New clutch needed.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
As others have said, try adjusting it first and make sure the cable isn't too tight at the grip. Also make sure you don't have too much fluid in there, it will make it slip too. It takes just a small amount of fluid, if you can see it, it has enough. It only has to be able to pick up a bit as it spins. I used synthetic 20/50 in all three holes and I was on the original clutch when I sold the bike a few weeks ago with 89,000 miles. Unless someone was really hard on the bike or didn't know how to ride I'd be surprised if the clutch is shot.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,996
Likes: 417
From: Cranbourne, VIC Australia
Very likely the clutch cable is misadjusted, or it stretched and needs to be readjusted. your clutch should last FAR longer than 21k even being ridden heavy or hard. Adjustments can solve a lot, are very quick to do, don't forget the bike needs to be Cold.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 161
Likes: 30
From: NW Georgia
I've noticed the last few days the clutch on my my 2009 Electra Glide Ultra Classic seems to be a "little less than it should be" ... after it warms up I've noticed the point of engagement seems to be at the end of the lever travel. It has 23k miles... I bought it in March with less than 13k on it. I've noticed it mostly when starting from a stop. I've not noticed it slipping under heavy throttle... but it could be.
The previous/original owner didn't ride too much... and seemed like he was pretty good with having it serviced regularly by the dealer. I ride my bike as often as I can... and not as good with keeping up with scheduled maintenance and PM. I typically fix things when they're messing up... otherwise, I ride.
My plan is to adjust the clutch today (since it's raining here this week) and see if it helps. I expect that's all that is going on for me.
If you know it's slipping... don't ride it hard... be gentle with it until it's fixed. As others have mentioned... these wet clutches usually last pretty good under normal use. However, if it's slipping and you keep riding it, they will wear out.
I've replaced clutches on other bikes... non-HD. It's not too difficult and would be a good experience if you've never opened the side cover for more than an oil change. If/when I replace, I will probably upgrade to a heavier spring and possibly go with aftermarket on the friction disks.
Ride Safely!
John.
The previous/original owner didn't ride too much... and seemed like he was pretty good with having it serviced regularly by the dealer. I ride my bike as often as I can... and not as good with keeping up with scheduled maintenance and PM. I typically fix things when they're messing up... otherwise, I ride.
My plan is to adjust the clutch today (since it's raining here this week) and see if it helps. I expect that's all that is going on for me.
If you know it's slipping... don't ride it hard... be gentle with it until it's fixed. As others have mentioned... these wet clutches usually last pretty good under normal use. However, if it's slipping and you keep riding it, they will wear out.
I've replaced clutches on other bikes... non-HD. It's not too difficult and would be a good experience if you've never opened the side cover for more than an oil change. If/when I replace, I will probably upgrade to a heavier spring and possibly go with aftermarket on the friction disks.
Ride Safely!
John.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
I've noticed the last few days the clutch on my my 2009 Electra Glide Ultra Classic seems to be a "little less than it should be" ... after it warms up I've noticed the point of engagement seems to be at the end of the lever travel. It has 23k miles... I bought it in March with less than 13k on it. I've noticed it mostly when starting from a stop. I've not noticed it slipping under heavy throttle... but it could be.
The previous/original owner didn't ride too much... and seemed like he was pretty good with having it serviced regularly by the dealer. I ride my bike as often as I can... and not as good with keeping up with scheduled maintenance and PM. I typically fix things when they're messing up... otherwise, I ride.
My plan is to adjust the clutch today (since it's raining here this week) and see if it helps. I expect that's all that is going on for me.
If you know it's slipping... don't ride it hard... be gentle with it until it's fixed. As others have mentioned... these wet clutches usually last pretty good under normal use. However, if it's slipping and you keep riding it, they will wear out.
I've replaced clutches on other bikes... non-HD. It's not too difficult and would be a good experience if you've never opened the side cover for more than an oil change. If/when I replace, I will probably upgrade to a heavier spring and possibly go with aftermarket on the friction disks.
Ride Safely!
John.
The previous/original owner didn't ride too much... and seemed like he was pretty good with having it serviced regularly by the dealer. I ride my bike as often as I can... and not as good with keeping up with scheduled maintenance and PM. I typically fix things when they're messing up... otherwise, I ride.
My plan is to adjust the clutch today (since it's raining here this week) and see if it helps. I expect that's all that is going on for me.
If you know it's slipping... don't ride it hard... be gentle with it until it's fixed. As others have mentioned... these wet clutches usually last pretty good under normal use. However, if it's slipping and you keep riding it, they will wear out.
I've replaced clutches on other bikes... non-HD. It's not too difficult and would be a good experience if you've never opened the side cover for more than an oil change. If/when I replace, I will probably upgrade to a heavier spring and possibly go with aftermarket on the friction disks.
Ride Safely!
John.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,598
From: Danbury CT
My clutch on my 09 Heritage started slipping in fifth and sixth gear at 20,000 miles. I put in a heavy duty spring and it was a little better but I couldn't find neutral. I decided to replace the clutch with the Screaming Eagle plates and that solved all the slipping issues but I still couldn't find neutral and couldn't figure out why although I adjust the clutch at least seven or eight times. After a while I was thinking about it and the only thing I had changed when I put in the heavy duty spring was the primary fluid. I went from Rotella T to Spectrao heavy duty primary fluid. So about 2 weeks ago I drained out the spectro fluid and put it in HD Formula 1 and bingo neutral is a breeze. The spectro is very heavy duty and probably was a little too thick for my setup. Everything works great now. Oil does make a difference🤣
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 140
Likes: 6
From: Metrowest
I would like to thank everyone for the advice. I will give the clutch adjustment a try this weekend, then we will go from there. I really hope that will fix it, as I want to take the bike with me to PA the following weekend.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 161
Likes: 30
From: NW Georgia
I adjusted mine this week. It took me longer than it should have... because I tried it without putting it on the jack... so I had to clean up the oil that came out of the primary. I also lubed the cable and lever. It was a pretty easy job after pulling the jack out. Mine feels much better now.
Ride Safely!
John.
Ride Safely!
John.
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
Not much of a mechanic here but trust my Indy. I had a clutch get weak on a bike at about 75K. He replaced it with a Barnett Scorpion which has been been awesome. Otherwise he never likes to run synthetic in the primary. Whatever he does has always worked great for me and he has worked on my bikes for close to 10 years. Best of luck and posting back here with your fix (?) is what makes forums great.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 3,518
From: PA
I change mine out this year with teh Energy One extra plate and heavy duty spring kit..Love it.....
@ pieces of advice if you go with energy one.....They recommend B&M trick shift trans fluid..use it
and when adjusting the clutch only back off the adjuster a 1/4 turn
@ pieces of advice if you go with energy one.....They recommend B&M trick shift trans fluid..use it
and when adjusting the clutch only back off the adjuster a 1/4 turn
