First up, i've posted this on the touring section aswell. Just thought i'd try my luck on here too.

Was wondering if anyone could tell me if this sounds like a big job. My 1989 Electra Glide Classic is currently with a mechanic that does most of my work for me. At first i thought it was a simple enough matter of the clutch slipping, but have just received a phone call from the mechanic. He says the starter ring on the clutch basket is hitting off the casing, and looks like a bearing has gone somewhere in behind the clutch. My dilema is that the mechanic says that he is snowed under with work at the minute, and it would be 8 weeks minimum before he would be able to get it sorted for me, as its a pretty big job. What i want to know is, is this gonna cost me a small fortune if i take it to the dealership to get sorted? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance. Gee.

 

Dealerships are starting to get busy also, some are back logged just like your mech.

I would stick with your mech and wait the time out.

 

Thing is Pete, the weather has been uncharacteristacly good here this past month or so, so knowing my luck, by the time i get it sorted, it'll prob rain for 6 months!!

 

Unfortunately those are the very conditions that bring bikes out and into the dealers and specialists for work! The most you can do is phone around to see if anyone can fit you in sooner.

Best of luck! My wife and I took a touring holiday on our Glide in May, in the cold and wet. The weather has only started to look like summer here in the UK in the last few days. Longest day yesterday and summer has only just got here....

 

Hi Gee,Im new to Harleys.Bought a 91 evo Ultra Classic about 18 months ago. Ive had the complete Clutch out 3 or 4 times. I wont go into the reasons for it (clutch basket)coming out 3 or 4 times as it would take too long to explain.I have also renewed the Drive Belt once,which entailed ...removing outer & inner Primary Casings and Swinging Arm. I had to do this myself through necessity as I couldnt afford the H.D.Dealers work rates. If it is the Bearing directly behind the Clutch Nest..this Bearing is held in by a Circlip but you would be advised to have the bearing "pressed out" by a Mechanic,then the NEW Bearing pressed in again by a Mechanic. The H.D. Workshop Manual gives all the info. re dis-assembly and re-assembly and it is reasonably straight froward if you have some mechanical knowledge.
Tools you MUST have are a Torque Wrench 70-170 lbs ft. Large Socket for Compensating Sprocket Nut. Smaller Socket for Clutch Nest nut which is LEFT HANDED ..remember LEFT HANDED.. You may also need an "Impact" Socket Tool to remove the 2 Nuts as BOTH these Nuts will,or should have been "Loctited" on.You will also need appropriate strength of "Loctite" on both these Nuts when refitting (to the CORRECT torque for each),if you decide to go ahead and repair it yourself.
Make sure you note the way/sequence the seperate Parts dismantle. Take Pics if necessary. If the faulty Bearing is in the Inner Primary Chaincase it is a bit more complicated to dismantle & repair. Its up to you....depending on your ability! Due to lack of funds AND having been "duped" by a local H.D Shop,I have had to do work myself.
Its amazing what you can....achieve although there can be pitfalls!. Remember that if you run into difficulty you will probably not be able to wheel the bike along to your local Shop and ask him to finish the repair! Another bonus....is to ask a good buddy with mechanical knowledge to help and support you. I know what its like when the Bike is sitting there and you cant use it.Especially at this time of year. Good luck whichever path you take. Doug.

 

Hi Gee,Just a thought....If you Mechanic has dismantled Clutch Nest/Basket and found that the Bearing directly behind the Basket is faulty ,it is quite straightforward to strip bearing out (with press) and assembly again,assuming he can order the parts. Warrs,London are reliable and efficient. Bearings are one of the easiest parts to source . It may be that the Bearing at fault is the one in the INNER PRIMARY CASING which IS more difficult to repair and will certainly cost more in Mechanics time. Doug.

 

bungo bill has the right idea...if you have the room to work on it and some tools and some mechanical skill..then getting a shop manual and advice on here to do it yourself is they way to go, you feel real good when your done and more confident in the repair because you know how it was done. I know not everyone has the time,place or apptitude to do it but its fun to wrench and learn if you do...if not check with some of your buds, they may know a few wrenchers that they trust...good luck

 

Hi gofasted,Dont know if you feel the same..... but when youve done a repair and gained a bit of confidence in your tech. ability you seem to "bond" with your bike and as you say..."you feel real good" especially saving $$$$$££££££s. Doug.(BungoBill)

 

exactly...you know your bike better,not as worried about the minor issues that can pop up on a run because you know how to fix it or what you need to fix it....great feeling.....and saving the money....sure doesnt hurt

 

+1 on Bungo and Go Fasted. The harley thing is more than just riding.

Nothing like the first start after some major work. Plus the knowledge you gain about how it all works makes troubleshooting really easy.