2021 cable clutch
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,001
Likes: 11,441
That may or may not be correct, I don't know for a fact. But just like a computer, I'm only as smart as the data that I received. After following that thread that LQQK OUT posted above on post #79, along with the multitude of other posts that were comparing the difference between hydraulic clutches vs cable clutches on the new M8's when they came out, that's what I judged my decision on. Data in...... Data out. That whole clutch setup could possibly have had nothing to do with the transfer at all, just going by what I read. You may have done a lot more research on this than I did during that time, so you may be 100% correct sir, and quite honestly, the fluid transfer issue really doesn't concern me that much because I do not, and will not, own on an M8 for a few more years. By then, It will all be a moot issue.
Still had nothing to do with clutch rod. Of course some made fast money on it. But had not one thing to do with transfer.. On my second M8 a darn good ride and the 2017 never had any of the problems listed. I do know some did. Most did not. Why they happened is still up in the air.
But the list of useless cures are still around. Some myths will never go away.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 447
Likes: 427
From: Midwest
lol. It's not that I think I know better, it's that that is the way it's taught in safety courses everywhere, even today.
There is no Hydraulic vs cable technique btw. No street vs trail/offroad either. Nor, "covering the clutch or brakes" which is considered a bad habit - but I even do this...
In an emergency, riders rarely pull in the lever "just the amount" needed. On a misadjusted clutch you might need the full lever range anyway.
It's about muscle memory really. Teach the rider to use the same technique every time, so there are no surprises.
Use your full grip every time and practice variable pressure to get a predictable outcome - better chance for a good outcome in an emergency.
Also, it's hard to move the lever inward enough to leave enough room for a pinky on the grip on a Harley; although, there are shorty levers available these days. Kinda cool.
Typically, new riders become frightened when they see the big truck coming at them and snap the lever(s) to the grip (ouch my finger) but yay ABS? I get it.
But on the other side, most are not going to get full braking with just one finger in an emergency either..
Anyway, good talk. You should write the MSF, Police, etc and tell them to use your superior techniques and how "poor" theirs are. Might make some money selling How-to CDs?
There is no Hydraulic vs cable technique btw. No street vs trail/offroad either. Nor, "covering the clutch or brakes" which is considered a bad habit - but I even do this...
In an emergency, riders rarely pull in the lever "just the amount" needed. On a misadjusted clutch you might need the full lever range anyway.
It's about muscle memory really. Teach the rider to use the same technique every time, so there are no surprises.
Use your full grip every time and practice variable pressure to get a predictable outcome - better chance for a good outcome in an emergency.
Also, it's hard to move the lever inward enough to leave enough room for a pinky on the grip on a Harley; although, there are shorty levers available these days. Kinda cool.
Typically, new riders become frightened when they see the big truck coming at them and snap the lever(s) to the grip (ouch my finger) but yay ABS? I get it.
But on the other side, most are not going to get full braking with just one finger in an emergency either..
Anyway, good talk. You should write the MSF, Police, etc and tell them to use your superior techniques and how "poor" theirs are. Might make some money selling How-to CDs?
You are probably correct that the MSF techniques are reduced to the lowest common denominator for a lower experience and skill level.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
Most of us using all 4 fingers do ok with it. Some of us do extraordinarily well with it.
They are not my techniques. They are the techniques taught by every major mx, sx, xc, extreme xc, trials, and racing instructor, coach, and trainer in the world. I wish they were because I would be rich from all the how to CDs and classes that people pay hundreds and thousands of dollars to master. Thanks for the vote of confidence but I was not the inventor and can't the credit for modern universal techniques.
You are probably correct that the MSF techniques are reduced to the lowest common denominator for a lower experience and skill level.
You are probably correct that the MSF techniques are reduced to the lowest common denominator for a lower experience and skill level.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 461
Likes: 119
From: North Dakota
I by no means am an expert rider, but I hold the grip with index finger and thumb and use brake and clutch with the last three fingers. Thats the way my father taught me so you never have to release the grip. It makes more sense to me than taking my fingers off the grip constantly. I dont ever grab too much brake when stopping in an emergency situation by grabbing with all four fingers. My muscle memory is to use the last three fingers, I never do it any other way. I adjust my clutch to allow for this and have never had an issue with brakes on any bike I have ever ridden.
Just how I do it. Do what works for you, but consistency is key.
As far as going back to cable from hydraulic, it makes no sense. Every other manufacturer can make their hydraulic clutch work. It is a pretty basic system. It doesnt say good things about a company that is supposed to be making the best bikes in the world when they cant make something as simple as a hydraulic clutch function properly.
Just how I do it. Do what works for you, but consistency is key.
As far as going back to cable from hydraulic, it makes no sense. Every other manufacturer can make their hydraulic clutch work. It is a pretty basic system. It doesnt say good things about a company that is supposed to be making the best bikes in the world when they cant make something as simple as a hydraulic clutch function properly.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 390
From: Florida
One thing about a cable, that if if broke you can still shift the bike as long as you had a mouse trap set up by just reaching down and work it by hand. I had a sleeved bolt in the top cover hole of my mouse trap in case the cable broke on the road.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 92
Likes: 18
From: Orlando
Good riddance! Happy to see the hydraulic clutch go may it never appear on a Harley motorcycle again! Of course Im sure this is all about Harleys bottom line and not about making the bike more fun and pleasurable to ride.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 462
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
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,158
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
I talked to a salesman at my local dealership about this on Saturday. Take it for what its worth, he said Harley did it because about 60 percent of the feedback from customers wanted cable controlled clutches back. They wanted the larger friction zone and the ability to adjust it closer to the handgrip. Personally, I agree. I havent owned a hydraulic clutch Harley but Ive ridden several in the demo fleet. I like the larger friction zone of my cable clutch over the hydraulic clutches Ive ridden.
There have certainly been many complaints about the friction zone and lack of adjustability... the feel/release point spawned a new aftermarket industry for secondary clutch slaves...
What a great fortune for the MoCo... they can save money per unit, boost the bottom line, and yet be able to claim that they are being responsive to customer complaints & wants...!!
It's a WIN - WIN, for both the bottom line and the HD marketing machine...! Brilliant...!!
