85 FXRS clutch problem
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1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5
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From: michigan
85 FXRS clutch problem
Heh guys, bought my first harley it’s a 1985 FXRS. The bike has been sitting for at least a year and not been started. I have already gone through everything and changed all the fluids / cleaned everything up. But I have one issue.
when I pull the clutch lever it’s really hard to pull and if its in gear when I pull it the bike won’t move. I’m not very familiar with diagnosing a clutch. Any suggestions on what I should do??
Thanks guy!
when I pull the clutch lever it’s really hard to pull and if its in gear when I pull it the bike won’t move. I’m not very familiar with diagnosing a clutch. Any suggestions on what I should do??
Thanks guy!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Hi Jake and welcome to HDF from the UK.
Just to clarify things, I take it you can start the engine and engage gear, but when you release the clutch lever the bike won't start moving, have I got that right? If so there are two things that come to mind: one is to ensure the clutch is correctly adjusted; the other is that something in the clutch or operating system has gone wrong.
The correct adjustment procedure is detailed over in the Tech section, so follow that to the letter, which will hopefully give us a decent starting point. Try that first and report back. If it doesn't work, we have other avenues to follow!
Just to clarify things, I take it you can start the engine and engage gear, but when you release the clutch lever the bike won't start moving, have I got that right? If so there are two things that come to mind: one is to ensure the clutch is correctly adjusted; the other is that something in the clutch or operating system has gone wrong.
The correct adjustment procedure is detailed over in the Tech section, so follow that to the letter, which will hopefully give us a decent starting point. Try that first and report back. If it doesn't work, we have other avenues to follow!
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5
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From: michigan
I havnt actually gotten the bike started yet. My plan is to get that done today. I need to do a little bit of soldering and put the battery in.
While the bike is not running, in first gear... when I pull the clutch lever I cannot push the bike forward.
I will I’ll read that link you sent me and give that a shot and update afterwards! Thanks!
While the bike is not running, in first gear... when I pull the clutch lever I cannot push the bike forward.
I will I’ll read that link you sent me and give that a shot and update afterwards! Thanks!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You could alternatively use a pal or two to help you push the bike while it's in top gear (not first!) to try to part the clutch plates from their current love-in.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
85 FXRS was the beginnings of the Diaphram Clutch.
Many folks randomly put a Stiffer Spring in the Thing... That would account for the Hard "pull"
If it is the Cable, the pull will be stiff all the way to the Grip and sluggish on release... if it is the Spring.. it will pull hard to a Point then miraculously get easier..
HTH
BTW Do Not try to remove the Spring without the Proper Tools... many have tried and Most break the Pressure plate where the Snap Ring goes.. I say this because it may just be the Plates Rusted together... a simple disassembly, and Thorough cleaning will restore Function!!
Many folks randomly put a Stiffer Spring in the Thing... That would account for the Hard "pull"
If it is the Cable, the pull will be stiff all the way to the Grip and sluggish on release... if it is the Spring.. it will pull hard to a Point then miraculously get easier..
HTH
BTW Do Not try to remove the Spring without the Proper Tools... many have tried and Most break the Pressure plate where the Snap Ring goes.. I say this because it may just be the Plates Rusted together... a simple disassembly, and Thorough cleaning will restore Function!!
Last edited by Racepres; Mar 6, 2018 at 08:44 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,673
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From:
these bikes are hard to push while in gear and the clutch lever pulled in. get it running and do like grbrown says. lube the clutch cable too, that will help.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 108
Likes: 18
From: BC, Canada
Also once correctly adjusted and cable lubed, these bikes still have a heavy pull clutch. Not like other bikes you may be accustomed to.
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From: Northern California
I would consider pulling the primary cover and doing a visual inspection. If something is jammed up in there you want to err on the side of caughtion and not go riding only to have it seeze up and the wrong moment.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Florida's gorgeous East coast
Coupla thoughts...
"sitting for at least a year"....
OK...like mmesa005 said...pull the primary cover and just take a good look around look inside. Clutch plates just "gummed up" might be all it is. It's easy enough to pull the pressure plate and remove everything in the clutch basket for a good cleaning. Check tension on the primary chain too. Definitely lube that clutch cable. It may be heresy around here, but when I've been too rushed, or too lazy to do it right...just spraying something like 6-56 or WD-40 so it runs into the cable sheath has loosened mine up.
Clutch out of adjustment..??? Who knows, but you'll need to know how to do that anyhow, so read the reference provided in the tech section.
Pull the right side tranny cover and see what's going on in there. Right side pushrod end, clutch release finger and throwout bearing issues are a weak spot on the 85's, ESPECIALLY so if you fail to correctly adjust the clutch.
Outside of your possible clutch issue, PLEASE take a real good look at your tires. Tread depth aside...check'em carefully for DRY ROT before you put that bike on the road.
Congratulations on acquiring one of the very best models to ever come out of the Motor Company.
I bought mine new in 1985 and despite her high mileage and the fact that I can (praise God) afford to buy a new bike if I want one...I never found a better choice.
OK...like mmesa005 said...pull the primary cover and just take a good look around look inside. Clutch plates just "gummed up" might be all it is. It's easy enough to pull the pressure plate and remove everything in the clutch basket for a good cleaning. Check tension on the primary chain too. Definitely lube that clutch cable. It may be heresy around here, but when I've been too rushed, or too lazy to do it right...just spraying something like 6-56 or WD-40 so it runs into the cable sheath has loosened mine up.
Clutch out of adjustment..??? Who knows, but you'll need to know how to do that anyhow, so read the reference provided in the tech section.
Pull the right side tranny cover and see what's going on in there. Right side pushrod end, clutch release finger and throwout bearing issues are a weak spot on the 85's, ESPECIALLY so if you fail to correctly adjust the clutch.
Outside of your possible clutch issue, PLEASE take a real good look at your tires. Tread depth aside...check'em carefully for DRY ROT before you put that bike on the road.
Congratulations on acquiring one of the very best models to ever come out of the Motor Company.
I bought mine new in 1985 and despite her high mileage and the fact that I can (praise God) afford to buy a new bike if I want one...I never found a better choice.
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