FatBob clutch question
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Wisconsin
FatBob clutch question
Im trying to get an idea about my bike. Its a 2009 FatBob with around 12000 miles. The problem is when its in neutral with clutch out I try to roll it around cant get it to move, it feels like its in gear. When I hold the clutch in it rolls around fine. Ive checked the play in the clutch cable and that is fine. I did notice that the clutch lever is almost all the way released before it starts to engage and move the bike. It was only ridden about 10 miles last year, new Street Glide was ridden instead. Fluids all changed last year also and are at correct levels this year still.
Anyone ideas what could cause the bike not to roll when in neutral?
Anyone ideas what could cause the bike not to roll when in neutral?
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Joined: May 2015
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From: waterford mi
sounds to me that it is not in neutral sit on bike rock the bike back and forth clutch lever released find first gear when you are positive you have found it lever out click into neutral should role free if it does not you can not be in neutral if you have to pull in clutch to make it roll
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Wisconsin
Yeah thats what I was thinking tonight too but I dont think I would make that mistake, with the neutral light and all. Ive been working 11.5 hours tonight so I may just be thinking crazy too. Its something I will check when I get home though.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
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From: Galt's Gulch - MI
Im trying to get an idea about my bike. Its a 2009 FatBob with around 12000 miles. The problem is when its in neutral with clutch out I try to roll it around cant get it to move, it feels like its in gear. When I hold the clutch in it rolls around fine. Ive checked the play in the clutch cable and that is fine. I did notice that the clutch lever is almost all the way released before it starts to engage and move the bike. It was only ridden about 10 miles last year, new Street Glide was ridden instead. Fluids all changed last year also and are at correct levels this year still.
Anyone ideas what could cause the bike not to roll when in neutral?
Anyone ideas what could cause the bike not to roll when in neutral?
You might also want to consider adjusting the clutch pack, the friction zone can be moved by the adjustment of the clutch pushrod, the pushrod screw adjusts the point at which the cable begins to pull the clutch out of engagement.
The service manual calls for 1/2 to 1 turn counter clockwise from light seat of the pushrod. A 1/8 to 1/4 turn of the adjusting screw reduces your friction zone and the clutch lever is almost all the way out from the grip before the clutch engages, a 1/2 turn is fine for most riders and with a 3/4 to 1 full turn the clutch lever releases close to the grip. I run a near 1 turn counter clockwise out from light seat as I practice slow speed drills and want the friction zone closer to the grip but over one turn and I don't have complete separation of the discs.
Road Master
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 846
Likes: 8
From: Yuba City, California
You might also want to consider adjusting the clutch pack, the friction zone can be moved by the adjustment of the clutch pushrod, the pushrod screw adjusts the point at which the cable begins to pull the clutch out of engagement.
The service manual calls for 1/2 to 1 turn counter clockwise from light seat of the pushrod. A 1/8 to 1/4 turn of the adjusting screw reduces your friction zone and the clutch lever is almost all the way out from the grip before the clutch engages, a 1/2 turn is fine for most riders and with a 3/4 to 1 full turn the clutch lever releases close to the grip. I run a near 1 turn counter clockwise out from light seat as I practice slow speed drills and want the friction zone closer to the grip but over one turn and I don't have complete separation of the discs.
The service manual calls for 1/2 to 1 turn counter clockwise from light seat of the pushrod. A 1/8 to 1/4 turn of the adjusting screw reduces your friction zone and the clutch lever is almost all the way out from the grip before the clutch engages, a 1/2 turn is fine for most riders and with a 3/4 to 1 full turn the clutch lever releases close to the grip. I run a near 1 turn counter clockwise out from light seat as I practice slow speed drills and want the friction zone closer to the grip but over one turn and I don't have complete separation of the discs.
Novice
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 22
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From: waterford mi
if the bike is truly in neutral the clutch will play no part in being able to move the forward or backwards something is wrong some where you need to separate the three systems you are working with you have a power source -crankshaft - transmission-and the link between the two which is your clutch in neutral clutch should play no part in your ability to move the bike you could have the clutch in your back pocket bike should role if in neutral
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: Wisconsin
I just googled adjusting the clutch pack and think I will start with that. We will see how that goes. Thanks everyone
Last edited by jeli; Jun 7, 2015 at 05:39 AM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Detroit
Like Chuck said, the clutch will play no part if the bike is truly in neutral. In neutral, the clutch is not connected to the rear wheel, so it won't make any difference whether the clutch is engaged or disengaged when you to try to roll the bike in neutral, if the transmission is working properly.
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