable of designing a hydraulic clutch that works.
One of the brain-dead service writers I talked to said that "you're 'supposed' to pump the clutch 3 times before starting the bike the first time every day". Musta missed that when I read the owner's manual! I mentioned that I've never had to do that with any other hydraulic clutch system I've ever had and just got that vacant, thousand-yard-stare.
I just do that now and press on. Seems to be the only way to make these things work like every other hydraulic clutch on earth is expected to.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,452
Likes: 23
From: Michigan
Yeah, same here with my '15 Limited.
The basic problem seems to be that the MOCO is not capable of designing a hydraulic clutch that works.
One of the brain-dead service writers I talked to said that "you're 'supposed' to pump the clutch 3 times before starting the bike the first time every day". Musta missed that when I read the owner's manual! I mentioned that I've never had to do that with any other hydraulic clutch system I've ever had and just got that vacant, thousand-yard-stare.
I just do that now and press on. Seems to be the only way to make these things work like every other hydraulic clutch on earth is expected to.
The basic problem seems to be that the MOCO is not capable of designing a hydraulic clutch that works.
One of the brain-dead service writers I talked to said that "you're 'supposed' to pump the clutch 3 times before starting the bike the first time every day". Musta missed that when I read the owner's manual! I mentioned that I've never had to do that with any other hydraulic clutch system I've ever had and just got that vacant, thousand-yard-stare.
I just do that now and press on. Seems to be the only way to make these things work like every other hydraulic clutch on earth is expected to.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle, Ohio
Clutch Leaking
2014 Limited with about 2600 miles. Took her in for both clutch recalls, the last recall was just in May 2015. The clutch always worked fine before and after the recalls. Last week the master cylinder sprays brake fluid all over my arm and down my left leg. Its leaking around the plunger seal, not the lid or the banjo bolt. Fluid is black and looks to contain metal. I quickly cleaned the fluid off the tank and it appears it wasn't on the paint long enough to do any damage. Called the dealer and had them come pick it up. Its now a week later and they haven't even looked at the bike. 
Not sure why Harley can't get this simple master cylinder right. I had a 2002 KTM with a juice clutch for over ten years and never had one issue. That was a dirt bike that got beat through the woods and mud for thousands of miles. KTMs are made in Austria, I wonder where HD sourced our master cylinders.
Not sure why Harley can't get this simple master cylinder right. I had a 2002 KTM with a juice clutch for over ten years and never had one issue. That was a dirt bike that got beat through the woods and mud for thousands of miles. KTMs are made in Austria, I wonder where HD sourced our master cylinders.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 267
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
Actually, if I just pump it a couple of times every day or two when I'm not riding it daily, it's always fine.
I've never found it anywhere near not working at all like it did after sitting for a week and when I started it up and put it into 1st. the clutch was fully engaged. The engine stopped immediately and the bike jumped forward. After that, I gave it about 20 pumps and it was back to normal and worked fine.
Later, I checked the VIN for the clutch recall & it wasn't on the list.
When I do pump it a couple of times, I first check the free travel of the lever and it's always been normal, as in very little to none, but I give it a couple of pumps anyway.
Last edited by jpooch00; Aug 11, 2015 at 08:43 PM.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 48
Likes: 3
From: Texas
Hey everyone,
Yep. I'm new here. But been riding Harley's since 2005.
Have a SGS with 398 miles on it (bought it with 2 just a very short time ago).
First week, clutch goes out and I take it into the dealer. Not a recalled bike based on my VIN. They bleed the line and it works fine. Next week as I start the bike, no clutch at all. Have it hauled to the dealer and still not on the recall list.
Now waiting on the "backordered" parts.
My question: my bike isn't on the recall. Is this a bigger issue that still hasn't been fixed?
I'm confident they'll fix mine as soon as the backordered parts arrive, but maybe other 2015 owners not on the recall should be extra careful starting their bikes.
Yep. I'm new here. But been riding Harley's since 2005.
Have a SGS with 398 miles on it (bought it with 2 just a very short time ago).
First week, clutch goes out and I take it into the dealer. Not a recalled bike based on my VIN. They bleed the line and it works fine. Next week as I start the bike, no clutch at all. Have it hauled to the dealer and still not on the recall list.
Now waiting on the "backordered" parts.
My question: my bike isn't on the recall. Is this a bigger issue that still hasn't been fixed?
I'm confident they'll fix mine as soon as the backordered parts arrive, but maybe other 2015 owners not on the recall should be extra careful starting their bikes.
I have been in your exact same position. 5 weeks into ownership of my 15' SGS and after a 3-4 day stretch of not riding, no clutch. The bike did not reveal any recalls per vin but dealer treated it as though it did since the symptoms were identical. After waiting on "back ordered" parts to arrive and then be installed bike has not shown any clutch hiccups since. There is hope.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 267
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
I have been in your exact same position. 5 weeks into ownership of my 15' SGS and after a 3-4 day stretch of not riding, no clutch. The bike did not reveal any recalls per vin but dealer treated it as though it did since the symptoms were identical. After waiting on "back ordered" parts to arrive and then be installed bike has not shown any clutch hiccups since. There is hope.
I'll probably put a kit in mine this winter when I'm bored and it's too cold to ride.
Thanks,
JP
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio
As an update, the backlog is apparently pretty bad. Looking at the part numbers in the replacement kit, the dealer said they can take the parts out of several other kits and cut the wait down. Waiting on the mother ship approval for this.
Interestingly, another 2015 not on the recall list is in the shop for the same problem. I think they'll be expanding the recall very soon. At least they should.
Interestingly, another 2015 not on the recall list is in the shop for the same problem. I think they'll be expanding the recall very soon. At least they should.