Is it possible to change just the clutch spring (stock to SE) through the inspection cover on an '09. The cover is not centered on the clutch, but it looks like the spring could be pulled out.

 

No, the clutch spring has a larger diameter than that of the hole in the primary. (I'm literally holding both in my hand right now so I guaranty that's correct ;-)

 

if you do a search you'll find it's about a 50/50 split between those that said they did it thru the inspection cover and those that said it couldn't be done..... probably a matter of who's not afraid to bend things a little and hope they spring back.......

 

It's not that big a deal popping the primary cover off. It's also a good time to inspect the tensioner shoe for wear. I changed out my spring and had to take the primary cover off. The hole with just the derby cover off was too small.

 

Thanks for the info. I am chasing a slipping clutch and thought about changing the spring to see if that would help.

I find it hard to believe the plates are worn out already, the bike only has 36K and most of that is highway miles. I have adjusted the clutch a couple of times now and it is not making much of a change. After some closer examination last night, I am now leaning towards the possibility that the clutch cable may be dragging. I am only noticing the slippage under full throttle between shifts in the upper gears. If I wait a few seconds after the shift and apply the throttle, it does not seem to slip.

I rode around 2-up this weekend and did not notice any slippage as well, of course when I am 2-up I ride a lot more conservative.

Anybody have any thoughts?

 

This may not be your fix but I had a similar problem losing clutch grab in the taller gears and took care of it by backing out the clutch adjustment screw to at least 3/4 turn or even a little more. I guess previous adjustment had been closer to 1/2 turn out.
Good luck

 

Wow! I can hardly imagine trying to do it through the inspection cover. I bet nobody ever does that twice! The worst thing abouit taking the whole primary cover off is the price of the darned gasket - but I've also heard that they seldom leak when reused.

 

I've had good luck extending the life of that gasket by stepping up the tq everytime I re-install it. First install I use the minimum tq from the book. I step it up 10 lbs everytime I re-install the gasket until I am at the max tq from the book. Seems to work for me. No leaks.

Zach

 

Well believe it or not I have done it more then twice. It is easy to pull the spring out thru the hole because the of the shape of the spring Ie the convex shape. It is tougher going back in because the concave end going in first. you need to use two pairs of channel locks to flex the spring so it will fit. It will spring back no problem hence it is called a spring lol. If you have an old one laying around try it. For me it was quicker time wise and less messy but it is easier to pull the primary cover off. I have done it both ways more then once and If for some reason I had to go out and do it right know I would go the faster more difficult way just because I know it is pretty fast and mess free other then some skinned knuckles. This was on an 04 fl bike so maybe the 09's have a smaller hole. I do know on the 04 the hole did not look big enough when you held the spring up to it but it would go. An easy way to fix clutch slipping is VPC

 

Yep, it was done through the derby cover on my 06RG to install a SE HD spring when it was on the dyno.