My clutch lever would basically come all the way out on my 48 and not even start moving, did the clutch cable adjustment and now she grabs nice and strong :)))) the lever had like 2 freakin inches of play ! Thanks a ton 🙏🏻
Rachelle Degrace it’s pretty simple Once u find the clutch line. What I did was just loosened it to know which way basically would tighten or loosen and then I basically just tightened it up to where the clutch lever felt nice and tight. Now it grabs where I want after a couple test rides. What part are you stuck on ?
@@1state152 I don't feal safe to do it myself, but I explained that to a "supposed mechanic" he just did not understand a single word that was coming out of my mouth so I will have to try it myself i guess 🤔
Rachelle Degrace lol ya I was the same way I don’t usually like messing with stuff like that but once I started messing with it I was like oh ok it’s pretty straight forward. You would be able to tell by squeezing your handle if it’s to hard or to soft which will then lead u back to make adjustments. It’s all trial and error and pretty hard to mess it up, I’d say give it a shot! I was the same way and now I’m glad I attempted it :)
Used these pointed to adjust the clutch cable, I'd been having some 'lift' related issues, I was able to make the needed adjustments after about 15 minutes and several times around my block. Thanks 3 Beard !!
Make sure you’re paying attention to the manual specs when tightening the derby cover when it says IN-LBS, not FT-LBS. HD primary covers are not cheap. Ask me how I know.
You mentioned this as routine maintenance, is this something that should be done regularly or is this only if you are having issues. My real question is what would prompt you to do this, you ran the push rod until it was finger snug then gave a half turn out does that naturally tighten over time? The video was an amazing tutorial I think I just missed the reason for it.
What if you run out of threads when done to try and get clutch back to proper tightening to get correct gap ? Cable is only about 1.5 years old, clutch is maybe six months old Barnett. My Harley is a 2010 Limited. Did a S&S 110 big bore kit on her about 6 months ago.
I have a 2014 V rod muscle.Love it. My other ride is a 1991 CB750 Nighthawk. Unlike her fuel injected sister, my Honda needs her carbs cleaned out. I have done it once before about 10 years ago. I have seen some just clean out the primary and secondary and others replace them. Can you do a video on cleaning and syncing them? So many bikes have a similar set up just like the Nighthawk. I know everyone likes the new bikes but older ones still rock.
Any chance you could make a video on adjusting Harleys Diamondback steel braided clutch line. There is no jam nut there once I raise the chrome slide guard. Appreciate regardless! 👊🤙
thanks bro nice when a real biker talks about fixing harleys , being a harley man for over 50yrs and building my own rides nice to go back to old school shit , having little trouble with my 113 , dual fired shaved heads , clutch seemed little to hard but really thing its my pressure plate is to much and should change it out to little softer pull , but thanks for being real about simple shit ,
Great video Lemmy. Just changed my clutch disks and steels. Major slippage!!!! I've adjusted the clutch cable 3 times and while I've eliminated the slippage, she doesn't want to fall into neutral with the motor running. I have to shut her down in order to find neutral. I've gone as far back as 1 full turn with my allen key when adjusting the clutch. What gives?
Hmm, that's kind of a tricky thing to diagnose over the internet. It could be cable adjustment, plate adjustment, or even clutch plate installation. Therefore, we'd recommend seeking out your local service department or qualified mechanic. -DrewZilla
Hey lem...... thank you for another awesome video! I'm having a little trouble with the Barnett clutch cable? its a 7/16 and 3/8s size, but I keep calapsing the cable, after adjusting the clutch basket? what am doing wrong-lease help!
Hi, great vid. Ive recently carried out this adjustment. The clutch now 'bites' with the lever almost fully released and gives me very little clutch/throttle flexibility for slow speed maneuvering. Have I done something wrong? The bike is a 2011 Fat Bob with 15000 miles. Thanks.
