clutch rod adjustment
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 50
From: South Park, CO
clutch rod adjustment
I've been reading my manual and the internet on adjusting the clutch rod. The procedures are leaving me a little confused. First off, the standard way to adjust (as I understand it) is as follows:
1) thread cable adjuster full in
2) back off clutch rod
3) extend clutch rod feeling it touch
4) repeat 2 & 3 a couple of times
5) back rod off 1/2-1 turn from touch and lock it down
6) thread cable adjuster back out until 1/16 cable slack.
The easy way is described as:
1) thread cable adjuster full in
2) pull clutch lever back to grip
3) back off clutch rod
4) extend clutch rod feeling it touch
5) repeat 3 & 4 a couple of times
6) back rod off 1/2-1 turn from touch and lock it down
7) thread cable adjuster back out until 1/16 cable slack.
What confuses me is that the two methods are so different (lever closed versus lever full open). Which method should I follow or does it matter?
1) thread cable adjuster full in
2) back off clutch rod
3) extend clutch rod feeling it touch
4) repeat 2 & 3 a couple of times
5) back rod off 1/2-1 turn from touch and lock it down
6) thread cable adjuster back out until 1/16 cable slack.
The easy way is described as:
1) thread cable adjuster full in
2) pull clutch lever back to grip
3) back off clutch rod
4) extend clutch rod feeling it touch
5) repeat 3 & 4 a couple of times
6) back rod off 1/2-1 turn from touch and lock it down
7) thread cable adjuster back out until 1/16 cable slack.
What confuses me is that the two methods are so different (lever closed versus lever full open). Which method should I follow or does it matter?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
RE: clutch rod adjustment
Actually the second method that you posted is closest to the procedure that I use. Remember that it is supposed to be adjusted 'at room temperature' not just after running all over the country.
Oh...I use an allen wrench to set the cable endplay. Makes for a good Hack gage.
Oh...I use an allen wrench to set the cable endplay. Makes for a good Hack gage.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 8
From: Minneapolis Area, MN
RE: clutch rod adjustment
Is there a difference between the two?
In either one, aren't you adjusting the clutch rod the same as long as the cable is slack? Whether the lever is released or pulled wouldn't change anything...would it?
In either one, aren't you adjusting the clutch rod the same as long as the cable is slack? Whether the lever is released or pulled wouldn't change anything...would it?
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 50
From: South Park, CO
RE: clutch rod adjustment
Yeah there is a difference. There are two adjusters for the clutch; the rod and the cable. Each adjuster has range of adjustment and the lever position determines how much of the rod or cable range of adjustment gets used. Do it by the simple method, and you almost run out of cable adjustment. Do it by the book, and you use a lot of the threaded rod. I just don't know if one is preferred over the other.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 50
From: South Park, CO
RE: clutch rod adjustment
Here on this website in the DIY section.
https://www.hdforums.com/m_70839/tm.htm
I've now tried it both ways and I think I'm going to stick with the "by the book" method. I don't think it really makes a difference which method you use but I don't see how the "simple" method is any easier- just different.
https://www.hdforums.com/m_70839/tm.htm
I've now tried it both ways and I think I'm going to stick with the "by the book" method. I don't think it really makes a difference which method you use but I don't see how the "simple" method is any easier- just different.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 8
From: Minneapolis Area, MN
RE: clutch rod adjustment
Thanks for the link. I glanced through some of the DIY stuff but there's so much there.
I can see where doing it the "easy way" for a while you'll get "the feel" for where the clutch will start to engage or disengage. I'll give it a go the next time I adjust mine.
I can see where doing it the "easy way" for a while you'll get "the feel" for where the clutch will start to engage or disengage. I'll give it a go the next time I adjust mine.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Richmond BC.
RE: clutch rod adjustment
Both are really the same the reason you pullthe lever in is sometimes when you back off the cable adjuster it will pop out and the cable isn't backed off all the way pulling the lever in just makes sure the cable is free before you adjust the rod. Just make sure when you adjust the rod there is free play as sometimes when you tighten the lock nut the adjuster will turn back in, you need the free play in the rod as when it all heats up the free play will be used up. The cable is adjusted last so the Clutch actuator has the correct range of motion.