Any Harley Mechanics out there - clutch adjustment advice please

itspilsbury

itspilsbury

Registered user
Joined
Apr 18, 2009
Messages
342
Reaction score
0
Location
Ashbourne, Derbyshire
Just done the 30,000 mile service on my wife's 2008 883 Sportster. Changed the transmission oil and whilst doing this I adjusted the clutch as per the workshop manual. ( clutch cable backed right off, screwed the screw in the clutch centre out until slight resistance felt and then back in 1/4 turn. Clutch cable adjusted to get correct free play at lever).

Problem ! Went for a ride to Skeggy and part way there the clutch started slipping badly. At the roadside I took the side cover off and screwed the centre screw in another 1/2 turn and it was fine. When we got home I re adjusted it as per the manual, and yes it was slipping again so I screwed it in another 1/4 turn and it seems ok.

Why is this happening, does anyone know?
 
It's a Hardly, you don't need mechanical knowledge, just hit it harder with the hammer that should sort it:D
 
Well..if you have done it exactly as per the manual (including the bit about slacking it slightly if the lock plate doesn't line up, rather than tightening it)...and you've got the right oil in it.....you're in need of a new clutch.


Just a thought..when you say "slight resistance felt".... are you confident that is all the way out rather than binding on a dodgey thread/bit of dirt ? When you adjusted it, did it it take up much more than a quarter turn? Positive the clutch cable is free?

That's all I can think of..................
 
I'm not familiar with Sportster's but on the big twins I recall when doing the adjustment they mention to pull in the clutch and let go of the handle a few times to make sure everything is free.
 
It sounds like you have not adjusted it in enough.

If the clutch was OK before and only now is it playing up, then I would look to keep adjusting it, until feels OK.

On my Sportster, I slacked the clutch off all the way, then tightened it in until I could hardly operate the clutch. This gave me 'min/max' parameters to work within. From that point, I was able to set it correctly as per the manual.

Also, maybe some blue loctite on the adjuster if it is slipping?

Keep tinkering and you will be fine.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
You must log in or register to reply here.


Back
Top Bottom