I recently prepared my 2011 Ultra Classic for it's winter hibernation - changed all the fluids, oil filter and put stabilizer in the gas (before changing the oil I drove the bike approx 20 miles - to get the oil at operating temperature). However, when I took off the derby cover I noticed that the inside of the cover was covered in black soot and the drain plug had shavings on the magnet. There was also a slight burning smell (like I said I had just driven the bike around 20 miles). It had been 3,600 miles since the local HD dealer adjusted the clutch. I don't drive my bike hard and only use the clutch when shifting or stopping. Are these symptoms normal for this number of miles or should I be concerned? Is it possible the mechanic did not adjust the clutch properly? Thanks! rlj50

 

The clutch free play is an easy check. Metal on the drain plug is normal. Once the clutch is set (correctly) after a few thousand miles, it rarely need adjustment. Maybe the freeplay in cable changes a little if your's has a cable. I would check it and clutch for sure. I also would put a volt meter on battery and check DC volts at 2000 rpm. Do you run any electrical options to put more load on the stator? Charge battery, remove and have checked to make sure it is not putting a lot of load on stator. That black on the inside is normal and I think is additives to the oil that fall out with setting and hot oil. Did the drained oil look OK? It's normal for a little smell for gear oil. I assume you use Formula+ which has a little oil smell.

 

How many miles overall on the bike?

 

The bike has only 25,000 miles.

 

If it's not slipping and you can find neutral without any problems at a stop, you should be ok.. Those symptoms are normal to an extent...