Time for Clutch Adjustment?

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Aug 21, 2012 | 08:50 PM

mikebell_eng

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Time for Clutch Adjustment?

I almost always leave my bike (2010 Fat Boy) in neutral when I shut it off, so I have never tried this before. I got to work late and couldn't park in my normal spot, I was parked on an incline so I left it in gear. When I left, without starting the bike I pulled in the clutch and it didn't roll back ward. I start the bike and it rolls backward. Time to adjust the clutch? Why would it roll freely when it is on and clutch pulled but not when its off and clutch pulled in?

Aug 21, 2012 | 08:54 PM

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 100,455

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From: Centennial, CO

The clutch plates stick together when cold. When you started it, the centrifugal forces break the friction of the plates/fluid. I'm pretty sure this is what is going on. Pretty normal. Mine is the same.

Aug 21, 2012 | 09:20 PM

stro1965

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Joined: Feb 2007

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From: Bellevue, NE

Sounds normal to me.

Aug 21, 2012 | 09:41 PM

purpledeuce

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You'll know it's time to adjust the clutch when you get on the throttle and there is little to no response in speed

Aug 21, 2012 | 10:30 PM

skratch

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Joined: Jan 2007

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From: anacoco, la

i adjust my clutch every 5000 miles when i do an engine/primary oil change. whether it needs it or not. with fresh fluid, and freshly adjusted clutch, it feels like a new bike.

Aug 21, 2012 | 10:34 PM

Throwback

Road Warrior

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 1,398

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From: Mississippi

Quote:

Originally Posted by skratch

i adjust my clutch every 5000 miles when i do an engine/primary oil change. whether it needs it or not. with fresh fluid, and freshly adjusted clutch, it feels like a new bike.

^^^^ That's sound advice.

Aug 22, 2012 | 02:14 AM

clicker01

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 1,745

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From: A house.

Quote:

Originally Posted by skratch

i adjust my clutch every 5000 miles when i do an engine/primary oil change. whether it needs it or not. with fresh fluid, and freshly adjusted clutch, it feels like a new bike.

Me too. Only takes a couple minutes. Slack the cable, adjust the basket and readjust the cable. It almost took longer to type that then it does to do the job.

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Aug 22, 2012 | 06:04 PM

mikebell_eng

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 234

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Thanks for the replies. I will adjust the clutch the next time I change the fluids. This weather is just about perfect. Time for more riding and less wrenching...