Clutch Slip
Thread Starter
|
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Mt Sterling,Ky
Clutch Slip
Hello,
I have a 2010 Ultra Classic and the clutch slips bad in 5th gear. Is it the clutch or something with 5th gear? If it is slipping can I adjust it? Or do I need to replace it?
Thanks
I have a 2010 Ultra Classic and the clutch slips bad in 5th gear. Is it the clutch or something with 5th gear? If it is slipping can I adjust it? Or do I need to replace it?
Thanks
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
welcome to the forums- start by getting a factory service manual.
it'll pay for itself.
do not make the common mistake of "adjusting the clutch" by adjusting the cable.
you adjust the clutch after collapsing the cable & removing the derby cover.
after adjustment, you then adjust the cable
easy...but a little fiddly and sometimes a do-over is required.
common subject, there are many threads on this, you could read up and learn from other's experience
Mike
it'll pay for itself.
do not make the common mistake of "adjusting the clutch" by adjusting the cable.
you adjust the clutch after collapsing the cable & removing the derby cover.
after adjustment, you then adjust the cable
easy...but a little fiddly and sometimes a do-over is required.
common subject, there are many threads on this, you could read up and learn from other's experience
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Dec 27, 2014 at 06:44 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
If you find clutch adj is ok and or doesnt stop clutch from slipping post re-adjusteme chk this out.
If its been slipping bad for a while you likely overheated & or warped the clutch plates & or entire clutch pkg in steel plates too in which case i'd replace clutch plates at min and would replace the steel plates if disolored or found to be warped uisng a straight edge.
I'd also use the heavy duty clutch spring that HD makes thats got what is it ,10-15% or 15-20% additional clamping force/strength vs stock replacement clutch spring .
But in a case where mileage is pretty low and clutch hasn't been slipping for very many miles or little time thats when you can often get away with just installing a new heavy duty clutch spring like i mentioned above and that will do the trick stopping the clutch slip.
But thats as long as you havent been running std pass car /truck oil in primary case thats got friction modifiers in it that are not always wet clutch friendly leading to premature clutch slip/failure in some but not all cases.
Scott
If its been slipping bad for a while you likely overheated & or warped the clutch plates & or entire clutch pkg in steel plates too in which case i'd replace clutch plates at min and would replace the steel plates if disolored or found to be warped uisng a straight edge.
I'd also use the heavy duty clutch spring that HD makes thats got what is it ,10-15% or 15-20% additional clamping force/strength vs stock replacement clutch spring .
But in a case where mileage is pretty low and clutch hasn't been slipping for very many miles or little time thats when you can often get away with just installing a new heavy duty clutch spring like i mentioned above and that will do the trick stopping the clutch slip.
But thats as long as you havent been running std pass car /truck oil in primary case thats got friction modifiers in it that are not always wet clutch friendly leading to premature clutch slip/failure in some but not all cases.
Scott
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 783
Likes: 66
From: Sacramento
Do you have any power adders? When I changed my cams, the clutch would slip in sixth gear at high speed and full throttle. The easy pull clutch spring is adequate for stock or plus 1 power levels but anything greater is likely to slip. I changed out my clutch disks and went with a 2003 big twin spring and added an AIM variable plate. It was a little pricey but my clutch engagement is great.
5th gear is where the torque lives in relation to the clutch.
The clutch needs adjustment.
That's all. If you don't have a manual, get one... or, take it somewhere you trust to have them do it.
If I still lived in KYVA, I'd offer, or, bring it to San Antonio....
The clutch needs adjustment.
That's all. If you don't have a manual, get one... or, take it somewhere you trust to have them do it.
If I still lived in KYVA, I'd offer, or, bring it to San Antonio....
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
Mine did the same thing
As soon as I got the tuning dialed in on my 2010 ultra after a cam upgrade my bike did the same thing. Wasn't expecting that! But the torque boost was the reason. I mic'd my clutch plates and they were still in spec at 50k miles and plates looked good so I just installed a SE clutch spring and been fine since. Had I known then what I know now, day one, I should have opened the primary cover and changed out the clutch spring, compensator, and the chain tensioner for the Hayden all at one time instead of piece meal.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 20
From: Southeast GA
I'm having the same problem since I changed cams. The clutch has been adjusted twice and it's way better but It will still slip in 5th or 6th if I get on it hard. Does the SE clutch spring make the lever harder to pull?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,514
Likes: 3,951
From: Vermont
Yes. Can always put a VPC in
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From: South Carolina
Yes but it's better than the slipping clutch. It just takes a week or so to get used to it. It was also the cheapest solution to the problem.