Did you ever figure it out? That's exactly what has happened to mine and I'm running out of finger length lol!! Off to the garage to try and shorten that engagement point....arrghh!!!
Do you have a video or anything about adjusting a hydraulic clutch? Just got my first motorcycle and the friction zone seems to be the entire squeeze. Thanks!
You can't adjust a hydraulic clutch like a cable clutch. It is what it is, so you might consider getting an adjustable clutch lever if you want to change where the lever sits. That's the only adjustment to make. -DrewZilla
Thanks guys for the info. Had a clutch go slack on me recently on my Harley 1200 and this was perfect. Hopefully you guys do gasket seals too because I have an oil leak problem. Look forward to learning tons from you guys!
It's not really necessary for loosening, but they can be really tight with all the heat cycling. Some of the experienced Harley techs here recommend using an impact driver to loosen every bolt before fully removing each bolt. -DrewZilla
Lemmy I'm new to riding .... I'm a disabled veteran who rides a 2013 Triglide . Out of all the videos done on this ur's is the best , because u give a step by step block of instructions . Even better than fix my hog's video . But being new to Harley's and riding ... how do you know if ur clutch needs adjusting . Those are the kind of videos we need to see also ..preventive maintenance . My Tri Glide is shifting hard ,says a friend of mine who says he's certified ? It feels like its hard to shift when I change gears , makes a loud clank when goes into gear ...but still runs great ? I don't want to do something wrong if that's not it ? ALL tho at least I would know that has been eliminated for the problem? ...Woofy.
+k9bootcamp01 Clutch adjustment intervals are specified in the manual, so you should follow that schedule at a minimum. You can adjust it more frequently if necessary, and if your friend thinks your bike is shifting hard, you should probably adjust the clutch. -DrewZilla
Lemmy you are awesome. However you guys need to start doing some videos on the Indians. As I have a 2015 Chief and a 2016 Scout. I like to do everything I can myself. Just a suggestion.
+Reynald Jackson Well, I'm watching this because i'm going to bleed my brakes in the morning. . . . , wait, shit, I'm on the wrong frucking videos, oh well, I guess that's what happens when I drink, lol, might need to do this too one day!!
Hey Lemmy, Man, that's well clear and really well done fella - inspires confidence despite a real simple job. I've subscribed! Any tips on how to get any longer life outta the gear shift lever on the transmission main shaft and behind the primary inner casing? - what a wee bugger that is to get to. Mines completely worn but apparently they not hard wearing at all. Gonna have to get a new one. I got a 1993 FLHTC Electraglide. Happy Xmas from us here in Scotland, UK
Great video, good lighting and camera angles, entertaining and educational, thanks. I'm trying to figure out how a clutch cable works, the mechanics of it. I know, seems like an obvious question, but I'm confused about the mechanics, i.e., how the inner cable interacts with the outer cable (housing). You mentioned collapsing and expanding the cable. Can you elaborate or direct me to where I can learn more about it? It seems to me that if you adjust the outer cable it would have no affect on the inner cable. I don't get it.
+Joe John Johnston It seems odd but what's happening is that you're "shortening" the housing by pulling the inner cable further out at one or both ends. Think of the cable as a drawstring on gym shorts or a sweatshirt. As you pull the drawstring (cable) tight, you're shortening the loop (housing). The adjuster nuts press the cable housing further away from the ends of th cable but you typically don't see it because the nuts and lock nuts tend to cover up the whole affair as it's happening.
+Joe John Johnston If you look at bicycle brake cables/housings, it works the same way. Perhaps seeing it visually up close might help you understand it better. -DrewZilla
Right now my friction zone on my clutch handle is almost all the way out ie fully let go. How do I adjust it so the friction zone is more towards the middle of the release?
