First Major Disappointment...
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
I know you're pain!
On my '12 Streetglide I had a tech at the dealer throw on a set of new chrome levers when having the pre-paid service done at 7500 miles. On the ride home, it slipped pretty good when passing and getting into the throttle in 3rd gear. Slipped twice on the ride home and once on the ride back to the dealer the next morning. Didn't like the way the tech "readjusted" my clutch after changing the levers.
Had a tech test ride the bike, and after a 5 minute ride he said nothing was wrong with the adjustment or the clutch. I told them to check it again and accelerate through the gears a little aggressively. They had another tech take it out for about 10 - 15 minutes.
When he came back....... They told me the clutch was fried and had to be replaced!
After arguing and being accused of poor riding habits and riding the clutch, I had to replace it. I told them they were out of their minds, I've been riding for 35 years and have never had to replace a clutch before. They agreed to take half off of the labor. I had them install the Screaming Eagle heavy duty clutch and clutch spring since it was only about 20 dollars more than the stock clutch.
Bottom line.... if you're clutch is not adjusted properly and you like to ride a little aggressively or have a loaded bike, excessive slipping of the clutch will burn up the clutch plates. Make sure it is adjusted correctly, if you search this forum you can find several videos on "How to adjust the clutch". But if you are replacing it, I recommend getting the SE racing clutch over the stock one. Much better setup than stock for only a little more money. The HD clutch spring stiffness eases up and becomes much easier and smoother after breaking it in.
PS: The clutch is a normal wear item and is not covered under the warranty. Good luck!!
On my '12 Streetglide I had a tech at the dealer throw on a set of new chrome levers when having the pre-paid service done at 7500 miles. On the ride home, it slipped pretty good when passing and getting into the throttle in 3rd gear. Slipped twice on the ride home and once on the ride back to the dealer the next morning. Didn't like the way the tech "readjusted" my clutch after changing the levers.
Had a tech test ride the bike, and after a 5 minute ride he said nothing was wrong with the adjustment or the clutch. I told them to check it again and accelerate through the gears a little aggressively. They had another tech take it out for about 10 - 15 minutes.
When he came back....... They told me the clutch was fried and had to be replaced!
After arguing and being accused of poor riding habits and riding the clutch, I had to replace it. I told them they were out of their minds, I've been riding for 35 years and have never had to replace a clutch before. They agreed to take half off of the labor. I had them install the Screaming Eagle heavy duty clutch and clutch spring since it was only about 20 dollars more than the stock clutch.
Bottom line.... if you're clutch is not adjusted properly and you like to ride a little aggressively or have a loaded bike, excessive slipping of the clutch will burn up the clutch plates. Make sure it is adjusted correctly, if you search this forum you can find several videos on "How to adjust the clutch". But if you are replacing it, I recommend getting the SE racing clutch over the stock one. Much better setup than stock for only a little more money. The HD clutch spring stiffness eases up and becomes much easier and smoother after breaking it in.
PS: The clutch is a normal wear item and is not covered under the warranty. Good luck!!
Last edited by Roger That; Sep 7, 2013 at 06:07 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
Bottom line.... if you're clutch is not adjusted properly and you like to ride a little aggressively or have a loaded bike, excessive slipping of the clutch will burn up the clutch plates. Make sure it is adjusted correctly, if you search this forum you can find several videos on "How to adjust the clutch".
If you suspect your clutch is slipping or even you think you might be imagining it, you better check it out.
Either do the adjustment yourself, or have someone else.
As stated, if you continue to ride with a slipping clutch (even slightly), you will eventually burn up the clutch plates.
With no play at the clutch lever, there was a very good chance the clutch wasn't fully engaged, causing it to slip under load or acceleration in higher gears.
This will burn up the clutch plates.
7k and a new clutch no way that sounds right. 62k on a Road King no clutch problems, almost 20k on my Limited no clutch problems. Harley's are known to have one of the toughest clutches comapred to any other MOCO.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,081
Likes: 1,127
From:
Clutch on harley is rather good.
Adjustment must be done stone cold.
Adjustment after overnight.
Again stone cold.
Slippage at higher throttle,especially higher gear is usually indicative of poorly adjusted clutch or super heated clutch (like doing ride like a pro stuff for hours).
Adjustment must be done stone cold.
Adjustment after overnight.
Again stone cold.
Slippage at higher throttle,especially higher gear is usually indicative of poorly adjusted clutch or super heated clutch (like doing ride like a pro stuff for hours).
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
The service manual says it must be adjusted cold. There is no spec for a hot adjustment. If they adjust it hot they are just guessing. Do it yourself after letting bike sit overnight, follow the procedure in the manual and it WILL be right. Edit: I checked mine at 5k. There was no gap in the pack. They will never do it again.
Last edited by 12hdrk; Sep 8, 2013 at 05:19 PM.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 38,428
Likes: 896
hmmmmmm...... Either the clutch was never properly adjusted, or you are doing something really wrong !!
It is most assuredly not normal to wear a clutch out in 7000 miles.....That is practically unheard of.
It is most assuredly not normal to wear a clutch out in 7000 miles.....That is practically unheard of.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 121
From: Northern Illinois
Sounds like a bit of an overreaction to me. If the engine grenaded and left a trail of parts on the highway, maybe, but a clutch adjust??
I have always considered proper clutch adjustment to be the owners responsibility. It should be part of a routine inspection.
I have always considered proper clutch adjustment to be the owners responsibility. It should be part of a routine inspection.