My original clutch cable is still on my 2003 RKC. 27,000 miles approx. I have always kept it lubed and adjusted accordingly and feel no binding what so ever with no fraying at the handle. The Road Kings of that year tended to have a harder pull than others so I'm wondering when should it be replaced. I'm not above doing it although im not looking forward to it but if I should I will. Do they deteriorate over time?

randy

 

Good question, my snapped at 50,000 on my 04 RK.

 

My bike is even older than yours and as I have got older the clutch has seemed to get stiffer. I've modified the engine over the years, which has required a stiffer clutch spring, so I've tried an 'easy' device, which helped a little. The biggest benefit has been replacing the old cable, in my case with an H-D Diamondback. The reduction in lever effort was quite remarkable - I got rid of the 'easy' thing! I'm not sure if the Diamondback is still sold, however there are other brands, including Barnett, although I haven't used them. There are also other devices which reduce clutch lever effort, such as the AIM Variable Pressure Clutch, a centrifugal pressure plate. If you search HDF for that you should find other similar threads and find more info. You're not alone!

 

I look at these things like this on my 05 Fat Boy. I plan to change or upgrade something every year. The first year I had the bike ..I bought it used with 10K on it..I did the cam chest upgrade with a new cam the second year I had it... The next year was an easy one with just new plug wires, in tank fuel line and filter. last year I changed out the Clutch cable, the clutch itself and rebuilt the front forks. The bike now has 26k on it. I figure if I have the cash, why wait till these things with known issues break.

I also changed out the wheel bearings at the last tire change

 

27k miles isn't much at all for a clutch cable. It's rare that they need to be replaced. A lot of what you experience is due to the clutch spring itself. Not the cable. If you want an easier pull the best way is to change the clutch ball ramp to one of the easy pull types sold by HD 36808-05 and a number of after market sites. They work pretty well and are not very costly. Easy to install. And they come in different sizes as well.

 

Im ok with the pressure on the clutch handle. I was told that the Road Kings tend to feel stiffer. If 27 k is not considered excessive as far as length of time, ill wait till next year.

thanks

randy

 

I have a bike with well over 80K miles with the original cables in place and working just fine.

 

They will go a long time if you keep them lubed.

Beary

 

08 Road King with 92,500, still on the factory cable. See no reason to change it, still smooth.

 

116,000 on mine. Still like new.