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Clutch question

stevec314

stevec314

Member
My buddy just bought his first Harley and we both have noticed that the clutch seems to go out further as the bike gets hotter. I have noticed this with my Ultra as well. Why does it do that? Its not a problem but I need to learn somthing new today.
 
Heat expands the different parts in the clutch system changing the initial setting. The clutch should always be set cold and rechecked when hot .
 
Hagatha said:
steel plates are warped
Click to expand...


What do you mean by that? I have an '09 and it does the same thing. I adjusted the cable for just a little freeplay while cold and by late in the day I have a 1/4" of clutch lever play.
 
Last edited:
It's from the heat expanding everything. After your 1k service you should notice a lot of improvement on your 09, at least I did. They all do it, I don't think anything is warped as everyone I know went through the same thing.

LJ
 
Normal if the plates were warped ya would start losing the clutch as it heated up
 
I got my 1k service done and I personally think they messed it up.

First run through the lever had over 2" of play - The tech did not tighten it up. So I had him tighten it up - then I took it on the ride and it was not smooth and was sticking on the release, by that I mean when I released it was not smooth, sort of knotchy. Took it to the Service Manager and he told me that was normal - I then asked him to show me on any one of the bikes he has in the garage and if it is the same then I told him I will shut up. He went to a bike and tried on three other bike and then looked at me and said I was right - finally he had his tech readjust it - it feels normal now...
 
Tboehle said:
What do you mean by that? I have an '09 and it does the same thing. I adjusted the cable for just a little freeplay while cold and by late in the day I have a 1/4" of clutch lever play.
Click to expand...

In your case, I would adjust the cold freeplay to 1/8" or so, using Glider's method and video guide as reference. Minimum freeplay cold means the friction zone is in the middle of the lever travel for ease of use. :p
 
Noticed this morning that the clutch is grabbing again when it is 40% released. The friction zone is very minimal - will the clutch adjustment video be the same for 09 FLHX? I would rather turn my own wrenches if possible.

Thanks
 
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