Not another problem: clutch
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Joined: Mar 2011
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Not another problem: clutch
So i got a burley kit and bars everything is installed ready to ride but my clutch is really sticky i have some cable oil but that made no difference i called burley and they said that sometimes its because there too tight.
Long story short i have a clutch that i cant feather??
Long story short i have a clutch that i cant feather??
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Manassas, VA
Did you check the free play at the lever by adjustment in the middle of the cable after you set the clutch screw behind the derby cover? You should have about an 1/8" (or a nickel) before the lever starts to grab. In this pic, I used a thick washer.
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Yep I went from loose to tight seeing if it would help. the clutch engages about half way out, I just followed the manual and backed out the adjustment screw a 1/4 turn. It's so grabby that its spooky to ride.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Manassas, VA
I don't think the 1/2 or 3/4 turn would do the trick. I think you're right about it just changing where it engages. Kinda has me stumped, not that I'm an expert. I don't see what the cable has to do with it, unless it's kinked or stretching some how. Does it act the same when the bars are at full lock left vs. right?
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I haven't really tried that. I took it around the block and it was pretty bad. Mounting the cable to the frame like the stock cable vs leaving it hang free makes no difference.
The cable moves a lot when the clutch is used like its catching.
The cable moves a lot when the clutch is used like its catching.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 540
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From: Nooga, TN
Kind of sounds like it could be a bad spring plate in your clutch pack. Don't know the year and miles of your bike, but the inability to adjust and the other symptoms seem like the spring plate might have come apart.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
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It sounds to me like you may have improperly reassembled the clutch assembly. Assuming you needed to remove the nut and retention plate on the center of the clutch assembly to R&R the cable, upon reassembly you need to adjust the screw properly for correct clutch operation. IIRC, you tighten the screw till it stops, then back it off 1/4 turn. Not backing it off far enough could cause improper/sticky operation.
Alternatively/additionally, with the cable removed, does the cable move freely within the housing?
Alternatively/additionally, with the cable removed, does the cable move freely within the housing?
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I'm pretty sure its the cable I opened my primary again and played with the adjustment some more with no change. I detached the primary end of the cable and it seems to move freely with no tension but when I pulled on the primary end to create some tension the lever felt un smooth again.