Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

clutch

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 19, 2008 | 01:42 AM
  #1  
lou1's Avatar
lou1
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Default clutch

Hey;
lou here again. Got a question about the clutch on my 1200. Was having trouble shifting so adjusted the clutch. It helped a little but still have problems shifting. A Harley mechanic told me I need to do something to the clutch basket to realign it. Does anyone know what he is talking about? i have no idea.
Thanks
Lou
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 01:51 AM
  #2  
LoneRyder's Avatar
LoneRyder
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Fughettaboutit, NY
Default RE: clutch

Adjusted the clutch? How? The cable? Be more specific and I'll help you.
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 04:42 AM
  #3  
cHarley's Avatar
cHarley
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Default RE: clutch

+1 If you didn't remove the derby cover, you didn't adjust the clutch.
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 08:32 AM
  #4  
drum412's Avatar
drum412
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 656
Likes: 2
From:
Default RE: clutch

It may not be your clutch.... If your clutch is adjusted property to begin with, meaning full release and full engagement give or take a little play, it should not affect your shifting. Your shift pawl mechanism could be out of adjustment, which is fairly common. Downside, is the adjustmetn for it is behind the clutch basket, so removal of the primary cover and clutch assemlby is required to get at it. If you do end up checking this out,I'd suggest you get a HD manual which will cover the adjustment steps for you. But definately try adjusting your cables and clutch ramp again before digging into tranny. Simply put, regardless of the variety of clutch adjustment methods, in the end you want about 1/8th inch gap(play) at the clutch lever when at rest, and should be able to pull the lever all the way back to the grip, if not your clutch isn't adjusted properly. Start by adjusting the adjustment screw at the clutch ramp assembly, then adjust your cables to match that setting. Other possiblilities, are making sure yoru primary oil level is correct, then as I mentioned, I would check the shift pawl mechanism next. And if it's beyond that, you may have to dig into the tranny and check the shift drum and shift forks for abnormal wear or damage.

In regards to what the mechanic told you, he's probly refering to the adjustment screw in the at the clutch ramp assembly, as that's really the only adjustable part on the clutch itself.

 
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 12:11 PM
  #5  
lou1's Avatar
lou1
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Default RE: clutch

Clutch was adjusted by a Harley mechanic and he did remove the cover to do a complete adjustment
Thanks
Lou
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 02:16 PM
  #6  
Zimbob's Avatar
Zimbob
Stellar HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 11
From: Grottoes Va.
Default RE: clutch

how is the primary chain adjustment?
 
Reply
Old May 19, 2008 | 03:00 PM
  #7  
CalleCula's Avatar
CalleCula
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Sweden
Default RE: clutch

What kind of oil is in the tranny? The wrong kindof oil (car motor oil) will make theclutch stick, which makes the shifting rough. Use formula + or transmission oil 80w-90.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Rusty Axle
Shovelhead
17
Jul 7, 2021 05:20 PM
MarcV125
Touring Models
59
Jul 7, 2013 11:31 AM
outlawrider
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
3
Jun 19, 2009 07:30 AM
UglyLou
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
3
Jun 25, 2008 03:46 PM
flyboyjacko
Sportster Models
6
Sep 15, 2007 04:59 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:47 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE