Need some clutch help
FXD2003Rider
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 1
From: Cornwall UK
I just put on some 16" apes, new hand controls, and a new Barnett clutch cable. I followed my Clymer manual to the letter in removing the side plate behind the exhaust, removing that clamp ring, the roller bearings are in their groves, the opening of that clip ring is positioned according to spec, etc, etc...
Then removed that derby cover on the primary side, adjusting the locknut and pushrod according to spec. I then made my inline cable adjustments on the cable making sure I had 1/16" of play. Filled the trans with 22 oz. of fluid.
The clutch lever action "feels" good at a standstill. Smooth tension, no binding, and it seems to be working right.
Here's the problem: Without starting the bike, If I put it in first gear with the clutch pulled, I can't roll the bike. It doesn't feel like the clutch is fully disengaging. I try to adjust it one way it is too "tight" and the lever will not pull in all the way, I adjust the other way, and it feels like there is too much slack in the cable.
I've taken everything bake apart, reinstalled it all again according to the manual and according to a few how-to videos on youtube.
It still can't roll it in gear with the clutch pulled.
Am I missing something here? I'm afraid to start it and try shifting since I don't wanna damage my trans.
Any guidance, experience, or thoughts would be much appreciated.
Then removed that derby cover on the primary side, adjusting the locknut and pushrod according to spec. I then made my inline cable adjustments on the cable making sure I had 1/16" of play. Filled the trans with 22 oz. of fluid.
The clutch lever action "feels" good at a standstill. Smooth tension, no binding, and it seems to be working right.
Here's the problem: Without starting the bike, If I put it in first gear with the clutch pulled, I can't roll the bike. It doesn't feel like the clutch is fully disengaging. I try to adjust it one way it is too "tight" and the lever will not pull in all the way, I adjust the other way, and it feels like there is too much slack in the cable.
I've taken everything bake apart, reinstalled it all again according to the manual and according to a few how-to videos on youtube.
It still can't roll it in gear with the clutch pulled.
Am I missing something here? I'm afraid to start it and try shifting since I don't wanna damage my trans.
Any guidance, experience, or thoughts would be much appreciated.
Club Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,815
Likes: 16
From: Virginia
Yep the first time I adjusted my clutch I noticed if I had it in gear with the clutch pulled in that it wouldn't roll easy and if I tried to start it in gear with the clutch pulled it would lurch forward. I sat there for hours playing with the clutch adjustment until I finally found out this was normal for the bike. I felt like a fool haha
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 0
From: Carroll County, Maryland
Yep. Everything is cool. The first start, when I put it in gear, had a good loud "clunk" and a little lurch. But then as everyone said, it all fell into place.
Shifting smooth. Thanks all. Now I just gotta post some new pics with the apes.
Shifting smooth. Thanks all. Now I just gotta post some new pics with the apes.
FXD2003Rider
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