1st gear klunks
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 578
From: Cape Coral Fl
1st gear klunks
Some times not all the time off the line at lights or stops go to pull away in gear, there is a noticeable "klunk" which it never had before ... I brought my just bought XL1200 2002 sporty back to the dealer where I bought it from to have them lower the shock setting, adjust the carb, and he told me my clutch lever had too much play and he would take care of these items...Well, long story short...5 days later he calls and tells me its all ready come get it. Now after the bike got up to temp. my idle rpms were 1800, well as she was running at temp I lowered the fast idle screw down to 1000 rpms and rode it for 15 - 20 mins and readjusted it a tad more , took it out again and the idle was good. Then I took off the breather cover and to my surprise the filter was black and sucking oil, so I need a new one and ordered a K&N filter which should be in any day now. Well I no longer trust this small dealer and am not bringing the bike back to him, I'm just going fix it or adjust the clutch my self. any help would be great.Oh! seams like in 1st with no brake she seems to be very slowly creeping foward..almost unnoticeable also. thanks
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
For adjusting your clutch there is a Sticky in the Tech Primary section. It certainly sounds from what you say that it needs adjusting. That creep is most likely slight drag, due to the clutch not fully disengaging when you pull the lever in. Your clunk is another symptom of the same thing. All being well you will be able to reward yourself your favourite beverage, having sorted both! For future reference, do yourself a favour and buy a factory service manual, which will tell you what you need to know when servicing your bike.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
Bike has too much motor oil. That's the reason it's puking oil into the air cleaner. It is designed to do this slightly. If that continues to be a problem, a Screamin Eagle Air Cleaner kit will correct the problem.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,634
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From: Cape Coral Fl
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: USA
Not all dealerships are alike...but your dealership seems to have skipped the preinspectiom and maintenance of a used bike for resale. Like someone suggested, get a service manual and perhaps retorque all off your critical fasteners. A lot of knowledgeable folks on here to help you out.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 578
From: Cape Coral Fl
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There is plenty of good info on this forum about the curse of the Sportster clutch. Proper adjustment is important, but may not be achievable due too a design flaw of the clutch plates spring , (more on that later). Don't give up, we're here to help!After you get a factory service manual, look closely at he side of your fuel tank. The words "Harley Davidson", or "Sportster" will appear in different size or style of font, depending on year of manufacture. Embrace it and enjoy. We have all paid good money for these annoyances!
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Not all dealerships are alike...but your dealership seems to have skipped the preinspectiom and maintenance of a used bike for resale. Like someone suggested, get a service manual and perhaps retorque all off your critical fasteners. A lot of knowledgeable folks on here to help you out.
(Basically if you want a perfect bike, buy a new one. Every used Harley that gets traded-in will have at least something it needs if not multiple concerns.)
I, like everyone else, HIGHLY recommend ordering a (brand new, mind you, not an old one off ebay) service manual for the bike. Will save you from many headaches.
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