Hyd vs cable clutch
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 756
Likes: 133
From: Connecticut
Funny thing is that my GFs new Heritage has a lighter feeling cable clutch on her 21 than the new SGS. Cant figure THAT one out lol!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,062
Likes: 1,821
From: Kalifornia
I tried several 21s with the cable including 2 CVOs. Without question the cable is a much heavier pull than my 2020 and if you have to pull the lever all the way to the bar, that will suck.
The correct way to use a hydro is with 2 or 3 fingers on the grip and then use 1 or 2 to activate. You will immediately notice a much better feel, smoother engagement, a more useful friction zone etc. If you are pulling it to the bar you are using it wrong. The MSF needs to update their training. Even FINE-C is outdated, no petcocks to turn on and no choke on any modern street bike. They need to teach proper technique and shame on Harley for not telling riders that one of the advantages of hydro is you don't have to pull all the way to the bar, but use your most sensitive finger or fingers for actuation.
We have been using them for racing for the last 10 years. There is no way I will ever go back to a scratchy, inconsistent, canyon wide, useless for precision friction zone that requires constant adjustment during a 2 hour race, and worse makes you take all your fingers off the grip to use, let one an all day ride. There is a reason no modern bikes of consequence use them anymore.
If you are going to make people deal with outdated tech like that at least give them and adjuster wheel by the lever so they can take up the fade during a ride. Lol.
An adjustable lever or a new slave are cheaper than a good helmet if you have smaller hands or less strength.
Good thing I have a 2020 because I will NEVER buy a new street bike with a cable clutch, carb, kick start, points, tubed tires, non abs or traction control, cruise control, drum brakes or chain ever again.
The correct way to use a hydro is with 2 or 3 fingers on the grip and then use 1 or 2 to activate. You will immediately notice a much better feel, smoother engagement, a more useful friction zone etc. If you are pulling it to the bar you are using it wrong. The MSF needs to update their training. Even FINE-C is outdated, no petcocks to turn on and no choke on any modern street bike. They need to teach proper technique and shame on Harley for not telling riders that one of the advantages of hydro is you don't have to pull all the way to the bar, but use your most sensitive finger or fingers for actuation.
We have been using them for racing for the last 10 years. There is no way I will ever go back to a scratchy, inconsistent, canyon wide, useless for precision friction zone that requires constant adjustment during a 2 hour race, and worse makes you take all your fingers off the grip to use, let one an all day ride. There is a reason no modern bikes of consequence use them anymore.
If you are going to make people deal with outdated tech like that at least give them and adjuster wheel by the lever so they can take up the fade during a ride. Lol.
An adjustable lever or a new slave are cheaper than a good helmet if you have smaller hands or less strength.
Good thing I have a 2020 because I will NEVER buy a new street bike with a cable clutch, carb, kick start, points, tubed tires, non abs or traction control, cruise control, drum brakes or chain ever again.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,062
Likes: 1,821
From: Kalifornia
Has anyone here used the SoftBrake replacement levers, with OEM hydraulics? I know replacement levers were recommended early on in this thread, but do not remember if these were. I don't like the look of the adjustable lever, and kinds leery of em actually. The SoftBrake look like a decent alternative.
Would cost less than half what the new slave cyl would, a d a lot less to install. Am kinda leaning in that direction now.
Would cost less than half what the new slave cyl would, a d a lot less to install. Am kinda leaning in that direction now.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6,088
Likes: 6,447
From: East TN
I was down at SMHD on Saturday and tried out the cable clutch on a 2021 CVO Street Glide and a 2021 Limited. To me, it took about the same amount of strength to pull the clutch lever in as it does on the M8 hydraulic clutch.
But again, Harley made the change backward as a money saving reason. That's it.
But again, Harley made the change backward as a money saving reason. That's it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,356
Likes: 1,597
From: U.S
Has anyone here used the SoftBrake replacement levers, with OEM hydraulics? I know replacement levers were recommended early on in this thread, but do not remember if these were. I don't like the look of the adjustable lever, and kinds leery of em actually. The SoftBrake look like a decent alternative.
Would cost less than half what the new slave cyl would, a d a lot less to install. Am kinda leaning in that direction now.
Would cost less than half what the new slave cyl would, a d a lot less to install. Am kinda leaning in that direction now.
Yes I have the SoftBrake clutch lever on the Road Glide, last weekend completed the Ride Like a Pro class in Tucson, 4 hours of friction zone riding, there was one no-show in the class so we only had three riders, that much more time actually riding, my hand did not get tired at all.
I would recommend you try the SoftBrake clutch lever.
As soon as I get my BidenBucks I'm going to order the SoftBrake foot pedal also.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,062
Likes: 1,821
From: Kalifornia
LOL Dave, I can get myself in enough trouble with a stage 1 103", so this old coot will never numbers like those, but I get the point.
BouseBill
Thanks for the feedback, and for all that have contributed. I think I will try the softbrake levers, clutch and brake. My fingers are short enough, it would be a challenge for me to hit the PTT button on the CB (if it had one) and not have to jocky the throttle. With stubby fingers, and arthritis in them, it can ve a trick to hit the right turn signal sometimes, especially with gloves on.
Luckily I am not alone and some folks have come up with solutions.
I will report back on the levers, and my impressions.
BouseBill
Thanks for the feedback, and for all that have contributed. I think I will try the softbrake levers, clutch and brake. My fingers are short enough, it would be a challenge for me to hit the PTT button on the CB (if it had one) and not have to jocky the throttle. With stubby fingers, and arthritis in them, it can ve a trick to hit the right turn signal sometimes, especially with gloves on.
Luckily I am not alone and some folks have come up with solutions.
I will report back on the levers, and my impressions.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,062
Likes: 1,821
From: Kalifornia
I ordered the brake lever and clutch lever. They call it a exchange. After the order, they sent me an email, emphasizing the oem one needs to be perfect, or you pay a $45 core charge. The levers are not worth $90 each, to me, so I replied I will check mine when I get home Fri. If they are not perfect, I will call them and cancel.
Anyway, thats where I am for now.
Anyway, thats where I am for now.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 756
Likes: 133
From: Connecticut
Good luck with the levers Handi, it sounds crazy to the younger guys here, but as we get older these levers AIN’T as easy as they used to be lol! Between all of the injuries and the arthritis some days I have to think twice about riding at all...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,062
Likes: 1,821
From: Kalifornia
Firenailer, thanks.
lp
I assume you went back to stock levers when you installed the AIM? Their web site says the levers do not work with AIM or Rekluse hydraulics. I can only assume thats because the reduced travel of the lever?
lp
I assume you went back to stock levers when you installed the AIM? Their web site says the levers do not work with AIM or Rekluse hydraulics. I can only assume thats because the reduced travel of the lever?