View Full Version : clutch adjustment ???


Tom
07-02-2004, 04:43 AM
ok , here's the info:
1987 Softail
not sure if the clutch is stock kind or not.

My clutch lever seems to be taking hold farther and farther away , instead of where it usualy is.
So I got the book out, read all about it.
So adjusted the cable way loose,
removed clutch cover, loosened nut, truned screw in, til it felt snug, turned it back out 1/2 turn.
tightend nut, replaced cover,then readjust the cable freeplay.
And now the clutch seems to drag when bike is put into gear, wants to move a little.
Goes into gear ok, shifts ok.
but wants to creep /drag
not alot, just a little.
So this is surely not a good thing.
The cable in in good condition, the oil level is at its proper fill.
So did I miss something?
or is my clutch wearing out,
What else should I check?
or maybe over adjust to cheat some ,?

Zog
09-28-2004, 01:04 PM
Tom,
How much free play did you leave between the Cable and the housing on your handlebars?
the book says 1/8th but when I put new plates in my clutch I had the same problem. I re-adjusted the cable so that it just barely had any freeplay, and now the clutch works great.
You don't HAVE to have 1/8th, all you need it just enough to give the throwout bearing a break. I think I have mine adjusted down to 1/16th

Give it a shot, I think it will solve your problem.

Zog

PHAT-BOY
09-28-2004, 02:03 PM
I agree, sounds like you need to adjust your cable, or get a new one. Perhaps it's stretched to it's max? I think the clutch is ok. Does it slip when you accelerate? If not, I'd say you are ok with the clutch.

Tom
09-28-2004, 09:38 PM
thanks for the replies
as this was some time ago ,
I took it to a local ,
had it adjusted, same as what I did almost, but when they loosened the cable , they cranked it all the way loose,
which when i lossened it, I only lossened it enough so it had free play,
So then they had a BIG HEAVY guy test drive it to see just how much clutch was really left.
He said their was plenty of clutch ,
and it proly will never slip with me on it as I'm only 170 lbs.
works ok , now,,,,,,,,,,,,

Zog
09-29-2004, 08:58 AM
AhhhHhhhh that was the one fact you failed to mention. Yea, you have to loosen the clutch cable ALL they way....

Tom
09-29-2004, 10:48 AM
yea, didn't know it had to be all the way loosened.
but do now........