Clutch Cable Question
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 15
From: Eastern MA
Clutch Cable Question
14 Road King (this model still had clutch cable). Every few years I do the clutch cable adjustment, Open the Derby cover and do the procedure for clutch plate engagement then adjust the free-play with the cable. Loosen the adjuster nut end move the large nut down to allow about 1/8 free-play at the clutch handle. I only have moved the large nut down over the years and I actually went past the end, screwed it back up 2-3 threads and have about 1/8 free play. If I do it again in few years, there may not be enough threads left. Is there a way to remedy this or do I need a new clutch cable?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,709
Likes: 9,209
From: Snow Hill, NC
Not 100% sure but the thickness of the clutch plates have I believe an effect on the amount of travel of the lever of the clutch. Someone more experienced will come along I hope and say if I’m right or wrong. I was led to believe this and it was different when I installed my Barnett clutch on my previous bike. Mine had 90000 miles on the stock plates.
Last edited by Notgrownup; Jun 14, 2025 at 08:01 AM.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 15
From: Eastern MA
Not 100% sure but the thickness of the clutch plates have I believe an effect on the amount of travel of the lever of the clutch. Someone more experienced will come along I hope and say if Im right or wrong. I was led to believe this and it was different when I installed my Barnett clutch on my previous bike. Mine had 90000 miles on the stock plates.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 539
Likes: 284
From: Coldstream B.C. CA.
14 Road King (this model still had clutch cable). Every few years I do the clutch cable adjustment, Open the Derby cover and do the procedure for clutch plate engagement then adjust the free-play with the cable. Loosen the adjuster nut end move the large nut down to allow about 1/8 free-play at the clutch handle. I only have moved the large nut down over the years and I actually went past the end, screwed it back up 2-3 threads and have about 1/8 free play. If I do it again in few years, there may not be enough threads left. Is there a way to remedy this or do I need a new clutch cable?
Here's a screenshot from Barnett clutches website that shows what will fix you up on the spot, "cable spacers". I had apes installed on my 06 electra in 2023 and was also struggling with clutch issues that led me to having to adjust the cable to the extreme end of the adjuster tube. To shorten the story, I discovered these easy to install cable spacers that cost only a few dollars. I would have had to scrap my brand new cable and spend hours to install one that fit properly for my application, this ingenious little item was the perfect answer. I was shocked that none of the shops around here even knew about this fix. Good luck
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Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
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Oct 8, 2005 10:33 AM
