AIM Light Force problem on a '19
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 280
Likes: 80
From: NW Illinois
AIM Light Force problem on a '19
I just installed a Light Force clutch slave on my 2019 Harley Davidson Road Glide. I bled it numerous times, 6 or more, using a syringe and pushing fluid up to the master cylinder until there were no air bubbles. I then started the bike and put it into gear, the clutch lever was only an 1/8 inch away from the grip before the bike started to move. That's way too close.
I pulled the clutch cover to check travel, only getting .061/.062 of movement. I've read up on this, .065 is a common number and it's working for the people who posted. But they also described the lever as being about an inch from the grip before the clutch starts to engage.
The 2019 does have an extra clutch plate and a thicker damper spring seat which is supposed to bring the friction zone closer to the grip compared to the older 2017-2018 models.
Not sure what effect that might have.I emailed AIM, they said my numbers are definitely low, they like to see .070 and suggested I dig into the clutch and change out the damper spring to a '17/'18 version.What else can I try??
I pulled the clutch cover to check travel, only getting .061/.062 of movement. I've read up on this, .065 is a common number and it's working for the people who posted. But they also described the lever as being about an inch from the grip before the clutch starts to engage.
The 2019 does have an extra clutch plate and a thicker damper spring seat which is supposed to bring the friction zone closer to the grip compared to the older 2017-2018 models.
Not sure what effect that might have.I emailed AIM, they said my numbers are definitely low, they like to see .070 and suggested I dig into the clutch and change out the damper spring to a '17/'18 version.What else can I try??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 2,990
From: Charleston, SC
I just installed a Light Force clutch slave on my 2019 Harley Davidson Road Glide. I bled it numerous times, 6 or more, using a syringe and pushing fluid up to the master cylinder until there were no air bubbles. I then started the bike and put it into gear, the clutch lever was only an 1/8 inch away from the grip before the bike started to move. That's way too close.
I pulled the clutch cover to check travel, only getting .061/.062 of movement. I've read up on this, .065 is a common number and it's working for the people who posted. But they also described the lever as being about an inch from the grip before the clutch starts to engage.
The 2019 does have an extra clutch plate and a thicker damper spring seat which is supposed to bring the friction zone closer to the grip compared to the older 2017-2018 models.
Not sure what effect that might have.I emailed AIM, they said my numbers are definitely low, they like to see .070 and suggested I dig into the clutch and change out the damper spring to a '17/'18 version.What else can I try??
I pulled the clutch cover to check travel, only getting .061/.062 of movement. I've read up on this, .065 is a common number and it's working for the people who posted. But they also described the lever as being about an inch from the grip before the clutch starts to engage.
The 2019 does have an extra clutch plate and a thicker damper spring seat which is supposed to bring the friction zone closer to the grip compared to the older 2017-2018 models.
Not sure what effect that might have.I emailed AIM, they said my numbers are definitely low, they like to see .070 and suggested I dig into the clutch and change out the damper spring to a '17/'18 version.What else can I try??
I had to bleed mine several times and finally turned the master cylinder lever side up (took it off the bars) to get all the air out.
For the record I have the 2019 damper seat in my 2017 so we should have the same configuration. Engages about 1/2 inch off the grip.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 280
Likes: 80
From: NW Illinois
I'll have to fiddle with it more tomorrow. Got annoyed and am trying an old brake bleed trick. Tied the clutch lever back tight to the grip and leaving it overnight. Sometimes that forces air bubbles out. Not sure why, but I've seen it work.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 2,990
From: Charleston, SC
Also, when you come back to it later, carefully remove the master cylinder cover and lightly bump the lever and see if tiny bubbles escape from the feed port and rise up through the fluid..
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 280
Likes: 80
From: NW Illinois
Update: After leaving it with the lever tied back to the grip overnight, this morning the clutch movement measures .065/.066.
Much improved, clutch now starts to engage at least a 1/2" off the grip. I'll ride some today, then tie the lever back for one more night just to make sure all the air bubbles are out.
Much improved, clutch now starts to engage at least a 1/2" off the grip. I'll ride some today, then tie the lever back for one more night just to make sure all the air bubbles are out.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Aim Clutch Slave Cylinder
I purchased a 2019 Harley Davidson FLHTKSE end of OCT. 2019. Approx. 500 miles later I had my Harley dealership install the Aim Slave cylinder on my bike. I rode trouble free for 1000 miles, then all of a sudden I started to get clutch slippage. When I would put the bike in gear, with the clutch pulled in, the bike would ride off, I could not shift in neutral to stop, I would have to push the brake to stall or turn the on/off switch off. I re-bled the system several times and still have issues. The weird thing is I only have these issues in the morning, after the bike warms up I have not experienced any problems.
I really like the performance of the AIM clutch slave cylinder when it works properly, however I'm not sure where it will malfunction again, luckily each time it has was in my driveway. I do not want this malfunction to happen in traffic for fear I may rear end someone and hurt myself or someone else and the bike.
I know this product was revised after my purchase/install in Dec.19 but was told by Aim this did not change the function of the cylinder. I am going to change my damper spring to match the 17-18's this week and hopefully this eliminates the creeping in gear.
I really like the performance of the AIM clutch slave cylinder when it works properly, however I'm not sure where it will malfunction again, luckily each time it has was in my driveway. I do not want this malfunction to happen in traffic for fear I may rear end someone and hurt myself or someone else and the bike.
I know this product was revised after my purchase/install in Dec.19 but was told by Aim this did not change the function of the cylinder. I am going to change my damper spring to match the 17-18's this week and hopefully this eliminates the creeping in gear.
Last edited by hawgridr; Mar 24, 2019 at 06:35 AM.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 280
Likes: 80
From: NW Illinois
Sounds like a good plan. Let us know how the spring change works out. Should give you more room as you're letting the clutch out.
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
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Installed the damper spring yesterday and the bike did fine riding 100 miles..i wanted to wait till this morning to provide feedback because this is when I had issues. I just start my bike and let it run about 45 seconds and the clutch did fine, no more trying to pull off with the clutch lever pulled and in gear. Amazing how this damper ring has fixed the issue, the difference between the 17-18's is small compared to the 19's but it has made a difference on my bike. Hope this helps others that have experienced issues with installing the Aim's Slave Cylinder.