Clutch Question - '04 Fatboy
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Biddeford, Maine
Clutch Question - '04 Fatboy
A friend of mine dropped off his 2004 Fatboy, he said the clutch is acting up. The bike only has 18000 miles on it, and he's on his second clutch already. Now with this one acting up, I'm a little suspect as to what's causing it. Motor is a stock 88" with just stage 1 upgrades done.
I opened up the derby cover and instantly got a smell of burnt oil and it was jet black. So I drained that, and adjusted the clutch. Primary chains were fine, buttoned it all back up and took it for a ride. There is no clutch slippage at all, it grabs and pulls very hard. But when you are in gear and have the clutch lever pulled.........the bike wants to walk forward on you. It's a subtle but constant pulling like the clutch is just grabbing enough to pull.
Any ideas?
What's a new clutch cost?
How hard of a job is it?
Thanks,
Steve
I opened up the derby cover and instantly got a smell of burnt oil and it was jet black. So I drained that, and adjusted the clutch. Primary chains were fine, buttoned it all back up and took it for a ride. There is no clutch slippage at all, it grabs and pulls very hard. But when you are in gear and have the clutch lever pulled.........the bike wants to walk forward on you. It's a subtle but constant pulling like the clutch is just grabbing enough to pull.
Any ideas?
What's a new clutch cost?
How hard of a job is it?
Thanks,
Steve
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
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Steve try putting the se heavyduty spring in it.
.
also try backing off the adjustment all the way and checking the cable then ree- adjusting the clutch. also make sure the cable is lubed up very good.
replaceing the clutch might not be the problem as it might have ean out of round basket try spinning the bike over by hand in gear and seeing if the clutch is true it might be cocked and out of round...
.
also try backing off the adjustment all the way and checking the cable then ree- adjusting the clutch. also make sure the cable is lubed up very good.
replaceing the clutch might not be the problem as it might have ean out of round basket try spinning the bike over by hand in gear and seeing if the clutch is true it might be cocked and out of round...
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Elite HDF Member
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From: Biddeford, Maine
Yup...........that's what I've done. I backed off the cable all the way, adjusted the clutch inside the derby cover, then adjusted the cable. Still wants to walk on you.
I was told that the steels are warped from slippage, and that it's best to put in a new clutch pack (friction plates and steels) with a stronger spring as well.
Steve
I was told that the steels are warped from slippage, and that it's best to put in a new clutch pack (friction plates and steels) with a stronger spring as well.
Steve
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Yup...........that's what I've done. I backed off the cable all the way, adjusted the clutch inside the derby cover, then adjusted the cable. Still wants to walk on you.
I was told that the steels are warped from slippage, and that it's best to put in a new clutch pack (friction plates and steels) with a stronger spring as well.
Steve
I was told that the steels are warped from slippage, and that it's best to put in a new clutch pack (friction plates and steels) with a stronger spring as well.
Steve
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Joined: Jun 2009
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The stock primary cover has to come off to do this.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Biddeford, Maine
That's what I thought, that derby cover is just a bit too small and the clutch pack is just off center.
I find it strange that he's already gone thru 2 clutches in 18000 miles............either he just is very very hard on equipment, or there is something wrong mechanically.
Steve
I find it strange that he's already gone thru 2 clutches in 18000 miles............either he just is very very hard on equipment, or there is something wrong mechanically.
Steve
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Elite HDF Member
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From: Biddeford, Maine
I think I'll take it apart and check for debris or crap in the pack, then if that doesn't work or show anything I'll go ahead and do the new clutch pack.
Steve
Steve
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Yep, best bet, if the clutch pack is clean, check to make sure they are flat, even make sure the convex preload spring plate is actually installed correctly and not backwards. To be replacing a clutch on a mild build in less than 20k would take alot clutch riding, LOL
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Elite HDF Member
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From: Biddeford, Maine
That's what really has me stumped about this............it's a stock 88" motor, and he had the clutch replaced at 10000 miles. Now at 18000 miles he's going to have it replaced again.
Just doesn't make sense to me.
I have a well built 95" on a heavier bike, and I'm at 40000 miles on my stock clutch with no problems at all.
Something has to be installed wrong or something is just not working right in there.........it just doesn't add up.
Steve
Just doesn't make sense to me.
I have a well built 95" on a heavier bike, and I'm at 40000 miles on my stock clutch with no problems at all.
Something has to be installed wrong or something is just not working right in there.........it just doesn't add up.
Steve