My 1989 sportster will not push when in gear with clutch pulled and will try to take off on me when started with clutch pulled buuuut it works perfectly fine in all the other gears. i thought it was just the adjustment but it is not. It has new friction plates and the steels were not warped at all anyone have any ideas what the issue could be im lost any help is appreciated thank you in advance

 

Sounds to me like it's still out of adjustment? Better redo when you get some time.

 

No its not ive redone the adjustment over 50 times no im not exaggerating

 

I think theres still some drag even with the clutch pulled in. And with all the ratio stuff that goes on in a transmission and motor chain/sprockets im guessing that is normal.

 

This is caused by the clutch dragging, or too much fluid. Even though. You’ve redone the adjustment...are you sure you’re doing it correctly?

Make sure the primary fluid is at the correct level. And one way of cheating is to keep the adjuster a little snug, so it’s not allowing any slip. As long as the clutch doesn’t slip, that might help.

Oh yeah...are you sure you didn’t leave an extra shim or plate in the clutch...don’t ask how I know this.

 

Difficulty pushing a bike that is in gear with the clutch lever puled in is normal on a wet clutch bike.

Rock it back and forth while in gear, clutch lever pulled in, this will break the plates free, somewhat.

But now you know, if you want to push the bike, put the transmission into neutral.

 

Thank you for all the responses im going to check the fluid level. yes i am sure i did the adjustment correctly ive worked on many bikes and never had an issue i even questioned myself on it and opened my manual and watched a video to ensure that the procedure didnt slip my mind...one thing that puzzles me is i never had this problem on any other harley ive owned or ridden always was always able to pull clutch and move it as i please and curious why it wouldnt have this problem in the other gears

 

The higher gears just have a different ratio which is allowing you to move the bike with less effort.

Something is wrong with your clutch, you should be able push it around with minimal drag, always better in neutral, but it should be easy enough in first with clutch pulled in. I suggest you go to a local Indy and have them take a look. Sounds like you have been in there so many times you may not be able to see the issue any more, it happens. You look at it so many times it becomes a blur, but another set of eyes might see it right away. For sure you have an issue though, good luck.

 

so i took off the clutch hub and while i was doing so i noticed a wobble in it right so i take off the snap ring that holds it onto the shaft and i was missing a spacer could that effect the throw out?

 

also i found the spacer in my tool box so thats a bonus lol