I have an 07 Deluxe. I just did the 32,000 km tune up on it recently, including primary fluid. I don't recall my bike shifting so hard into gears, mainly 1st and 2nd before. I've tried adjusting the clutch (from cable) a few times which doesn't seem to help much. It's very noticeable cold, but if I let it warm up it doesn't seem as bad. Any ideas?

 

What primary fluid was in there and what was it replaced with? Different fluids will have different viscosity and lubricity characteristics. Meaning the new fluid could be causing the clutch plates to not separate completely when cold. An oil guru will probably check in and say I'm full of it. But I don't think I'm too far off.

 

What all did you do when you did your service? Did you remove the clutch from the perch and collapse the inline cable adjuster all the way and reset the clutch down at the basket using the allen head? if so, when you go to set your clutch back up it needs to be done completely cold. if it is done warm it will cause the things you describe due to expansion of internal components, mainly the push rod going thru the transmission shaft.

 

You cannot adjust the clutch from the cable adjuster. Have you pulled the derby cover and adjusted the clutch that way?

 

What weight oil did U use..

I tried some Bel-ray 85-140 GL one time, My bike was also hard to shift for the first 10 mins or so till the motor warmed up..


Took the BelRay out after about 2k and replace with Mobile 1, GL, 75-95; also at the same time I started using Mobile 1 V twin 20-50 in the motor and Pri..

Bike shifts A lot better with Mobile 1 oils than any other oils I've tired (Syn3, Formula+, Bel-ray) and for the last 22k I've stayed with the Mobile 1 oils.




.

 

like the other folks said, you are not really adjusting your clutch if you are just messing around with the cable. Check on youtube, how to videos there. It's not hard. That assumes your fluids are fine and primary is properly serviced

 

As far as adjustiing Ur clutch pac this is the best video I've found and saved..

its for a touring model, but its basicially the same for softails.



this should help U make that adjustment.




.

 

Oil, filter, plugs, and yes, I replaced the primary oil with genuine HD trans oil. The exact same that was in it. I did adjust the clutch from the perch, but only a very slight adjustment, as this was already an issue. The bike was cold. Maybe it needs another tweak?? I also checked over many other things, like spokes, brakes, and replaced a front brake switch, which was not easy. My cable adjustment was only to see if the clutch was fully engaged, which like I mentioned, when warm isn't an issue.

Thanks for the video. I will try this again. I definitely don't like how it's shifting.

 

So... was the genuine HD trans oil Forumla+ or what..????

Theres several different Genuine HD oils. like Syn3, forumla+ or 50w and 60w.. does will make a diff what U used..

our 07's Hd recommends Formula +..in the Pri and Tranny..

Also overfilling the pri which mine takes 32oz can make shifting harder.





.

 

yeah, if you adjusted the clutch basket by the video it should be fine. Personally I am a generally Syn3 guy, but I have used the HD Dino Formula+ and Revtech, but I have not noticed any what I will call disturbing differences between them. I will say there is RevTech in my tranny and primary right now and it is gone in about 300 miles and back to Syn3. It's different but nothing I have fretted about. Given your mileage or kilometerage or whatever the f*(k you guys call it, there really shouldn't be a big difference even had you done nothing to it. Make sure it is dialed in, otherwise you might have some issue I can't explain, but generally these things are bulletproof.