Clutch Concerns
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,589
Likes: 4,019
From: San Diego, CA
I do see that the E1 spring has half round cut outs on the root ends of 4 of the spring fingers. The H-D are all squared off. I have no idea if that makes a difference or not, but they did go to the trouble to make them that way. I doubt it was a patent infringement issue. Perhaps TC over on XLF was correct.
Great job, Crow48!
John
Great job, Crow48!
John
Last edited by John Harper; May 1, 2025 at 08:14 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Newport,TN area
hth,
T.
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 62
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From: Northern IL
Bike has a bit over 24,000 miles on it. I give it the beans sometimes, but not really thrashing on it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
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From: OH
883 & 1200 share the same stroke of 3.812
How does the straw measure bore ?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: USA
Cost vs downtime.
It is the spring plate that I would say is the issue, unless you have a slipping or other complaint, I did not notice in your post.
To fully inspect you'll need to remove the side engine case. Don't forget to have the "special" clutch removal tool on hand... Gaskets
Oil drain/ inspection, may be a waste of time... 1 qt oil and o-ring.
So...
To limit downtime, buy a replacement clutch kit and all the oil & gaskets, or suspected parts ie spring plate and/or stiffer diaphragm spring.
To limit cost, disassemble, inspect, and then order parts.
WWID.... pre-buy the parts for a clutch upgrade.
Good luck with your decision.
It is the spring plate that I would say is the issue, unless you have a slipping or other complaint, I did not notice in your post.
To fully inspect you'll need to remove the side engine case. Don't forget to have the "special" clutch removal tool on hand... Gaskets
Oil drain/ inspection, may be a waste of time... 1 qt oil and o-ring.
So...
To limit downtime, buy a replacement clutch kit and all the oil & gaskets, or suspected parts ie spring plate and/or stiffer diaphragm spring.
To limit cost, disassemble, inspect, and then order parts.
WWID.... pre-buy the parts for a clutch upgrade.
Good luck with your decision.
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 111
From: Northern IL
You set the piston to BDC and measure the distance from the far side of the wall where it meets the piston to the top of the spark plug hole. If it's an 883 it will be 5-1/2", if it's a 1200 it will be 5-7/8".
Last edited by kvanderploeg; May 2, 2025 at 10:13 AM. Reason: BDC not BTC
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From: The Wasteland
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Joined: Nov 2023
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From: Knoxville
Had good luck with the energy one too.
One thing from my shady tree, soak the plates for a good bit. I let mine marinate for 24 hours.
I’ve pulled more than a few clutches with the rear plates spotty dry. Thinking the oiling to the rear plates isn’t the best; a younger man might be tempted to drill a few oiling holes. An old man worries about weakening the basket and it letting go.
In the mid 20ks I’d be looking at the comp, pad and chain too. Button it up, adjust clutch and chain once and enjoy another 20k.
One thing from my shady tree, soak the plates for a good bit. I let mine marinate for 24 hours.
I’ve pulled more than a few clutches with the rear plates spotty dry. Thinking the oiling to the rear plates isn’t the best; a younger man might be tempted to drill a few oiling holes. An old man worries about weakening the basket and it letting go.
In the mid 20ks I’d be looking at the comp, pad and chain too. Button it up, adjust clutch and chain once and enjoy another 20k.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Northern IL
Thinking this may just get pushed to a winter project. It's all sounding and working fine for now. So you'd recommend to replace the chain, the adjuster pad and what's the comp?