Hydraulic clutch?
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 724
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Hydraulic clutch?
In the past, I owned 2 metric bikes, a Kawi Vulcan 1500, then a Honda VTX 1800. Real nice bikes. I now own an 05 FLHT which I've customized quite a bit. I love it and wouldn't trade it for 5 metric bikes. But what the metric bikes both had that I did like was hydraulic clutches. They were a little smoother, but more importantly, more reliable. I've had a lot of my buddy's clutch cables go out, both metric and Harley, and it seems like it happens to the Ape Hanger guys more. Is it worth converting to a hydraulic clutch. Who makes a good one? P.S. I do lube my cables and maintain my bike obsessively, and I've seen expensive Barnett cables break as easy as anything else.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
You can find Harley kits online (ebay, etc.) for the 5 speed gear box fairly easily. I did that, but had to locate the transmission side for a 6 speed for my '07. It's one of the easiest & best mods you can make. The clutch is smoother, easier, & more reliable. Installation is a breeze & you'll never lube a cable or adjust your clutch again.
The tip to bleeding is bleed all you can, & let it sit over night. Let the air bubbles rise & top off the next morning.
The tip to bleeding is bleed all you can, & let it sit over night. Let the air bubbles rise & top off the next morning.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 4
From: Here
You can find Harley kits online (ebay, etc.) for the 5 speed gear box fairly easily. I did that, but had to locate the transmission side for a 6 speed for my '07. It's one of the easiest & best mods you can make. The clutch is smoother, easier, & more reliable. Installation is a breeze & you'll never lube a cable or adjust your clutch again.
The tip to bleeding is bleed all you can, & let it sit over night. Let the air bubbles rise & top off the next morning.
The tip to bleeding is bleed all you can, & let it sit over night. Let the air bubbles rise & top off the next morning.
Where did you get your trans cover for your hydraulic conversion? Also, does it change anything on the primary side? Like can I use my AIM VP clutch kit?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, UT. Dushore, Pa.
I had 175k miles on my stock HD cable lubed a couple time a year. I also use MRC clutch ramp to ease the pull. I even put it on my 07 since the stage II uses a heavier spring.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 223
From: Northern California
I've installed one on every Dresser I've built, I love em'.I just installed one on my '09 Street Glide. HD make's a complete kit for your '05 but not for the newer '07 and up bike's, so this is what I did. I went into the CVO Ultra part's catalog and ordered the transmission end cover, push rod, chrome lever and the hydraulic line. Because I didn't want a chrome master cylinder I went into the V-Rod catalog and ordered a black master cylinder (it's the same size, 11/16) All bolted up great. If anyone is interested I can provide all the part numbers.
Now, this is important, if you do this there is one more thing you have to do. There is a clutch lock out switch in your left switch housing (this prevents you from starting the bike while it is in gear) You need to change out the switch because it is a normally closed switch on the clutch cabled bikes and a normally open switch on the hyd. clutch bikes. If you don't your bike will only be able to start while in nuetral and not in gear while the clutch is pulled in. What also happens if you don't change this switch out is your security (key) light will go on while riding and your 6 gear light will not function.
I can't say enough about how better this bike now shift's. Way better! The only complaints I've heard from people is that the hyd system is alittle more "abrupt" then the cable but it doesn't take long to get used to. If i can answer any question's for anyone plz shout my way. Rich
Now, this is important, if you do this there is one more thing you have to do. There is a clutch lock out switch in your left switch housing (this prevents you from starting the bike while it is in gear) You need to change out the switch because it is a normally closed switch on the clutch cabled bikes and a normally open switch on the hyd. clutch bikes. If you don't your bike will only be able to start while in nuetral and not in gear while the clutch is pulled in. What also happens if you don't change this switch out is your security (key) light will go on while riding and your 6 gear light will not function.
I can't say enough about how better this bike now shift's. Way better! The only complaints I've heard from people is that the hyd system is alittle more "abrupt" then the cable but it doesn't take long to get used to. If i can answer any question's for anyone plz shout my way. Rich
Last edited by Puttnutt24; May 28, 2009 at 12:54 PM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
After lookin' at the AIM kit I don't see any reason you would not be able to leave it there. On the primary side you remove the adjuster screw, the lock nut, & the plate they screw into. You replace the plate with one that has a hole just large enough for the end of the new clutch push rod. The push rod is held in place with a "C" clip. If you're usin' the AIM kit for additional clutch pressure because you have a performance motor it could probably stay. If you're usin' it to relieve clutch pull, you might not need it. The hydraulic pulls easily & smoothly.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 223
From: Northern California
Also, everyone thinks that you install a hyd system for a easier pull. Not true. Although it is aliitle easier, what I find so good about it is the (damn, I know I'm not going to be able to spell this word) "fliudent" feel. Get my drift?
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 1
From: Boston
Put one on my 04 Fatboy last year and then traded it in this year for a new Street Glide. It was very smooth and responsive. Maybe I'll do it on the SG someday, but for now the new easier pull clutch is good.
I first went with a Magura kit buy it was defective and I ended up going with the HD--no problems.
I first went with a Magura kit buy it was defective and I ended up going with the HD--no problems.