I installed some shorty levers on my clutch and now my clutch is kind of wishy-washy I don't know if I should go taking the cover off the clutch if I have to re gasket it. None of the other videos I've seen on the Kawasaki z650 have shown anything involving taking the clutch cover off. The service manuals like 80 bucks on eBay it looks like I need to make a purchase
I bought a second hand Suzuki SV650s 2003 with 29 k on the clock. I rode it a few months and did my first oil change on it. I used the correct spec motorcycle oil for the SV and the next day I had a grabbing clutch issue suddenly appear. In first the bike creeps forward and at full lever engagement the clutch isn't fully disengaging. I adjusted the clutch cable which solved the issue. Or so I thought. A day later after I got home I went to ride out again in the evening and I'm back to where I was, only worse. Adjusting cable tension and clutch actuator rod have little to no effect. Are we looking at some debris that's come loose in the clutch basket due to the oil change, or is it likely something else?
What position do you keep the clutch lever at during the clutch pack adjustment? Some push it to the grip, and others say all the way out. I know that the position effects the orientation of the balls and ramp.
It doesn't matter. As Lemmy shows at 3:00, you adjust the cable so that there's maximum play. With maximum play, the clutch lever won't put any tension on the clutch, regardless of lever position. -DrewZilla
Whenever I disengage the clutch on my ‘16 Breakout, and go into 1st gear, the bike wants to creep forward with no throttle. It’s very hard to find neutral; and it takes one helluva an effort to go into 2nd gear. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Lemmy....great video. I normally let a friend work on my bike, '07 H-D Ultra Classic but, after watching this, decided to give the clutch adjustment a try. was doing great till I got the derby cover off and attempted to remove the jam nut off the adjuster. Mine didn't go quite as well as yours......I tried the 'key' in the adjuster and removing the jam nut with 11/16 wrench...all I got in return was the jam nut wouldn't budge, and I felt like the internals of the clutch were just rotating. I then tried a socket wrench....same result....internals turned but, the jam nut wasn't moving. I'm not a mechanic per se and I didn't want to risk internal damage. Any suggestions on how to get around the 'frozen' jam nut?
If the issue is loosening the jam nut, try putting the box end of the 11/16" on the jam nut and an allen/hex bit socket attached to a socket wrench. The box end of the wrench should give you more purchase on the jam nut. It might take some force to loosen the jam nut. If you aren't comfortably trying this, though, ask your friend if you can watch him do it. -DrewZilla
I’ve also had this issue(I know old post, but it could still help someone else) . To loosen, you can just use a socket and give it a good “pop” with the palm of your hand to loosen it. Steady pressure just turns the clutch, but a quick impact with your hand should break it loose. Don’t use this method for tightening (obviously).
HELP! Pretty please? Bought a 1983 Honda CX650 Custom a couple weeks ago. Friction zone is nearly non-existent. I’m forced to let the clutch lever out practically all the way, before there’s any power introduced to the rear wheel, and I only have about 1mm of friction zone, or the bike either stalls, or power to the wheel is fully cut off. How do I fix this?
Bleeding the hydraulic clutch is similar to bleeding hydraulic brakes. See our article and video on how to bleed brakes. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/common-tread/video-how-to-bleed-motorcycle-brakes
My clutch cable does not have a boot over it I can’t find the adjuster. I have a 2019 softail low rider. Any help you could give me would be much appreciated. Thank you
My clutch was slipping on cold starts and would be ok when it was ridden for 15 mins tried this cold and it was not slipping anymore thanks could you explain why its fixed now?
So should the engagement point be set close to the grip or far out? Just got a new clutchlever and its all the way out almost before full releasing the clutch completely. Old clutch was just few inches out, but wasnt a sportlever so im not sure anymore. Thanks!
I recently put 14" bars onto my softail. The cables are new and stretching, I've been using the adjuster it is almost all the way out. Will this process make my cable adjustment on the adjuster less?
The clutch (push) rod controls the ability to spread the clutch plates apart (engaging and disengaging the clutch). The clutch lever is attached to it through a pulley system on most V-twins. -DrewZilla
RevZilla ,,,, sorry but I still need more information,,,. ??? My clutch leaver engages too soon for my taste,,,. So do I need to set the set screw at a quarter-turn or maybe at 3/4 of a turn,,. ???
