When to replace Clutch Cable
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 142
When to replace Clutch Cable
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
randy
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
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!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 3,518
From: PA
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
I also changed out the wheel bearings at the last tire change
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
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.
Last edited by Bingee; Jan 24, 2019 at 10:41 AM.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 142
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
thanks
randy
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
I have a bike with well over 80K miles with the original cables in place and working just fine.
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