Clutch adjustment after cable replaced?
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Bama
Clutch adjustment after cable replaced?
I will be changing out my stock clutch cable with a +6 cable since I added taller bars. I plan to drive the bike up on a 2X4 so that it will lean a little more on the stand so that I will not lose too much oil. I just changed it about 500 miles ago and it stills has a lot of life left in it.
My question is do I HAVE to remove the left side cover and adjust the clutch afterward or is this just a " while your at it" kind of thing? I don't want to do it if it is not needed. Did you guys make the adjustment?
Thanks
Rick
My question is do I HAVE to remove the left side cover and adjust the clutch afterward or is this just a " while your at it" kind of thing? I don't want to do it if it is not needed. Did you guys make the adjustment?
Thanks
Rick
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 368
Likes: 37
From: Montgomery, Alabama
Short answer...yes. It will be by far easier to do it than to not. Just replaced my clutch cable for the 12" mini's I installed. Just for fun, did exactly what you want to do. Couldn't get the damn thing tuned back in for the life of me. I've always told people to adjust it and had a moment of "maybe I'm wrong" and ya, didn't work. BTW, you are going to lose oil in your trans either way. It's a quart, drain it and refill it with fresh once it's done. A 2x4 isn't going to change the angle enough to prevent most of it from coming out anyway.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 155
Likes: 1
From: Bama
Ok, sounds like I will be adjusting the cable. It doesn't look like it is a big job to do anyways.
But to SoulPatch's comment, wouldn't it be more than 1 quart? My bike takes 3.5 quarts. Just asking.
Thanks
But to SoulPatch's comment, wouldn't it be more than 1 quart? My bike takes 3.5 quarts. Just asking.
Thanks
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 7,127
From: Beyond Fucital
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 368
Likes: 37
From: Montgomery, Alabama
Trans is roughly a quart. Primaries vary a bit from model to model. Engines are the same. Make sure to read your manual for the exact amounts and even then don't trust it completely. USE your dipsticks and eyes.
It's not a BIG job, but you still need to follow what you are doing. Fresh gaskets, towels to wipe things out and definitely something to hold parts (especially the three bearings in the actuator). A manual is always good to have, since it'll show you step by step.
Good luck, let us know how it turns out.
It's not a BIG job, but you still need to follow what you are doing. Fresh gaskets, towels to wipe things out and definitely something to hold parts (especially the three bearings in the actuator). A manual is always good to have, since it'll show you step by step.
Good luck, let us know how it turns out.
Last edited by soulpatch; Oct 2, 2018 at 06:53 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Clutch Cable
I will be changing out my stock clutch cable with a +6 cable since I added taller bars. I plan to drive the bike up on a 2X4 so that it will lean a little more on the stand so that I will not lose too much oil. I just changed it about 500 miles ago and it stills has a lot of life left in it.
My question is do I HAVE to remove the left side cover and adjust the clutch afterward or is this just a " while your at it" kind of thing? I don't want to do it if it is not needed. Did you guys make the adjustment?
Thanks
Rick
My question is do I HAVE to remove the left side cover and adjust the clutch afterward or is this just a " while your at it" kind of thing? I don't want to do it if it is not needed. Did you guys make the adjustment?
Thanks
Rick
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 709
From: San Diego
Keep in mind you have 2 separate adjustments that adjust 2 separate parts of the clutch system. The adjuster on the cable is to take up any slack in the cable itself. This is for stretch that happens over time. The adjustment behind the derby cover adjusts the clutch itself and is meant to take up slack as the clutch plates wear down. If your clutch is properly adjusted then you do not need to go into the derby cover and re adjust it. You can loosen the adjuster on the cable to remove it and do the same on the new one to install it. Then adjust the cable like normal.
Also, if you have a bike that has an engine guard and bag guards, you can put a blanket on the floor and lay the bike on it's side. You shouldn't really lose much, if any, transmission oil this way.
Also, if you have a bike that has an engine guard and bag guards, you can put a blanket on the floor and lay the bike on it's side. You shouldn't really lose much, if any, transmission oil this way.