The "wet" clutch was introduced in 1984 on 5 speed EVO models. If any were in production before this, they would have been on Shovelhead 5 speed models. 1984 saw the introduction of the EVO for any rubber mounted model and all rubber mounts were 5 speed. EVO was all in the original Softtail models, and 1984 and 1985 Softtail production used a 4 speed and dry clutch. Once production was converted to a wet clutch, it was not converted back to a dry.
Yup, Sportsters wet clutch was introduced in 71, so a decade and some change before the big twins. To people who work with with the old Sportsters, many have said the wet clutch is BARELY acceptable on it's best day compared to a properly adjusted dry clutch. My buddies 65 900 is a monster with a dry clutch compared to my 76 1000. But even then, they're still some high flyin' ladies!
1954 saw the introduction of the trap door on the K Model (forerunner of the Sportster). I am not as familiar with production year changes for the Sportster lineage as I am the big twins. At some point, Sportster's saw the original wet clutch introduced years, probably decades, before the big twin wet clutch was introduced. There was never a point when they went back to a dry clutch and then brought out a wet clutch again
Hey, Todd, thanks for all your vids over the years. I especially like your Low Rider & Sturgis vids--- these are my favorite HDs. I got an original low-mile 82 Sturgis (non stock items: S&S carb & repaint) two months ago & its my daily driver. I am amazed at its performance--- smooth effortless cruising at 75-80, able to leave all traffic behind at lights, & easily splits lanes with the drag bars (I replaced the buckhorns, which were stock for 82). QUESTION: why did HD phase out the primary belt? It seemed to have proven itself for at least 4 years---- 80-82 Sturgis, 83 FXSB Low Rider, and 83 Twin Belt Wide Glide. I think the factory went back to primary chains for 84....? I've heard the rubber blocks in the front pulley would fail, but I haven't found anything specific. Not much definitive info on the HD forums. Is there a proactive fix for the front pulley? Should it be replaced with an aftermarket item? Thanks, again.
Yes, the rubbers inside the front pulley would fail. These HD put in as a compensating sprocket to lessen vibration. The fix is to convert back to chain, or an after market belt drive.
thanks for your response--- would that be an entire aftermarket replacement of the primary belt system or just replace the front pulley. like you, i bought my first harley in the summer of 1981, right after the buyback, an fxe. still love the original super glides
Shovelhead usually need a head job,valve guide removal,unleaded conversion done to function like they should.
The "wet" clutch was introduced in 1984 on 5 speed EVO models. If any were in production before this, they would have been on Shovelhead 5 speed models. 1984 saw the introduction of the EVO for any rubber mounted model and all rubber mounts were 5 speed. EVO was all in the original Softtail models, and 1984 and 1985 Softtail production used a 4 speed and dry clutch. Once production was converted to a wet clutch, it was not converted back to a dry.
Ive got an 82. Black and orange like yours! nice bike bro! its for sale at the right price.
Yup, Sportsters wet clutch was introduced in 71, so a decade and some change before the big twins. To people who work with with the old Sportsters, many have said the wet clutch is BARELY acceptable on it's best day compared to a properly adjusted dry clutch. My buddies 65 900 is a monster with a dry clutch compared to my 76 1000. But even then, they're still some high flyin' ladies!
1954 saw the introduction of the trap door on the K Model (forerunner of the Sportster). I am not as familiar with production year changes for the Sportster lineage as I am the big twins. At some point, Sportster's saw the original wet clutch introduced years, probably decades, before the big twin wet clutch was introduced. There was never a point when they went back to a dry clutch and then brought out a wet clutch again
Hey, Todd, thanks for all your vids over the years. I especially like your Low Rider & Sturgis vids--- these are my favorite HDs. I got an original low-mile 82 Sturgis (non stock items: S&S carb & repaint) two months ago & its my daily driver. I am amazed at its performance--- smooth effortless cruising at 75-80, able to leave all traffic behind at lights, & easily splits lanes with the drag bars (I replaced the buckhorns, which were stock for 82). QUESTION: why did HD phase out the primary belt? It seemed to have proven itself for at least 4 years---- 80-82 Sturgis, 83 FXSB Low Rider, and 83 Twin Belt Wide Glide. I think the factory went back to primary chains for 84....? I've heard the rubber blocks in the front pulley would fail, but I haven't found anything specific. Not much definitive info on the HD forums. Is there a proactive fix for the front pulley? Should it be replaced with an aftermarket item? Thanks, again.
Yes, the rubbers inside the front pulley would fail. These HD put in as a compensating sprocket to lessen vibration. The fix is to convert back to chain, or an after market belt drive.
thanks for your response--- would that be an entire aftermarket replacement of the primary belt system or just replace the front pulley. like you, i bought my first harley in the summer of 1981, right after the buyback, an fxe. still love the original super glides
complete new unit. Primo is making them still. Not sure if they make you buy their clutch or not.
thanks very much
Very nice
Why "did" they go back to factory wet drive , ive noticed lately that being a big thing again ?
You look very young! Without your beard. .. . You look like 20 lol.
Nice bike,
Nice bike there bud. Is it for sale?
Wonder how meny young people think the low rider s was the 1st black out harley
bad ass!
いい音してる〜直管なのかなぁ〜
サウンド〜最高です。
最高
Keep em stock. Once there customized too much there worthless
I have a 1980 FXB for sale, e-mail me at huntingharleys@gmail.com
worst era of Harley still so desirable !!