Clutch Adjustment Question
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Clutch Adjustment Question
I bought a 2007 Wide Glide a couple of months back, and it's my first Harley. So now I have what I expect is an elementary question about my clutch adjustment.
When I have the clutch lever squeezed and release it to engage the clutch, it doesn't engage until the lever is released almost all the way. Then, when I have it in gear (moving) and start to squeeze the clutch lever, it doesn't move far before the clutch disengages. Is this normal or does my clutch need to be adjusted? I can't feel any slippage when the lever is released (clutch engaged).
The freeplay where the cable connects to the lever bracket does seem a little tight, so I will adjust this, but I doubt it will change much.
I bought a service manual and the clutch adjustment doesn't look difficult at all, but I thought I'd ask you guys before I remove the clutch inspection cover and mess with anything.
When I have the clutch lever squeezed and release it to engage the clutch, it doesn't engage until the lever is released almost all the way. Then, when I have it in gear (moving) and start to squeeze the clutch lever, it doesn't move far before the clutch disengages. Is this normal or does my clutch need to be adjusted? I can't feel any slippage when the lever is released (clutch engaged).
The freeplay where the cable connects to the lever bracket does seem a little tight, so I will adjust this, but I doubt it will change much.
I bought a service manual and the clutch adjustment doesn't look difficult at all, but I thought I'd ask you guys before I remove the clutch inspection cover and mess with anything.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 4
From: Newtown, PA
Clutch Adjustment - Expertvillage.com videos
Here are two excellent online videos (free) from Expertvillage.Com:
1) adjust clutch pack: http://www.expertvillage.com/video/1...clutch-one.htm
2) adjust clutch cable: http://www.expertvillage.com/video/1...clutch-two.htm
Use in conjunction with your Service Manual.
1) adjust clutch pack: http://www.expertvillage.com/video/1...clutch-one.htm
2) adjust clutch cable: http://www.expertvillage.com/video/1...clutch-two.htm
Use in conjunction with your Service Manual.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 3
From: Palm Beach
I bought a 2007 Wide Glide a couple of months back, and it's my first Harley. So now I have what I expect is an elementary question about my clutch adjustment.
When I have the clutch lever squeezed and release it to engage the clutch, it doesn't engage until the lever is released almost all the way. Then, when I have it in gear (moving) and start to squeeze the clutch lever, it doesn't move far before the clutch disengages. Is this normal or does my clutch need to be adjusted? I can't feel any slippage when the lever is released (clutch engaged).
The freeplay where the cable connects to the lever bracket does seem a little tight, so I will adjust this, but I doubt it will change much.
I bought a service manual and the clutch adjustment doesn't look difficult at all, but I thought I'd ask you guys before I remove the clutch inspection cover and mess with anything.
When I have the clutch lever squeezed and release it to engage the clutch, it doesn't engage until the lever is released almost all the way. Then, when I have it in gear (moving) and start to squeeze the clutch lever, it doesn't move far before the clutch disengages. Is this normal or does my clutch need to be adjusted? I can't feel any slippage when the lever is released (clutch engaged).
The freeplay where the cable connects to the lever bracket does seem a little tight, so I will adjust this, but I doubt it will change much.
I bought a service manual and the clutch adjustment doesn't look difficult at all, but I thought I'd ask you guys before I remove the clutch inspection cover and mess with anything.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Thanks guys. I'll try the cable, but I doubt that's going to do it. So I plan to pick up a new gasket for the cover and adjust the clutch and see where that leaves me. It will probably be tomorrow before I get to it.
The adjustment looks to be a simple exercise and I can't see how it could do any harm. But I can't tell you many times my 30 minute jobs get more complicated
The adjustment looks to be a simple exercise and I can't see how it could do any harm. But I can't tell you many times my 30 minute jobs get more complicated
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: fallbrook, socal
the manual is pretty clear on it - not really any guess work - back the cable off until a bunch of play(which sounds like you might have now?!?!), then adjust the basket - and then final adjust the cable - good luck!
also - ive had my derby cover on and off I cant remeber how many times, and ive never replaced the gasket - IMO itll be a while before you need that new gasket, but cant hurt if you wanna spend the dime
also - ive had my derby cover on and off I cant remeber how many times, and ive never replaced the gasket - IMO itll be a while before you need that new gasket, but cant hurt if you wanna spend the dime