I've had my Limited for 3 or 4 weeks now, 1700 miles on it, aside from all the issues with cramped quarters, uncomfortable seat, having to put floorboard extensions and highway pegs way down low so I can get my feet into a position that's rideable, I now come up against a clutch problem that as of about an hour ago, has made the bike completely unrideable. On Saturday I got on the bike and when I put it in gear, it took off on me, no matter how far I pulled in the clutch, I couldn't keep it from moving forward, then I couldn't find Neutral, and then it became very difficult to shift bio 2nd. Managed to get it to the dealer where they flushed the hydraulic system and bled it. Dealer had told me they had done this with another bike, and it really wasn't a permanent solution. The Mechanic also told me, and here I apologize if I get it wrong, that the minimum spec for the clutch plate? was 80thousands inch? and that they could only get it to 76. Dealear wrote a work order and said he would call Tech service today, Monday. I was able to ride the bike with no problems for the rest of the day. This Morning I got on, and same problems I had before they flushed and drained the system. Got it over to dealer to inform them I was no better off and to make sure they were doing something about it. Went home, got back on the bike after a half hour, and this time there was no controlling the bike, it was lurching forward like a Porpoise and making a terrible banging sound. I called Milwaukee, got a service repair number, called dealer, told him Milwaukee was waiting for his called, dealer sent trailer over to pick up my bike. don't know when I 'll see it again, Pissed, Angry, Frustrated!!!

 

Funny, because the hydraulic clutch has been out for a while...

I don't blame you for feling like you do. Stay on top of the dealer and MoCo!

 

Went to Destination Daytona...me and another guy stood back in amazement as people were climbing in for a look and sales people circling like sharks. I went upstairs to look at the 2012/13 trade-ins. Didn't see a color that I liked. I bet next week will be better for trade ins. (What colr did you have before?)

Chuck

 

I have the same issue; regardless of what you were told, it appears to be air in the system and can be overcome short term by pumping up the clutch (bike off, cycle the lever rapidly a dozen time or so; it will pump up). With air in the system, the slave cylinder might not have enough pressure (leads to travel) to fully disengage the clutch (I believe that relates to the measurements the mechanic is speaking about).
Mine's at my dealer for another matter and the clutch is being bled as well; they indicated 1-in-10 seem to get air bound.

If in the end, that doesn't provide a permanent cure, it has to be the master or slave cylinder leaking down. I don't want to be running back to the dealer again, but either should be a simple fix. There's no rocket science in their, HD has experience with hydraulic clutches (CVO's, VROD's) and it should be fairly straight forward to sort out.

I fully understand your frustration... it's kind of like trying to ride a bike with a broken clutch cable. Hope they get it sorted for you quickly.

All the best.

 

Second time I've heard of clutch problems with this model. Just talked to someone yesterday whose brand new Limited went in for clutch and the often noted coolant puking problem.
He says that metal filings were found in the hydraulic fluid and it had to be flushed and refilled. So now it's still laid up for the coolant issue.

 

Hmmmm, not many posts from any of you given your join date? May be out of line but just sayin?

 

I'm 6'3"/195 lbs and the bike fits me. I haven't even bothered to put on hiway pegs.

This place more and more sounds like a BMW bike forum. Which is understandable I guess, since both brands are known for geezers.

 

As said above the Hydraulic clutch has been round a while.

I assume you test rode your bike before purchasing? I would have determined at that time whether it was comfortable and the bike for me or not.

Good luck I hope they get your issues resolved.

 

cvo's have had air issues in extreme heat the clutch would quit and with no changes to the frame for 14, it has to be the seat that is the difference, i sit a little lower than on my 12. Mike

 

Not that it has anything to do with your problem, but I don't understand why people want to start their bikes in gear. It's harder on the starter/starter clutch that way. Pulls more cold cranking amps from the battery and with no gear indicator on a Harley, who knows what gear you're in. So even after you start it in gear, you have to mess with the shifter to confirm you are in first. I always park my bike in gear, 100% of the time. But never start it in gear unless I stall it in traffic and need a quick get up and go which is rare. (but happens occasionally when I've caught a case of the dumb ***)

Hydraulic clutches are commonplace on just about every brand out there. It's amazing that HD can't deliver a $28K bike with a dependable clutch. (I won't beat on the cooling system, that's another thread). Hope you can get it fixed and fixed soon. That has to be so damn infuriating.