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Clutch adjustment question

Old Apr 16, 2009 | 10:09 PM
  #1  
Kielbaso's Avatar
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Default Clutch adjustment question

Just adjusted my clutch per the service manual. Loosened the cable, turned the clutch adjustment screw till seated lightly and backed out 3/4 turn. Tightened jam nut.

Here is my question. Seems like the clutch now engages much later in my release than previously. In other words, the friction began 1/2" away from the grip before, now friction begins 3/4" away from the grip.

Did I do something backwards?
 
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Old Apr 16, 2009 | 10:18 PM
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u need to adjust the clutch cable,i think its 1/16 of an inch of play from clutch perch to clutch cable........good luck
 
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Old Apr 16, 2009 | 10:21 PM
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back off screw 1/2 turn instead of 3/4. 3/4 is ok but 1/2 will have clutch engage "quicker".
 
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Old Apr 16, 2009 | 10:25 PM
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I'm confused. I loosened the clutch cable till the lever was against handgrip. performed the adjustment in the chaincase then tightened the cable till I had 1/16-1/8 of play in the lever.

Seems like I somehow did things backwards. Prior to the adjustment, the lever was vibrating at cruise. Now lever is tight, however it seems the clutch wants to engage further away from handgrip than previously.
 
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Old Apr 16, 2009 | 10:26 PM
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Did you do that adjustment at room temperature, or after the bike had been ridden?
 
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Old Apr 16, 2009 | 10:28 PM
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Not room temp, garage temp. Was about 55 when I did it.
 
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Old Apr 16, 2009 | 10:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Kielbaso
Not room temp, garage temp. Was about 55 when I did it.

Then I'd agree with sparky; only back off the adjustment screw 1/2 turn. Also, my interpretation of "lightly seated" (as stated in the service manual) seems to be a little different than most people... To me, "lightly seated" doesn't mean "lightly touching". If I'm seating a seal, for example, I'm making sure that it is nice and snug where it's supposed to be. So "lightly" seated to me still means that it's making a healthy amount of contact. In adjusting HD's clutches, that theory has worked for me.
 
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Old Apr 16, 2009 | 10:39 PM
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am I missing something in the post ?? You do know there are Two adjustments for the clutch - the 1/2 turn is AT under the Derby cover - the 1/16 is at the clutch lever.
 
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Old Apr 17, 2009 | 09:28 AM
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After adjusting the clutch (under derby cover) the next step in the manual (05 touring) is:

" squeeze clutch lever to maximum limit three times to set ball and ramp release mechanism"

Now if you have too much slack in the cable adjustment (previously loosened) You might not be moving the cable enough when you squeeze.

I usually take out most of the slack in the cable, squeeze it a few times and then do a final cable adjustment.
 
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Old Apr 17, 2009 | 10:06 AM
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Friction point should be higher. You did it right. It should engage further than the handle. Unless I am reading your post wrong and all the others, when you squeeze the clutch all the way in, it takes a longer throw to engage? If that is what I am reading, the clutch adjustment went right.
 
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