M8 Hard Clutch pull Fix
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,824
Likes: 603
From: Myrtle Beach SC
M8 Hard Clutch pull Fix
I've had a lot of Harley's and frankly was not convinced the hydraulic clutch was an upgrade. The cable clutch had a much lighter pull and was easily adjusted. The M8 has the strongest clutch pull of any Harley I've owned. Years ago that wouldn't have been an issue but as we age it is not uncommon to have issues with arthritis, carpal tunnel, and in my case an issue called "essential tremors" that was inherited. Had no trouble pulling it in as that is simply a strength issue it was letting it smoothly that became an issue. That being said, I decided to install a Rekluse Slave cylinder on the M8 to reduce that pull and change where it engages. Probably would have been a 2 hour install if they would have sent the proper size bleeding tube, it took longer simply to bleed it for that reason. Anyway if any of you need to reduce the hard pull on your clutch for any reason this will do it for sure. I may have to go to the Rekluse Radius X auto clutch if my condition worsens, time will tell.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 433
From: Menifee, CA
Some cable clutches, for instance on older Harleys, can be real hard to work. I know what you mean about weakened hands. I've got rheumatoid arthritis that has badly damaged both hands. I can still handle the stock clutch on my RGU. For now. When or if it gets so bad that my hand won't be reliable anymore, and if the hand is my only disability keeping me off a bike, then I may buy a bike with an automatic trans. I'd hate to not ride the Harley anymore, but I'd hate not riding at all even more. There are options now, including electric bikes.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I have a built TC with the AIM clutch and a their spring that is in between the SE HD spring and a std 103 spring and it is way easier of a clutch pull than the hydraulic versions. It's not so much the force but that is part of it but the resistance is the same full out to full in. When your hand is fully extended where the release point comes in is very annoying. Having owned many European and Japanese bikes with hydraulic clutches you would have thought Harley would have done a better job getting this right.
I may end up installing one of the after market slaves to mine going forward. Arthritis kicking in doesn't make it any easier to negotiate the damn clutch.
I may end up installing one of the after market slaves to mine going forward. Arthritis kicking in doesn't make it any easier to negotiate the damn clutch.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 117
From: Southeast NC
love the hydraulic clutch. smooth. even installed three heavy duty springs and still love it. got used to the little heavier pull in just a few rides and installing the springs made it feel like i gained 10 hp. Clutches are way to light from the factory because the factory knows what the first thing a customer does when they sit on a bike. They pull the clutch in. gotta be light on the showroom floor. thats why they slip all the time until you install heavy springs. and the hydraulic clutch makes it effortless imo. Clutch cables are like having a black and white tv or a flip phone.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 518
Likes: 27
From: PA
I've had a lot of Harley's and frankly was not convinced the hydraulic clutch was an upgrade. The cable clutch had a much lighter pull and was easily adjusted. The M8 has the strongest clutch pull of any Harley I've owned. Years ago that wouldn't have been an issue but as we age it is not uncommon to have issues with arthritis, carpal tunnel, and in my case an issue called "essential tremors" that was inherited. Had no trouble pulling it in as that is simply a strength issue it was letting it smoothly that became an issue. That being said, I decided to install a Rekluse Slave cylinder on the M8 to reduce that pull and change where it engages. Probably would have been a 2 hour install if they would have sent the proper size bleeding tube, it took longer simply to bleed it for that reason. Anyway if any of you need to reduce the hard pull on your clutch for any reason this will do it for sure. I may have to go to the Rekluse Radius X auto clutch if my condition worsens, time will tell.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: State of Confusion
Not sure what all they changed in 4 MY maturity but my 2020 RGS clutch feels normal compared to my 2017 RK, which I simply dealt with just fine being my first hydraulic clutch with nothing to compare it to, but now I know what I was missing