Hello!
The clutch on this bike creeps in 1rst gear with the clutch lever applied and is sometimes hard to shift into second gear. The clutch cable and adjustment at the primary cover are correct(atleast as far as I can tell). The only adjustment left is the spring nuts. I was thinking of backing them off about a 1/2 turn each and see if this helps. Any ideas?

Thank you!
Grant

 

The clutch adjustment on IronHeads is different than on other bikes. The procedure in the factory service manual has 5 or 6 steps, some with sub-steps. This procedure must be followed precisely. So, did you follow this procedure? Your comment atleast as far as I can tell) implies that you may not have.

The correct procedure may also be in the Clymer and Haynes manuals.

 

I did follow the procedure in the original service manual. I was just checking to see if anyone had other suggestions for my condition.

 

Yeah I think that is what I would do next, if you're sure you've got the cable and release mechanism properly adjusted. Is the bike new to you? If so, no telling what the PO may have done to the bike.

 

Often with these bikes the clutch will free up after a ride as short as just around the block, or as was with mine last year, it went from creeping to completely free over a period of a few months of everyday riding.

It got better a little at a time; i hardly noticed, until one day i realized that it was completely free. No troubles shifting into any gear - even neutral is findable, and even when stopped.

That is the limit of my experience. I have never dismantled etc a clutch.

 

what type og fluid you using? when i had 60w in it i would have the same problem but when i switched to (always forget correct name) formula ?? that i get at hd dealership it helped a bunch.

 

HD Formula+. This is what i always use.

However, if you have a 1976 or older with the transfer valve still in place you are supposed to use the same oil as for the engine.

I use 50W in the engine in late spring, summer, and early fall; 20W50 otherwise. I would use 60W only if i were riding in desert-like conditions.

 

I use 20w50 in the engine and primary. I think I will go over the adjustment procedure again just to make sure and then ride it a little. If I still have problems I think I will adjust the spring. Thank you for all of the replies!

 

Like Mick said, older bikes it's wise to use engine oil. The MFG'r recommends it. I use HD 60 wt motor oil in mine.

 

sorry grantb----thanks mick......it didnt register(in my mind) it was a 72.glad you caught that.