My concern was installing them with whatever oil they may have been coated with to prevent corrosion, and to have some fresh primary oil on them before install, as the instructions only say to soak clutch plates. I called and talked with energy one today at lunch, and they said only to soak friction, but it doesn't hurt anything to do both. I edited accordingly.

 

Great write-up Slyedog !!

FYI - Here is the spring plate from a 2006 Sportster 1200 with just over 15k miles. I'm currently replacing the clutch on this bike.

 

Sorry ... here is the pic.

 

That sucks! Are you having to replace the basket, or did you catch it early enough?

 

The basket was badly grooved, but I think I saved it. The first few friction plates removed easily. However, the others were a struggle due to the basket damage. Once I got the plates out, I began filing down the basket burs. I then used the better condition friction plates to clear the rough or high spots by working them in back and forth. At this point the basket appears salvageable. I’ve ordered a new spring plate that should be here once I return from a business trip this week. Hopefully by next weekend I can report that all is well with this clutch.

 

Check your frictions and make sure that neither on each side of that spring plate where scored and still and in spec in thickness. Contemplate putting 2 steels and one friction in place of spring plate. This will be budget conscious and eliminate future issues. Hope I was of some help through the process.

 

I have new friction plates, but had held off purchasing a spring plate until disassembly. Found a new spring plate on EBay last night and saved a few $$$ there. The concern I have right now is ensuring that clutch basket damage will not prevent proper operation. I suspect if scored too bad the friction plates could spin.

 

Good deal!

 

Success!!

The clutch basket cleaned up nicely. Last night I installed the original steel plates and new HD spring plate I purchased on EBay. The friction plates I used are Alto Red Eagle Organic Plates w/much more surface area than the stock HD friction plates (see attached pic).

Rode for about 15 minutes until my fingers eventually went numb from the cold … shifts perfectly.

 

Good to hear you got it done.