The dreaded spring plate problem
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 592
From: Philly PA
I got 68,000 miles out of my spring plate on my 2006 Sportster. My 2007 Sportster still had one at 30,000 miles.
Failure is influenced by many factors, how you use the clutch, city vs. highway riding, etc. If your 100-150 mile commute is all highway it may be fine. As stated earlier, when it goes the pieces may cause damage to the clutch basket which in my case was a substantial groove I was able to file the sharp edges down so I did not have to replace it.
Good luck
Failure is influenced by many factors, how you use the clutch, city vs. highway riding, etc. If your 100-150 mile commute is all highway it may be fine. As stated earlier, when it goes the pieces may cause damage to the clutch basket which in my case was a substantial groove I was able to file the sharp edges down so I did not have to replace it.
Good luck
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 349
Likes: 57
From: Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
On line I've found the range from $10 to $95. Where did you get yours? And do you know enough about bearings to say why one would cost $95?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 1,219
From: Dubuque, IA
I got mine on Amazon. I see they're $27.56 there now.
Novice
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: Germany
I couldn´t find or keep a proper clutch adjustment on my 2010 883L. I installed the Energy 1 extra plate kevlar clutch. I was sure to find a 20w50 oil with JASO MA2/JASO MA specs( recommended by Energy 1). it took about 600 miles for the new clutch to get broke in, but now its great. A good decision. One thing I noticed this winter is that after sitting several weeks, its a little sticky, but each week I go out and pull the clutch lever a couple times, and once a month start and let the bike run while occasionally pulling clutch lever. No problems.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 4,030
From: San Diego, CA
I couldn´t find or keep a proper clutch adjustment on my 2010 883L. I installed the Energy 1 extra plate kevlar clutch. I was sure to find a 20w50 oil with JASO MA2/JASO MA specs( recommended by Energy 1). it took about 600 miles for the new clutch to get broke in, but now its great. A good decision. One thing I noticed this winter is that after sitting several weeks, its a little sticky, but each week I go out and pull the clutch lever a couple times, and once a month start and let the bike run while occasionally pulling clutch lever. No problems.
John
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 1,219
From: Dubuque, IA
I havent either but replaced it while I was in there anyway and the axial load thing makes sense so.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 627
Likes: 324
From: Covington, VA
I've replaced my spring plate with 3 stock plates (2 steels and 1 friction) while retaining the original clutch spring. I also replaced the clutch throw out bearing with the *** 7200B TVP Angular Contact Bearing. The stock spring plate and throw out bearing were still good but I have the peace of mind that they won't self-destruct. The end result is a smoother, lighter pull on the clutch lever and a slightly quicker clutch engagement. The most expensive part was the clutch spring tool which is a necessity. You MAY be able to do the job without it but it will be much harder and more frustrating IFyou succeed. I recommend doing both jobs.
Novice
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: Germany
They all stick when cold. The bigger problem is starting your bike occasionally and not riding it until it's completely up to temperature. Every time you just start it for a few minutes, there is a lot of condensation. If the engine does not get up to temperature, that moisture stays in your gearbox and engine oil. Next thing you have milky oil full of water, no bueno. Always take it out for about 30 minutes every time you start your bike.
John
John