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So I’m fixing to rip the primary apart on my 98 rkc to replace the trans seal and some bearings, starter bushings etc. while I’m in there I’m switching to chain drive and I was told by a friend today “while you’re in there” I should replace the clutch dampening plate? Said they grenade and the rivets do havoc in the primary. Does the 98 have this plate? A lot of clutches I’ve found that are supposed to solve this issue are for years up to 97. If my year does have this problem can anyone suggest what I need to replace it with? Forgive my ignorance but this is my first Harley
Buy a screaming eagle clutch pack kit, common issue with Sportsters and they share the same issues. There is a modification where you put 2 clutch plates in to replace the spring plate. Better to just replace the whole thing and be done with it.
Your 1998 has the the new unit used for Twinkies. Not sure it has the grenade plate, so don't be concerned about replacing anything unless worn out.
i inherited this bike when my old man passed away and I know he rode the **** out of it. Is there a way to know for sure If it’s got it before I take it all apart? I’m doing all the work at work so I need to have it back together in a weekend and don’t want to have to order things while I’m in there
i inherited this bike when my old man passed away and I know he rode the **** out of it. Is there a way to know for sure If it’s got it before I take it all apart? I’m doing all the work at work so I need to have it back together in a weekend and don’t want to have to order things while I’m in there
Is there a way? Yes! If your Dad had a factory service manual, check that, otherwise check a parts website such as the one below, from which you will see that your bike does not have a 'grenade' plate. Do check yourself, for your own peace of mind!
As far as I know 98 to 06 clutch baskets on all models did not have a spring plate.. The last year for that was in 97 with the older style baskets.
Also why are you going into the transmission and how many miles you have on that bike. As for going to a chain drive why bother... On my 98 I have 115 lb of torque at the rear wheel and I'm still running a belt. Why create aggravation....
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Jul 30, 2020 at 03:12 PM.
As far as I know 98 to 06 clutch baskets on all models did not have a spring plate.. The last year for that was in 97 with the older style baskets.
Also why are you going into the transmission and how many miles you have on that bike. As for going to a chain drive why bother... On my 98 I have 115 lb of torque at the rear wheel and I'm still running a belt. Why create aggravation....
Im not going “into the trans” per say. The seal on the trans is leaking behind the inner primary. So while I’m in there I’m doing jack shaft bushings and some bearings and whatever else was on the list I ordered from ronnies hd like a month ago lol. As for the chain drive... one it looks better imho. Two, the belt needs replaced as it’s had trans oil leaking on it for god knows how long. This leak is major and I’m sure it didn’t get that way over night. Let is $200. Can convert to chain for a little over 300.
3rd I can take the opportunity to easily re gear the bike so I can get the front wheel closer to Jesus without a ton of engine mods. I’m pretty serious in the atv world and have a nasty big bore Polaris sportsman and in my experience a shaft or a chain is always going to be more reliable than a belt.
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Clutch dampening plate
