Clutch Adjustments
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield, CA
Clutch Adjustments
I have a question that might seem a bit odd, but here it goes. I just adjusted my clutch for it 5000 mile service, I felt that it was getting harder to shift it last time I rode, it just kind of clunked into gear with a little force. Well after I adjusted it today it was smooth and a lot quieter than I remember.
I'm a pretty good wrench but my last two bikes I was bring my bike to the dealer for service. This time I figure I have the manual, and the time, why not do it myself. Now after following the manual adjusting the clutch until I felt resistance, I backed it out one half turn, and torque to what the manual say's, I also adjusted the cable to the proper gap between 1/8 to 1/16 on the clutch lever.
With the way it's shifting, it just seems to be better than I ever got back from the dealer, that's what makes me wonder if I might have done something wrong for it to shift the way it is. I mean none of the times I have ever gotten my bikes back from the dealer did it ever shift so nice.
So I am curious if you all have the same results when you do your own? But then if I did not adjust it right, how would I really know? I have a 2013 ultra limited with 4990 miles on it. Thanks for any imput.
I'm a pretty good wrench but my last two bikes I was bring my bike to the dealer for service. This time I figure I have the manual, and the time, why not do it myself. Now after following the manual adjusting the clutch until I felt resistance, I backed it out one half turn, and torque to what the manual say's, I also adjusted the cable to the proper gap between 1/8 to 1/16 on the clutch lever.
With the way it's shifting, it just seems to be better than I ever got back from the dealer, that's what makes me wonder if I might have done something wrong for it to shift the way it is. I mean none of the times I have ever gotten my bikes back from the dealer did it ever shift so nice.
So I am curious if you all have the same results when you do your own? But then if I did not adjust it right, how would I really know? I have a 2013 ultra limited with 4990 miles on it. Thanks for any imput.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
the cables have a tendency to stretch the first few thousand miles. last time I adjusted mine (1/2 turn out) I didnt like where the grab point was and didnt seem to shift right so I went back and re-adjusted it about 5/8 a turn out. alls golden now
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 54
From: SE Wisconsin
The dealers take so many shortcuts. I'm amazed they haven't figured out a way to take your money without extending their hand.
My bikes get serviced by me, the only exception being expensive
warranty work, and even then I hate to let them touch it.
My bikes get serviced by me, the only exception being expensive
warranty work, and even then I hate to let them touch it.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 773
Likes: 11
From: Roanoke, VA
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,315
Likes: 6,329
From: Honah Lee
I would have set it 3/4 turn out cold and the cable 1/16". One way people screw up it not making sure the start their back off from zero clearance. If you get too much play here, you run out of the available travel in the lever and you do not get enough clearance between the disk.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
I have a question that might seem a bit odd, but here it goes. I just adjusted my clutch for it 5000 mile service, I felt that it was getting harder to shift it last time I rode, it just kind of clunked into gear with a little force. Well after I adjusted it today it was smooth and a lot quieter than I remember.
I'm a pretty good wrench but my last two bikes I was bring my bike to the dealer for service. This time I figure I have the manual, and the time, why not do it myself. Now after following the manual adjusting the clutch until I felt resistance, I backed it out one half turn, and torque to what the manual say's, I also adjusted the cable to the proper gap between 1/8 to 1/16 on the clutch lever.
With the way it's shifting, it just seems to be better than I ever got back from the dealer, that's what makes me wonder if I might have done something wrong for it to shift the way it is. I mean none of the times I have ever gotten my bikes back from the dealer did it ever shift so nice.
So I am curious if you all have the same results when you do your own? But then if I did not adjust it right, how would I really know? I have a 2013 ultra limited with 4990 miles on it. Thanks for any imput.
I'm a pretty good wrench but my last two bikes I was bring my bike to the dealer for service. This time I figure I have the manual, and the time, why not do it myself. Now after following the manual adjusting the clutch until I felt resistance, I backed it out one half turn, and torque to what the manual say's, I also adjusted the cable to the proper gap between 1/8 to 1/16 on the clutch lever.
With the way it's shifting, it just seems to be better than I ever got back from the dealer, that's what makes me wonder if I might have done something wrong for it to shift the way it is. I mean none of the times I have ever gotten my bikes back from the dealer did it ever shift so nice.
So I am curious if you all have the same results when you do your own? But then if I did not adjust it right, how would I really know? I have a 2013 ultra limited with 4990 miles on it. Thanks for any imput.
Or, you could just take credit for doing a better job & caring more about your ride than the mass production guy at the stealership.
Ride it, you done good!
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
clutch adjustment
I understand that you need 1/8 gap at the clutch handle but at what point do you remove the clutch cover and reset the allen screw and then set the gap..
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,422
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From: Fla
Not everyone follows the instructions in the service manual...
Not even the techs at the dealer. Most people seem to develop their own 'style' of adjusting the clutch. I follow the manual, and get better results than other bikes I've ridden that were owned by others. Just because a certified tech says it's right, ain't gonna guarantee that it is...
Not even the techs at the dealer. Most people seem to develop their own 'style' of adjusting the clutch. I follow the manual, and get better results than other bikes I've ridden that were owned by others. Just because a certified tech says it's right, ain't gonna guarantee that it is...