Stiff Clutch Lever
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 176
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Stiff Clutch Lever
My 2004 Electra Glide Classic has a clutch lever that is really stiff to squeeze in. After a couple hours on the road my hand has about had it,....Any suggestions on what I should do to get it easier to operate? While it was in the shop for the 10k check up I used one of thier Heritage soft Tails and it was a dream to operate,...Any help would be appreciated
Greg
Greg
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,167
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From:
RE: Stiff Clutch Lever
EZ Pull kit....like the HD, but probably a bit less money. Imagine what it's like with Stage II Big Bore and that stiffer clutch spring.......yyeeeeowwww! It's a very simple gizmo and a very simple install. Had it installed when I did my kit in '04 (pre-HD accessory offering). Huge difference, very easy.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
RE: Stiff Clutch Lever
I would remove the clutch cable from the handle to check the handle for free operation.While the handle is off,check the cable for fraying.
The handle pivot points can be lubed along with the cable.
Could also be the design of the clutch(springs).
The handle pivot points can be lubed along with the cable.
Could also be the design of the clutch(springs).
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
RE: Stiff Clutch Lever
look i the Drag Specialties book for a MAGURA hydraulic clutch..... going to run you about 350 bucks, but you will never ever ever complain about that clutch effort again I promise.
http://www.partsmag.com/0501/Drag-Ma...gura-0501.html
http://www.partsmag.com/0501/Drag-Ma...gura-0501.html
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 3
From: TX
RE: Stiff Clutch Lever
Many good suggestions here.....
The way the cable is routed on EGs can easily make the cable bind.
I made a contraption that clamps around the lever end of the clutch cable and allows me to force grease down into the cable, rather than oil or graphite powder that last for a week or two.
The WhiteBros (Burley Brand) EZ Clutch really helps to.
I have also heard of case where a bike (particularlly dressers) have a slight ground problem and the clutch cable actually tries to act as an additional ground source. If that happens, the cable is toast and will need to be replaced. THen be sure to verify good ground between the battery and starter bolt.
The way the cable is routed on EGs can easily make the cable bind.
I made a contraption that clamps around the lever end of the clutch cable and allows me to force grease down into the cable, rather than oil or graphite powder that last for a week or two.
The WhiteBros (Burley Brand) EZ Clutch really helps to.
I have also heard of case where a bike (particularlly dressers) have a slight ground problem and the clutch cable actually tries to act as an additional ground source. If that happens, the cable is toast and will need to be replaced. THen be sure to verify good ground between the battery and starter bolt.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 837
Likes: 1
From: NORVA / Pittsboro, IN
RE: Stiff Clutch Lever
Maltezeblue,
My 96 E Glide had a stiff cables. HAD. Compared to a friends 2000 RK, and after getting a used 01 E Glide to convert to a trike for my wife, I was sure the cable was just dirty and needed lubed. I had replaced the throttle and idle cables my self with HD OEM right after I got it with 32K on it. The were very tight. The original owner had been a wrench at a local dealership. Had lot's of dealer discount chrome, but dang little on the maintenance record to show.
Short story and lot's of HD 'it's fine', I just bought a HD OEM stock replacement, installed it myself and the difference was DRAMATIC. The cable lining does wear and without good slide glide/dry slide or something, it will wear or erode the lining. Lube it and it will last a short time, and that's the clue. Unless you take the time to lube both upper and lower halves, your lubin in the wind. Replace it with OEM or better and it will be just that. Much Better. Oh yeah, don't believe that just because someone checked a box on a maintenance sched, it was done.
[IMG]local://upfiles/17522/FAE1D41043934B359CF5CF9D00D4406A.jpg[/IMG]
My 96 E Glide had a stiff cables. HAD. Compared to a friends 2000 RK, and after getting a used 01 E Glide to convert to a trike for my wife, I was sure the cable was just dirty and needed lubed. I had replaced the throttle and idle cables my self with HD OEM right after I got it with 32K on it. The were very tight. The original owner had been a wrench at a local dealership. Had lot's of dealer discount chrome, but dang little on the maintenance record to show.
Short story and lot's of HD 'it's fine', I just bought a HD OEM stock replacement, installed it myself and the difference was DRAMATIC. The cable lining does wear and without good slide glide/dry slide or something, it will wear or erode the lining. Lube it and it will last a short time, and that's the clue. Unless you take the time to lube both upper and lower halves, your lubin in the wind. Replace it with OEM or better and it will be just that. Much Better. Oh yeah, don't believe that just because someone checked a box on a maintenance sched, it was done.
[IMG]local://upfiles/17522/FAE1D41043934B359CF5CF9D00D4406A.jpg[/IMG]
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 7
From: guntersville, al
RE: Stiff Clutch Lever
if you adjust your clutch where there is about a 1/2 inch travel before the cable moves, the angle of the lever will be easier to pull. i grew up in an harley shop and we always adjusted to have some free play that gets the lever closer to the grip slightly.
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