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I guess I do not understand how anyone not involved with the decision can make statements about it.
Maybe it was made to save some money...in a time where the company has been struggling, why is a decision to save money not celebrated? Maybe it was because they felt a cable offered more flexibility and ease of alteration by owners...if this is the case wouldn’t that be a reason to celebrate? Maybe they wanted to use more parts made in USA...reason to celebrate?
I have no idea why the decision was made...and because of that, I am not going to criticize anyone for it.
I personally am glad that HD is still around and still producing beautiful machines.
So the big question is, how is the MoCo going to spin this as an upgrade?
The MoCo will up sale you on a Screamin' Eagle Clutch cable that cost more comes with a special logo and "better than" a normal clutch cable. But truth be told, it's just for the folks who drank the Harley Davidson "kool-Aid"!
I remember back when the M8's first came out and many, including myself, were experiencing the dreaded "Transmission Fluid Transfer", and that there was a lot talk that it was ONLY those bikes with hydro clutches, none with cables. In fact, $tonecold even put together a parts listed need to swap back to cable from hydro. All we can see at this point is the cable on the outside, without being able to see if there were any significant changes to the inside on the clutch actuating system as well to possibly attempt to FIX the transfer issue, instead of putting a BANDAID on it with their brilliant Primary Case Vent. I like the hydro on my 14 SG, but I hated the Tranny Fluid Transfer enough to dump my M8 and go back to a TC. Like to see if the clutch system has changed as well........
I'd like to personally thank all the M8 beta testers for sorting out this hydraulic actuated clutch issue. Harley Davidson, yesterday's technology at tomorrow's prices.
The only way to get quality out of a company is to starve them until get the message. With these new big inch motors they're putting out, that clutch pull is gonna be a treat, especially in a traffic jam.
I'd like to personally thank all the M8 beta testers for sorting out this hydraulic actuated clutch issue. Harley Davidson, yesterday's technology at tomorrow's prices.
The only way to get quality out of a company is to starve them until get the message. With these new big inch motors they're putting out, that clutch pull is gonna be a treat, especially in a traffic jam.
That's where the cable clutch will shine. The on/off friction zone of the hydraulic clutch is a pain in traffic.
That's where the cable clutch will shine. The on/off friction zone of the hydraulic clutch is a pain in traffic.
There is nothing to assist with the required heavier clutch spring for bigger motors. It is true that a cable clutch has better actuation but you're gonna pay for it with increased lever effort.
My real point is, everyone else who makes motorcycles have mastered the black art of hydro clutches, HD tried a bandaid and then just gave up.
There is nothing to assist with the required heavier clutch spring for bigger motors. It is true that a cable clutch has better actuation but you're gonna pay for it with increased lever effort.
It doesn`t matter if you are actuating the clutch with a cable system or a hydraulic system, it will require the same amount of pressure to disengage the clutch, and the same amount of effort at the lever.
The only advantage to the hydraulic system is that it is easy to route a hose through tight spots, but the cable needs nice big radius turns.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jan 6, 2021 at 11:49 AM.
Bike and car makers have been using hydraulic clutches for decades with no problems.
I'm guessing the people at HD couldn't refine theirs well enough to be on par with just about everyone else?
Which doesnt say much about their engineers.
Originally Posted by Nomadmax
My real point is, everyone else who makes motorcycles have mastered the black art of hydro clutches,
HD tried a bandaid and then just gave up
.
Some or even most of their engineers are probably squared away people... I'm gonna bet it's the bean counters, backed by the Board of Directors, that are mucking up the show....
Not surprising in these hard times, as the MoCo tries to streamline to cut costs... that's what the Board of Directors cares about... profits..
I'm also not surprised they "just gave up" on the hydraulic clutch... look how long it took them to fix: cam tensioners, the compensator, the ABS system, M8 sumping, et al..... and some can convincingly argue those aren't all "fixed" to a proper standard...
The current decision makers didn't have the desire, or any motivation, to spend the time or money to fix it.... after all, it's just about the bottom line....
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