Clutch Lever
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: WI
Clutch Lever
09 Ultra, my clutch lever seems to have gotten a bit of play in it. When you pull in the clutch handle it does not retract all the way back. There is about 1/2 inch or a bit more play in it. The clutch seems to still be working fine, but I never had play in it like that. After you pull it in and release it, you can push the handle back to where is should go. Have 20K miles on the bike, any ideas?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
if only there was an adjuster on the cable to take up slack....
look under that rubber boot
cables stretch over time
you may want to ascertain that the clutch mechanism is properly adjusted, then do the cable - that is what I would do for a customer
Mike
look under that rubber boot
cables stretch over time
you may want to ascertain that the clutch mechanism is properly adjusted, then do the cable - that is what I would do for a customer
Mike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Buy a service manual. Detailed instructions in it for setting your clutch.
If it is just "play" in the cable, you will find the adjuster zip tied to the front of the downtubes on the front of your frame. If your clutch needs adjustment, get the manual.
Have you ever lubed your clutch cable or checked the clutch? That is supposed to be done every 5,000 miles, as stated in your owner's manual.
If it is just "play" in the cable, you will find the adjuster zip tied to the front of the downtubes on the front of your frame. If your clutch needs adjustment, get the manual.
Have you ever lubed your clutch cable or checked the clutch? That is supposed to be done every 5,000 miles, as stated in your owner's manual.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 974
Likes: 4
From: Utah
Yep, simple adjustment. Check about half way down the cable for a rubber boot. Slide the boot out of the way, grab a couple open end wrenches, loosen the lock nut and then tighten the adjusted to take up the slack. You want to leave a little play in it. About 2-3mm or the thickness of a nickel.
As the previous responder has stated, you may want to check your clutch adjustment prior to this unless your sure its adjusted properly.
As the previous responder has stated, you may want to check your clutch adjustment prior to this unless your sure its adjusted properly.
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: WI
Thanks all.. I asked out of curiosity if it might mean my clutch could possibly be wore out. Yes I already have the service manual, yes I take my bike in for the 5K maintenance intervals, but now I am wondering if the shop does everything they say. I have been taking it into a local shop that services HDs, but it is not a HD dealer. I could follow the instructions to adjust the clutch and then the cable, but this is why I take it in, because I personally don't like to worry about it, I personally would rather pay somebody that knows what they are doing. Just me!!
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: WI
True! I almost wish there was somebody around here that could show me the first time just to be sure I am following the instructions right and not causing more issues... I would just be a bit more comfortable that way. But you are right... You pay somebody or some shop a few hundred dollars, you just take for granted that they are doing what they should. But I guess you just really never know for sure.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 300
Likes: 10
From: Black Hills
What poolboy said. If you want peace of mind, and to know more about your ride, do as much of your own work as you can. You will likely save a bunch of money too. Let us know your general area and see who is near that can help.
Last edited by Dallas 13; Aug 29, 2012 at 07:46 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: WI
Ya, I am starting to see that. I bought this damb service manual, I might as well use it... I will attempt the clutch adjustment and cable adjustment and hope I don't f it all up... Sick of the $95 oil changes also...