Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Clutch problem after 1K service

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 25, 2008 | 01:31 PM
  #1  
allenp99's Avatar
allenp99
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From:
Default Clutch problem after 1K service

Newbie here. 2008 Roadking went in for the 1K service and when I drove off the clutch would not engage until I let the clutch all the way out. It would only work at the very last bit of clutch lever. The first 1000 miles it was gradual engagemet across the full lever range. I went right back but the service dept was closed. When I called my service today guy he was real sceptical of my description
of the problem. I am going in tomorrow morning.

Do I have a problem? I have no range on the clutch, just on and off at the end of the clutch lever.

The bike has been awesome so far. After stage one it is like a new bike (except for the clutch).

Great forum here, I learned all about Harleys before I bought and got a better deal because of the information here.
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2008 | 01:33 PM
  #2  
IBHarley's Avatar
IBHarley
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 974
Likes: 0
From: Morrisville NC
Default RE: Clutch problem after 1K service

I think they adjusted the basket to tight 1/8 turn back and you should have that gradual clutch again
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2008 | 01:36 PM
  #3  
Bryan TTM's Avatar
Bryan TTM
Banned
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,603
Likes: 10
Default RE: Clutch problem after 1K service

just out of adjustment....take the derby cover off....get an 11/16 box end and loosen the jam nut...now get a 1/4 or 3/16 allen and turn the adjuster bolt counterclockwise just a bit....feel the lever...you should feel a difference....re-jam the jam nut and replace the derby cover...go ride it, adjust til satisfied....dont go back to the dealer
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2008 | 02:25 PM
  #4  
twincam47's Avatar
twincam47
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 634
Likes: 8
From: Plum & Nearly
Default RE: Clutch problem after 1K service

the best thing to do is start from scratch with a cold clutch.....follow the instructions in the service manual....
If the service tech adjusted the clutch while it was hot or warm then the internal adjustment will be off......
dont hit and miss with internal adjustments and jacking with the cable in between...follow the instructions from scratch....
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2008 | 02:38 PM
  #5  
Peppa1's Avatar
Peppa1
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 1
From: Tallahassee, Fl
Default RE: Clutch problem after 1K service

The procedure calls for you to loosen the adjuster on the cable as much as possible, remove derby cover and break the nut loose and then with a 7/32 allen wrench back the adjuster way out (counter clockwise), then start turning the adjuster back in (clockwise) until you feel a slight bit of pressure on the clutch pack, then back it off (counter clockwise) 1/2 turn. Pull the clutch in 2-3 times and see that you have about 1/16 - 1/8" play at the clutch purch, if so tighten the nuts on the cable adjuster and you should be good to go.
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2008 | 02:41 PM
  #6  
jmehal's Avatar
jmehal
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: Clutch problem after 1K service

I swear the mechanics at my dealer do that on each service just to F with me. It must be the "spec" they go by or something, but you figure any human who rode it would react just like you or I did, and then fix it.
Two of of 3 services this past year the clutch has been set to engage at the last 1/10,000,000 of an inch. I keep forgeting to request that they set it WHERE I HAD IT, and when I'm leaving I don't really notice until I am pulling out of the parking lot and don't feel like going back to get it adjusted. I just do it at home using the adjustment cable between the downtubes in front of the engine (on my Ultra at least).
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2008 | 02:53 PM
  #7  
twincam47's Avatar
twincam47
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 634
Likes: 8
From: Plum & Nearly
Default RE: Clutch problem after 1K service

ORIGINAL: jmehal

I swear the mechanics at my dealer do that on each service just to F with me. It must be the "spec" they go by or something, but you figure any human who rode it would react just like you or I did, and then fix it.
Two of of 3 services this past year the clutch has been set to engage at the last 1/10,000,000 of an inch. I keep forgeting to request that they set it WHERE I HAD IT, and when I'm leaving I don't really notice until I am pulling out of the parking lot and don't feel like going back to get it adjusted. I just do it at home using the adjustment cable between the downtubes in front of the engine (on my Ultra at least).
It is hard for them to set it where you had it because that are doing maintenance on the clutch......Once they do an internal adjustment and which is allowing for plate wear in that adjustment and then set the cable for the proper slack at the perch...they are properly adjusting the clutch....and it may not be where you think it should be. There can be minor adjustments at the clutch cable.....but you could be tampering with proper adjustment.
Lastly...tell them you want the internal adjustment at 1 turn out.....that should make you a little happier....for whatever reason when most people read 1/2 to 1 turn out they tend to go conservative....1/2 is smaller than 1 but it is not conservative....try it you will like it at 1 turn.
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2008 | 03:09 PM
  #8  
atrox88's Avatar
atrox88
Ultimate HDF Member
Veteran: Army
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,279
Likes: 56
From: Union Bridge, MD
Default RE: Clutch problem after 1K service

ORIGINAL: allenp99

when I drove off the clutch would not engage until I let the clutch all the way out. It would only work at the very last bit of clutch lever.
They did the same to mine on the first service. I did my adjustmentat the cable to get alittle free play in the lever which helped. Tomorrow I am going to change the fluid and do an adjustment there for the first time. Should be interesting.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 25, 2008 | 03:36 PM
  #9  
cooper57M's Avatar
cooper57M
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
Default RE: Clutch problem after 1K service

can anyone tell me which adjustment will engage (move bike) when the clutch lever closer to the handlebar rather than further away from handlebar.

1/2 turn out or 1 turn out on the adjusting screw
 
Reply
Old Apr 25, 2008 | 03:52 PM
  #10  
allenp99's Avatar
allenp99
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: Clutch problem after 1K service

I just bought the service manual and I think I can do it.

It does dissapoint me that they would leave it like that. And the attitude from the service writer was insulting.

I am a service engineer myself in another business and I would have no customers fast if I had that attitude.


Thanks for the advice
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:28 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE