How to change clutch action - 2019 Clutch part installed in a 2017
 

A common complaint from 2017/18 owners is the clutch feel. Many are annoyed with the clutch engagement which takes place right at the beginning of the hand lever action, furthermost from the grip.
Some have bought the adjustable Oberon hand lever or had their OEM lever bent so that the clutch is not engaged/disengaged until mid swing of the hand lever or closer to the grip anyway.

One of the changes for 2019 was a new Spring Damper Seat. This seat is basically just a big metal ring that sits against the pressure plate that properly spaces a damper spring between itself and the clutch pack.
The spring and seat together do mechanical stuff, not getting into it. :)

2017/18 bikes came with damper seat part number: 37000036. 2019 bikes came with a new damper seat part number : 37000295 ($12.60).

So... long story short, I changed the seat on my 2017. Very happy to report that it worked wonderfully.
When you consider the full movement of the hand lever, it always either engaged or disengaged the clutch right at the end of the action (furthermost away from the grip).
Now it is almost dead center of the range. It feels like a pre-2017 clutch now. Like "Normal".

If you're going to ask if the clutch engagement/disengagement range is now wider... it feels that way, but I think it probably has more to do with it being closer to the grip and thus more controllable than being actually wider. Dunno.
If you're going to ask if the little clutch/shift feedback is still felt in the lever when you shift, Yes, still there.

Pic below that will probably mean nothing to most people but allows me to show off my counter tops again. ;)
The ring to the left is the new Damper Seat which is thicker than the original seat on the right by maybe a few thousands. Not much. Made a big difference though.

So if you're on the fence about buying a 100 dollar lever or whatever to address this issue, maybe give the damper seat a try first - it's an option anyway and only cost a few dollars.
You do have to remove the primary cover and disassemble the clutch but it's pretty simple to do all that. I didn't even replace the primary cover gasket for like the 8th time. Those things last forever...

Anyway, hope this helps somebody...

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...e2bdbf0893.jpg

Thanks for the write up on this.

I don't like the clutch action either, though I've gotten used to it now. But I also didn't like how far the lever was away from my grips in a resting positions. I have somewhat bigger hands for a short guy lol, but short fingers. So I didn't feel as comfortable with stock levers. I switched them out to the soft brake levers and that made a huge difference. I cant say for certain, but it does make it feel like the clutch action is better too.

But yeah....70 bucks each for the levers.....the new seat is a much cheaper option.

My 2019 HD clutch action is way better than my 2017. Didn't know why until your timely post.Thanks for taking the time to explain it.

I wish it would work on my '16 FLHTCU (w/hydraulic clutch), I'm getting used to it, but the clutch releases farther form the grip than I like..

However, I just looked up the spring damper seat number for my bike, and it's different than the '17...

2016= #37883-98

2017= #37000036

2019= #37000295

They are only $12 each, so I may buy a '16 & a '17 to see how they match up...

Have you tried soft brake levers? or bending your to sit closer to your grips. It did make a big difference with mine. If those damper seats don't work for you.

I thought it was just me thanks

Thank you,and next write up please display your back splash. I did notice the engagement was much closer.