clutch issue?
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 2
clutch issue?
Hey everyone, I'm posting this for my father.
He owns a 2000 FLHRI (road king, fuel inj). I always thought the clutch on his bike was a little off compared to other bikes...when letting out the clutch lever it grabs at the top instead of when you start to release the lever. He went for a ride yesterday and was telling me that his bike would not let him downshift from 5th or maybe it was 4th; it was blocking him out. He eventually got it to downshift.
I messed with the cable adjustment to see if the cable had stretched, but it did not seem to make a huge difference. Next step will be removing the derby cover and adjusting it there.
He did have his 10,000 mile done at a dealership about 2 years ago (less than 5k on the bike since then).
Am I headed in the right direction?
Thanks,
Chris
He owns a 2000 FLHRI (road king, fuel inj). I always thought the clutch on his bike was a little off compared to other bikes...when letting out the clutch lever it grabs at the top instead of when you start to release the lever. He went for a ride yesterday and was telling me that his bike would not let him downshift from 5th or maybe it was 4th; it was blocking him out. He eventually got it to downshift.
I messed with the cable adjustment to see if the cable had stretched, but it did not seem to make a huge difference. Next step will be removing the derby cover and adjusting it there.
He did have his 10,000 mile done at a dealership about 2 years ago (less than 5k on the bike since then).
Am I headed in the right direction?
Thanks,
Chris
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Yes you are going in the right direction, you will need to check the adjustment at the clutch itself behind the derby cover. When the clutch plates start to wear this adjustment is critical, many times adjusting the cable itself will not fix it. Good luck.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 2
i'd assume the dealer would've done this during his 10k. maybe they did it warm or something else. i'll post back when I adjust it tomorrow. thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,203
From: Oxford, Nc
You can not adjust the clutch in any way, shape or form from the cable adjuster on the clurch cable, in spite of what you may read here sometimes.
Loosen the cable adjuster, adjust the screw behind the derby cover, and adjust the cable back out to your preference.
(And never pull the clutch lever in while in the middle of doing the clutch adjustment. Bad things can happen)
Loosen the cable adjuster, adjust the screw behind the derby cover, and adjust the cable back out to your preference.
(And never pull the clutch lever in while in the middle of doing the clutch adjustment. Bad things can happen)
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
a manual would be a good idea...it'll pay for itself with this job.
it seems that the clutch may need adjustment
it is almost certain that the cable needs adjustment
- as above these are 2 different things--- and they BOTH have to be right.
it is quite possible that the shifting problem is elsewhere:
check fluid levels
check primary chain adjustment ( if the mechanism is worn, replace with Hayden M6)
check that the shifter is not bottoming on the floor board, and that the entire linkage is secure tight and not binding...
and that the splined attachment to the tranny is tight
mike
it seems that the clutch may need adjustment
it is almost certain that the cable needs adjustment
- as above these are 2 different things--- and they BOTH have to be right.
it is quite possible that the shifting problem is elsewhere:
check fluid levels
check primary chain adjustment ( if the mechanism is worn, replace with Hayden M6)
check that the shifter is not bottoming on the floor board, and that the entire linkage is secure tight and not binding...
and that the splined attachment to the tranny is tight
mike
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 159
Likes: 33
Remember to check everything a dealer may have touched. It seems like dealers never tighten the nut on the clutch hub and the screw gradually backs out and changes the clutch contact point continually until it is readjusted and finally tightened properly. I am getting so I hate to have anyone touch my machine. When I have warranty work or recall work done, I always ask what they did exactly and take it straight home and open it up and check every nut and bolt. Especially critical adjustments and life altering stuff. Maybe, somewhere there are good dealerships and competent mechanics. Did I wake up cynical?? Ken
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 2
He has the service manual. I was more or less looking for where to start. I will check the clutch when i get home.
As for the cable having nothing to do with the clutch adjustment itself...? If the cable was too tight wouldn't it preload the clutch causing premature wear?
As for the cable having nothing to do with the clutch adjustment itself...? If the cable was too tight wouldn't it preload the clutch causing premature wear?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
