Clutch keeps burning out

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Jun 17, 2018 | 12:34 PM

NcPokerKing

Thread Starter

Stage I

Joined: Jun 2018

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

From: north carolina

Clutch keeps burning out

Just got a 1200 sportster 2009 with only 5k miles on it an i burnt the clutch up on the hour ride home i got a new one installed an did alot of research on how to properly use the clutch an still after 2 days of riding it alot it happened again lost power going up a hill an now its burnt out again i guess what would make this happen im at a loss of words im sad lol i wanna ride my harley

Jun 17, 2018 | 06:44 PM

bustert

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 5,052

Likes: 993

several things come to mind
proper throw out adjustment
spring plate (most get rid of it with an extra plate setup)
spring disk weak
clutch stack height
warped plates
binding in the keyways hub or shell
wound up cable
proper cable end play

please describe condition of plates when removed bluing of the steels friction material wear, burnt smell maybe even a jpeg.

Jun 17, 2018 | 08:53 PM

nevil

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 9,281

Likes: 1,139

From: southeast PA

Sounds like a case of abuse, not saying it's intentional. It's nice that you researched how to use a clutch, but you really should take a rider's course.

Sep 11, 2024 | 01:26 PM

Shilohw1

New Member

Joined: Sep 2024

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Nice try

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevil

Sounds like a case of abuse, not saying it's intentional. It's nice that you researched how to use a clutch, but you really should take a rider's course.

Nice try. I'm having the same problem and I've had it replaced twice. Shouldnt happen that soon. Never had a bike it did happen to. Ive known how to ride for 10 years. Guys I ride with abuse their bikes, I don't. Something else is going on, and if you're not able to figure it out please don't comment. Harleys aren't hard to ride and clutches don't burn out over a few miles, thanks.

Sep 13, 2024 | 12:42 PM

RDHIGH

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2018

Posts: 757

Likes: 365

From: Winnipeg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shilohw1

- you know how to ride- now its time to learn to wrench. Harleys arent hard to ride, and they arent hard to work on either. Get a manual and figure it out yourself, you will find it very satisfying.

have fun!

Sep 13, 2024 | 12:56 PM

jake24lt

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 2,662

Likes: 2,065

From: Massachusetts

3 things come to mind.

extremely weak clutch spring (s)

clutch adjustment way off, as in, no free play in the lever so as to have the clutch never really grab they way it was designed.

Operator error.....Experienced, standard shift anything operators, know when a clutch is slipping. and smart ones back off, down shift or figure out why, before total failure.

Sep 13, 2024 | 01:16 PM

Chris_G

Club Member

Joined: Aug 2023

Posts: 521

Likes: 304

From: Alexandria, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDHIGH

- you know how to ride- now its time to learn to wrench. Harleys arent hard to ride, and they arent hard to work on either. Get a manual and figure it out yourself, you will find it very satisfying.

have fun!