clutch creep
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Make sure your clutch is adjusted per the manual. Get the manual if you don't have one..... Primary oil can have an effect of clutch operation. Do not use Syn 3 in your primary. A clutch manufacturer told me the slickness/slippery additives may cause clutch slippage. Use an oil designed for primary use. Formula + is good. I have used Type F auto trans fluid with no issues. Don't panic....what's in that primary that may not be in an automatic trans?? But regardless use an oil designed for primary. That should eliminate slippage or difficulty finding neutral.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 48
Likes: 33
From: SW MI
Make sure your clutch is adjusted per the manual. Get the manual if you don't have one..... Primary oil can have an effect of clutch operation. Do not use Syn 3 in your primary. A clutch manufacturer told me the slickness/slippery additives may cause clutch slippage. Use an oil designed for primary use. Formula + is good. I have used Type F auto trans fluid with no issues. Don't panic....what's in that primary that may not be in an automatic trans?? But regardless use an oil designed for primary. That should eliminate slippage or difficulty finding neutral.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 7,127
From: Beyond Fucital
I had an issue with a bad Iso grip. So I temporarily reinstalled the stock grips until I received the new grips.
They were much thicker, this prevented the clutch lever from being completely depressed at the present adjustment.
I just had to adjust the clutch pack "IN" a 1/4 turn then adjust it again for the new grips.
They were much thicker, this prevented the clutch lever from being completely depressed at the present adjustment.
I just had to adjust the clutch pack "IN" a 1/4 turn then adjust it again for the new grips.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Clutch creep is due to the clutch plates not separating fully, suggesting that it is not correctly adjusted, or something else is not quite right. The correct procedure is in the Tech Primary section, as pointed out by TriGeezer above.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 310
From: coastal sc
I 2nd the statement to not use syn 3 in primary. I would change the primary fluid and see if that helps. mine feels so much better since I switched it out last Wednesday.
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
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,893
From: Oklahoma
My bet is that there is "more to the story" than what was provided. Something like an improper adjustment led to clutch slip that warped the plates and NOW it drags even with the correct adjustment.