Clutch adjustment question
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,693
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Clutch adjustment question
I adjusted the clutch on my wife's 06 ultra twice this weekend and both times it turned out the same. It seems like the clutch isn't engaging until the lever is about 2/3 of the way out. I did the adjustment according to the service manual. I turned in the screw until it lightly seated, backed it off about 3/4 turn and tightened the locknut. Then I set the cable adjustment so thereis 1/16 inch gap between the cable ferrel and lever body. Am I missing something? Any help would be appreciated.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 367
Likes: 5
From: Draper, Utah
When I adjust mine I run the adjuster all the way in then back it out, you also want to pull the clutch lever in a few times to release any tension on the clutch before you seat it. I assume you backed off the cable adjuster when you did the adjustment. The clutch should start engaging about half way out or a little before.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,454
Likes: 58
From: Graysville, AL
I adjusted mine last weekend. I did mine per the service manual 3/4 turn out and it works perfect.
Did you pull the clutch lever in a few times before adjusting the lever. I think this seats the ***** or something like that (im at work). I pulled my lever in about 10 times before adjusting the lever. That is the only thing I see you listed that I did and you didn't.
Did you pull the clutch lever in a few times before adjusting the lever. I think this seats the ***** or something like that (im at work). I pulled my lever in about 10 times before adjusting the lever. That is the only thing I see you listed that I did and you didn't.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: The Peach State!
After lightly seating the adjustment screw try backing the screw out only one half turn. That should bring engagement closer to the grip. I loosen the cable adj. until the lever is all the way touching the grip. Then while lightly holding the lever turn the screw on clutch basket to feel it start pushing the lever off the grip. Back out one half turn from there and lock it down. Now adjust the cable.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,977
Likes: 85
From: Nevada
After lightly seating the adjustment screw try backing the screw out only one half turn. That should bring engagement closer to the grip. I loosen the cable adj. until the lever is all the way touching the grip. Then while lightly holding the lever turn the screw on clutch basket to feel it start pushing the lever off the grip. Back out one half turn from there and lock it down. Now adjust the cable.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Once you have the clutch adjusted inside the cover, set the cable adjustment to get the clutch engagement where you want it. Forget that 1/16" - 1/8" specification. It's completely useless. Just make certain you have some clearance (freeplay) there. It will usually take more than the 1/16" - 1/8" specification to move the engagement closer to the grip.
I have about an inch of freeplay in my lever (at the end) to get the engagement where I like it, approximately 1/2" off the grip.
I've also found that changing the adjustment inside the cover, i.e., 1/2 turn vs. 3/4 or even a full turn, has little to no effect on the clutch engagement point since the cable adjustment will negate any difference inside the cover with respect to where the clutch starts to engage.
I have about an inch of freeplay in my lever (at the end) to get the engagement where I like it, approximately 1/2" off the grip.
I've also found that changing the adjustment inside the cover, i.e., 1/2 turn vs. 3/4 or even a full turn, has little to no effect on the clutch engagement point since the cable adjustment will negate any difference inside the cover with respect to where the clutch starts to engage.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
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From: Simi Valley, CA
The one inch of freeplay I'm talking about is measured at the end of the lever, not the cable. That one inch equates to approximately 3/16" at the cable (or ferrule), but none of that really matters. What matters is the clutch engages at a point that is comfortable for me. When adjusted "by-the-book", the engagement is way too far from the grip for my liking. And I believe that is the same condition that the OP asked about.