clutch slipping
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 235
Likes: 24
From: ma.
All is good guys, I redjusted the clutch according to the manual and it feels fine now.
I think I missed the setting the ball and ramp step of the process the first time around.
Thanks for the replies.
I think I missed the setting the ball and ramp step of the process the first time around.
Thanks for the replies.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,158
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
Glad you got it sorted out......
You say you adjust the clutch every spring? Even if there were no issues, or slipping, when you stored it for the winter?
Just to offer a different viewpoint......
We get to ride all year here in SoCal. So there really is no winter storage. I have 5 bikes, ride them all. I've owned 4 bikes for the last 6 years. They all get around 2K miles a year, and my main bagger gets 6K+.
In all my maintenance schedules it says "Inspect", or "Check" the clutch adjustment. If I have not noticed an issue, like slippage, or not fully disengaging when lever is pulled, etc. I don't touch the clutch adjustment (at clutch hub), or cable adjustment. I just note it as "checked OK" on my maintenance records.
I only adjust my clutches when I detect an issue, or make a change involving the clutch like new cable, new spring, etc.
One example: I've owned my 2003 Heritage since new. I've adjusted the clutch twice on that bike in 23 years. Once when I added the stiffer clutch spring with its big bore kit back in 2003, and recently when I changed the clutch ramp for easier pull. I've never had an issue with that clutch, or made any other adjustments, in all that time.
Just food for thought....
Last edited by hattitude; Apr 11, 2026 at 08:12 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,592
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From: Honah Lee
My Softail has 50k on it. The primary chain manual tensioner has been adjusted one notch.
The clutch twice. It was the same on the second time. The freeplay on cable has been reduced a couple times. It tends to get lose from wear somewhere.
The clutch twice. It was the same on the second time. The freeplay on cable has been reduced a couple times. It tends to get lose from wear somewhere.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Apr 11, 2026 at 10:11 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,592
Likes: 6,435
From: Honah Lee
Keep in mind, my comments were based on how I interpreted how you treated the clutch driving your bike.
A clutch can wear apx 0.143 inches total on all the fibers and steels before the diaphragm springs will no longer function.
Sure it will slip a lot sooner if you drive it like you stole it. And it going to need adjusted for wear .
I was a total enjoy the ride and smell the roses along the way. Like I said, I could measure little if any wear when I inspection it with measuring tools and visualy looking at each plate.
Son took or is going to take the bike setting at 50K now.
A clutch can wear apx 0.143 inches total on all the fibers and steels before the diaphragm springs will no longer function.
Sure it will slip a lot sooner if you drive it like you stole it. And it going to need adjusted for wear .
I was a total enjoy the ride and smell the roses along the way. Like I said, I could measure little if any wear when I inspection it with measuring tools and visualy looking at each plate.
Son took or is going to take the bike setting at 50K now.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Apr 13, 2026 at 08:49 AM.
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