I have a 1981 Honda CX500 with a longitudinally mounted V-twin (like a motoguzzi). other than my clutch cover and clutch being right behind the front tire facing foward, do you thing this is the same principle for adjusting or would my bike be a completely different thing. Thanks, I love your videos you all post!
JW Cohen Adjusting the clutch on the CX will be a similar process, though of course the tools will be metric. Consult a factory service manual for detailed instructions. -DrewZilla
i installed a new clutch cable on my sport bike thinking the old cable had stretched and it seems as if i can't get proper cable tension adjusting the cable at both ends. is it time for a new clutch kit? I haven't noticed any slipping but i do seem to have a lower top speed in 1st gear..
Great video and tutorial Lemmy! I have a 2008 Street Bob and have just had 14" Reaper Handlebars fitted. Previously it was a Drag bar. I took it for a ride this morning and the clutch was slipping in mostly the higher gears. At the higher gears and revs it sort of slides into the gear and then settles down. I am 100% sure it is due to the cutch adjustment being out. My question is: Can I get away with only adjusting cable and not open the derby cover for on the clutch adjustment. Reason being I am concerned that the gasket may have a gasket sealer from previous time and then I have to clean the junk of the gasket. 2nd question: Do you recommend putting on gasket sealer on top of the gasket in the derby cover? Thanks
+Philip Fourie There's no need for gasket sealer unless the derby cover is warped. The gasket is not expensive though. You can adjust the slack in the cable without adjusting the clutch pack, but it will only adjust the cable itself. It is not a clutch adjustment. -DrewZilla
Hey Lemmy I have a 99 Fatboy. Ive worked on vehicles for years but am new to motorcycle mechanics. You mention Harley Big Toy, your process in this video will this be the same for my 99 Fatboy?
would creeping in gear and hard shift be to tight on the primary pushrod or to loose? for example, if backed out 3/4 of a turn and now its creeping... should 1 turn be tried or less like 1/2 turn out?
It sounds like it's too tight and the clutch is not disengaging fully with the clutch pulled. Try another half turn out and see if it does the trick. -TeamZilla AJ
RevZilla just to update you guys. the problem I was having wasnt with the adjustment. it was with the clutch itself. i had swapped in the Barnett extra disc kevlar kit. their instructions are wrong for 06 up harleys. you have to remove the spring seat and damper! i spent yesterday afternoon on the phone with barnett and apparently I got an "old kit" that didnt have the update so when I followed the instructions. it was wrong!
I have a 2013 Heritage and I'm putting 16in apes on it. The clutch actually goes to the opposite side of the bike and looks nothing like that. How do you adjust that?
Is having the play important? Some school of thought says that leaving play keep the clutch cable strained and will snap. Also keeps the clutch little disengaged which causes clutch wear. Please let me know. Thanks.
Yes, you lube it when or before the cable starts to stick. I think Lemmy uses whatever he has around, perhaps even old motor oil. However, you can use cable lube if you want to be all proper. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/product/pj1-cable-lube *www.revzilla.com/product/motion-pro-cable-lube
Having trouble with my clutch. Is it the cable adjustment or the actual clutch assembly. It goes into 1st gear, starts slipping in 2nd gear, and does not engage at all in 3rd gear. Would that be an easy cable adjustment or actually adjusting inside the housing unit as shown. Or will I need to replace the clutch plates? Thanks.
Lemmy is love. Lemmy is life.
Lemon
Yeeet
This guy is awesome. He not only knows his stuff, but he has the ability to speak clearly, quickly and concisely. Keep up the good work guys!
WOW! The clarity and delivery of this video should be the standard. Amazing. Thank you a million times my friend!!!
You're the man Lem! This is the best video I've seen on clutch adjustment.
