clutch question
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 345
Likes: 17
From: SoCal
clutch question
I've heard about alot about sportster clutches taking a dump and wondering if anyone knows. Is it easier on the clutch to take off slow and easy by slipping it or just dump it and get going ? I usually let mine out pretty quick but the rpm's aren't very high so the engine bogs down a bit. I've thought about it and there seems to be pro's and con's about which would be tougher on the rivets.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
If you accelerate quickly you will only need to slip the clutch briefly, to get the engine into it's comfort zone. Unless you ride the clutch a lot, or are brutal with it I can't see it giving any problems. It's those wheelies from every light that can cause problems......
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 731
Likes: 7
From: Windsor Ontario
'04 and newer for sure, I'm not that familiar with the older models but they might have the spring plate as well. Some of the BTs had this also.
This spring plate is really pointless, and replacing it with an extra friction disk actually provides 2 benefits: more friction surface and one less thing that can break leaving you stranded (it certainly isn't going to break sitting in your garage)
This spring plate is really pointless, and replacing it with an extra friction disk actually provides 2 benefits: more friction surface and one less thing that can break leaving you stranded (it certainly isn't going to break sitting in your garage)
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 71
Likes: 9
From: Michigan
The earlier "rigid" mounts did have some problem with the "springplate" but no where near as much as the "rubbers"! They have been known to go as early as 10,000 miles while some are doing just fine at 90,000.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
I pulled the plates in my 04 around 30,000, and the rivets were loose, but none missing. Probably could have gotten by with just buying the extra plates to eliminate the spring plate, but with the mileage decided to put a Barnett set in it and probably never have to worry about it again. If I bought another used sporty, that would be one of the first things I'd do to it, along with fluid changes, Lyndall brake pads, and replace the Dunlop tires all the used ones seem to have with Avons.
As far as slipping or dumping the clutch, it's designed to slip, doubt if easy takeoffs even affects the longevity of the plates much, but dumping is hard on everything from the engine to the wheel - but you'd probably have to really abuse it to break anything.
As far as slipping or dumping the clutch, it's designed to slip, doubt if easy takeoffs even affects the longevity of the plates much, but dumping is hard on everything from the engine to the wheel - but you'd probably have to really abuse it to break anything.
Last edited by Imold; Feb 16, 2015 at 08:52 PM.
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 731
Likes: 7
From: Windsor Ontario
I pulled the plates in my 04 around 30,000, and the rivets were loose, but none missing. Probably could have gotten by with just buying the extra plates to eliminate the spring plate, but with the mileage decided to put a Barnett set in it and probably never have to worry about it again. If I bought another used sporty, that would be one of the first things I'd do to it, along with fluid changes, Lyndall brake pads, and replace the Dunlop tires all the used ones seem to have with Avons.
As far as slipping or dumping the clutch, it's designed to slip, doubt if easy takeoffs even affects the longevity of the plates much, but dumping is hard on everything from the engine to the wheel - but you'd probably have to really abuse it to break anything.
As far as slipping or dumping the clutch, it's designed to slip, doubt if easy takeoffs even affects the longevity of the plates much, but dumping is hard on everything from the engine to the wheel - but you'd probably have to really abuse it to break anything.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Mine seems even smoother without the spring plate. The loose rivets might have affected the feel with the original plates. I'm real happy with the extra plates setup.