2014 Hydraulic Clutch, Frame, and Steering Head changes
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,900
From: Oklahoma
Can't help but ask, what are they thinking? There aren't many side car users out there, but now there CAN'T be any on the new frames. I suspect some after market outfit will engineer around this one.
Hydraulic clutch? Kinda neutral on that one, though I think eventual maintenance on a master cylinder and slave cylinder will be more expensive than cable replacement.
Steering head changes: Eliminate a nickle zerk (perhaps $1 at retail) in favor of front end disassembly every 25,000 miles, yeah, great idea. Now, where did I leave my drill?
Hydraulic clutch? Kinda neutral on that one, though I think eventual maintenance on a master cylinder and slave cylinder will be more expensive than cable replacement.
Steering head changes: Eliminate a nickle zerk (perhaps $1 at retail) in favor of front end disassembly every 25,000 miles, yeah, great idea. Now, where did I leave my drill?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Very interesting stuff, thanks Joe. I do have one question, I don't feel that the clutch of the previous models require hydraulics, at least by feel. Is there any explination to why they are installing it? And, why not the RK?
Beary
Beary
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
I had a Yamaha with a hydraulic clutch. It had a nice feel and was low maintenance. Hopefully HD's will be as good.
I would imagine a lot of folks will be installing zerks before it's over. A tear down at 25,000 is ridiculous. You should see the steering head adjustment procedure, it's totally changed as well.
They have engineered into the 2014 changes plenty of shop time (at $90/hour) for the new owners that don't do their own work.
I would imagine a lot of folks will be installing zerks before it's over. A tear down at 25,000 is ridiculous. You should see the steering head adjustment procedure, it's totally changed as well.
They have engineered into the 2014 changes plenty of shop time (at $90/hour) for the new owners that don't do their own work.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 89,215
From: Western South Dakota
Good to know, Joe!!
One is probably not told these things when purchasing...
Probably most of the salesmen and techs do not even know this yet.
Stellar information.
Thanx!!
One is probably not told these things when purchasing...
Probably most of the salesmen and techs do not even know this yet.
Stellar information.
Thanx!!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
From: Coal Township, Pa
Supposed to be a heavier clutch spring, and they wanted to keep the clutch feel the same. I don't think the RK comes with the HO motor, so that may be the reason why.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 18
From: Upstate SC
My 10 SESG has the hydraulic clutch. It is the first bike I have had that has one. I like it, has a consistent feel and works well.