clutch cable stretch

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Apr 19, 2012 | 04:08 PM

bbflhrs

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 265

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From: Mandeville, Louisiana

clutch cable stretch

Apologies for the long question....I have a 2007 Road King Custom and recently did a Brembo upgrade. I also put the new clutch perch and lever on to match the brake side. The levers are aftermarket and I noticed that the clutch lever was kind of sloppy - it flops around more than I like. I decided to go through the whole clutch adjustment process which I have done before and I have noticed that although the 1/16 to 1/8 inch gap between the cable ferrule and perch is good when the bike is cold, when I check it on the road when the bike is hot it expands to about 1/4 of an inch or more. I never noticed this before. Is it normal for the clutch cable to "grow" during operation and then shrink after cooling off? I'm not noticing any slippage but it bothers me. Is this a sign of a clutch cable about to break? I am putting on the HD brand levers this weekend - should I replace the cable too?

Apr 20, 2012 | 07:00 AM

TomWoodgeard

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 502

Likes: 3

From: Sarasota, Florida

My 2010 Ultra does the same thing......I haven't given it a 2nd thought. I wouldn't worry.

Apr 20, 2012 | 07:19 AM

EasternSP

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 30,865

Likes: 32,882

From: King George, VA

I have a replacement clutch cable and it seemed to do the same thing. I checked the adjustment nuts and found the cable wasn't completely seated at the coupling joint.

Apr 20, 2012 | 12:02 PM

iclick

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 11,615

Likes: 50

From: Baton Rouge, LA

The cable on my '07 always seems to adjust itself outward after lubing the cable. The way I do it it requires me to remove the cable from the lever, and although it would seem to be stretching after reassembly that's not what's happening, IMO. If I adjust to the specified gap it will expand in a day or two and be out of spec, so when I adjust after a lube I put it close to flush with barely any gap, and that puts it about right after use. I'm not sure why this happens, but I do it this way to avoid having to readjust the next day.

Apr 20, 2012 | 02:38 PM

bbflhrs

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 265

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From: Mandeville, Louisiana

Thanks for the replies, guys. iclick - I will lube my cable this weekend when I install the OEM levers. You are a wealth of info here and I have put your advice to use many times. I'd like to buy you a drink (of the beverage of your choice) next trip to the BR area.

Apr 20, 2012 | 02:56 PM

TUCCI

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 10,216

Likes: 224

From: Glendale AZ

Funny you should mention that, the last time I adjusted my clutch pack and freeplay (last time was in the breakin period) I would get real close to running out of adjustment thread on the adjuster. In order for the adjuster not to thread completly out I have to leave more than the 1/8-1/16" freeplay the book calls for. I figured the cable must have stretched since? Never read this till now .....interesting.

Apr 20, 2012 | 03:24 PM

2black1s

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 3,846

Likes: 173

From: Simi Valley, CA

The difference you feel between hot and cold is absolutely normal and that is why it is recommended to adjust the clutch when cold. The freeplay at the clutch adjustment screw increases as the bike warms up. That increase in freeplay at the clutch is what you are feeling in the lever.

If you adjust the clutch while warm, then the freeplay would decrease as the bike cools off and you may end up without any. That could cause slippage.

Again, what you are feeling is perfectly normal.