When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Well my bike finally left me stranded. Let me explain:
My clutch cable had been getting loose. I fidured the cable was stretch a little after years (about 3) of using it [it is a new braided cable I had installed 3 years ago]. I tightened it a little, on the side of the road, and got on the bike and road. After two shitfts, the cable completely went slack and fell off. I had no clutch. I immediately turned around, and using my ear was able to shift up and down to get home….but I could not stop.
Got is home and killed the ignition, pushed into garage. Got it in neutral. Just out of curiosity tried to turn it over—the starter just spins—no turn over.
SO, my thought is the locknut on the ajuster screw literally came off. I thought I heard a rattling from the primary for a while on the road…but I do not know if that nut was the cause.
I am hoping there is no other damage. The derby and likely the primary will come off this week. I will make this a thread as I pursue the issue. Digging into my service manuals this morning. I have never had the primary/clutch off before. I figure while I am in there, might as well check the chain etc. for wear. If they need replacing I will do the entire thing. But, I am most worried about the issue I explained above. It is like my entire clutch fell off.
Clutch adjuster would be the first thing.. Clutch nut? Possible.
While it could be the damping plate in the clutch, I'd suspect that either you lost the end of the cable or the throwout bearing died if the adjuster is tight.
When I first got my bike after having the dealer put a new frame under it was riding it home and lost the clutch altogether, nothing at the lever. They left the clutch hub nut loose and it fell off in the primary. I was pissed.
This could be one of the easiest ( read: CHEAPEST) repairs you'll ever have. From the video, it looks like the clutch hub nut is loose. Happened to me once, got the bike home, tightened it up and solved the problem.Note: That nut has left-hand threads. It tightens by turning counterclockwise.
Here's hoping..!
Last edited by guido4198; Feb 18, 2023 at 05:06 AM.
If your bike has the tapered style clutch hub and the hub nut is loose don’t just try and tighten it. If the keyway or the taper on the main shaft or clutch hub got boogered at all it won’t stay tight.
Yours have the 4 speed or the 5 ? Can't remember which that year.
5 Speed.
I am waiting on a socket to remove the compensator and hope that this is only a minor issue that needs fixing, not, say, en entire pull of the transmission, etc.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
Clutch Issue—cable fell off (thread)
