Tom

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

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

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

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

AhhhHhhhh that was the one fact you failed to mention. Yea, you have to loosen the clutch cable ALL they way....

Tom

yea, didn't know it had to be all the way loosened.
but do now........