My clutch lever would basically come all the way out on my 48 and not even start moving, did the clutch cable adjustment and now she grabs nice and strong :)))) the lever had like 2 freakin inches of play ! Thanks a ton 🙏🏻
I have the same issue, can't find nobody to fix that
Rachelle Degrace it’s pretty simple
Once u find the clutch line. What I did was just loosened it to know which way basically would tighten or loosen and then I basically just tightened it up to where the clutch lever felt nice and tight. Now it grabs where I want after a couple test rides. What part are you stuck on ?
@@1state152 I don't feal safe to do it myself, but I explained that to a "supposed mechanic" he just did not understand a single word that was coming out of my mouth so I will have to try it myself i guess 🤔
Rachelle Degrace lol ya I was the same way I don’t usually like messing with stuff like that but once I started messing with it I was like oh ok it’s pretty straight forward. You would be able to tell by squeezing your handle if it’s to hard or to soft which will then lead u back to make adjustments. It’s all trial and error and pretty hard to mess it up, I’d say give it a shot! I was the same way and now I’m glad I attempted it :)
These vids always make me want to rush home and hug my bike.
Just used this video along with my maintenance manual to adjust the clutch in my 2018 Streetbob for the first time. Thanks Revzilla!
Used these pointed to adjust the clutch cable, I'd been having some 'lift' related issues, I was able to make the needed adjustments after about 15 minutes and several times around my block. Thanks 3 Beard !!
Lemmy, excellent. Very nicely explained. Please mention the star pattern of bolting on the derby cover, You actually did that, likely instinctively.
Thank you big time! You're demonstration with just the alan key and wrench made that look far more less complicated than I what I was thinking!
No I'm just watching this because I am bored and I love maintenance vids
That Harley has the prettiest color i've ever Seen on a motorcycle
You make it all look easy Lem! Great video. Thanks!
what is Lemmy's background? he Is phenomenal at this. Love all these videos.
Just had bars changed on my M8 softail and shop used traditional clutch cable. Need to learn how to do it this way now.
That's an excellent demonstration..Sir...! Many thanks for your marvelous engineering over the technicalities..
i adjusted the clutch as you did it was on a stand . when i started it up and put it in gear with the clutch lever in the back wheel wood still turn
3:20 Someone grazed a hot exhaust.
Make sure you’re paying attention to the manual specs when tightening the derby cover when it says IN-LBS, not FT-LBS. HD primary covers are not cheap. Ask me how I know.
Would like to see a walk through video on adjusting the throttle cables for a 2001 Yamaha V star 650 classic
Great video. I'm curious how often do people adjust their clutch? I'm up to 5k kms and haven't touched mine yet.
You should have talked on correct eyeing primary fluid level before mounting cover! Thanks
Great video in process of replacing clutch cable on my 2001 Softail Deuce !
You mentioned this as routine maintenance, is this something that should be done regularly or is this only if you are having issues. My real question is what would prompt you to do this, you ran the push rod until it was finger snug then gave a half turn out does that naturally tighten over time? The video was an amazing tutorial I think I just missed the reason for it.
To be safe, it's good to check at every oil change, but it probably won't need to actually be adjusted that often. -DrewZilla
Excellent video, very well explained. Very nice tips.
What if you run out of threads when done to try and get clutch back to proper tightening to get correct gap ? Cable is only about 1.5 years old, clutch is maybe six months old Barnett. My Harley is a 2010 Limited. Did a S&S 110 big bore kit on her about 6 months ago.
Thanks Lemmy! No problem finding neutral now!
I have a 2014 V rod muscle.Love it. My other ride is a 1991 CB750 Nighthawk. Unlike her fuel injected sister, my Honda needs her carbs cleaned out. I have done it once before about 10 years ago. I have seen some just clean out the primary and secondary and others replace them. Can you do a video on cleaning and syncing them? So many bikes have a similar set up just like the Nighthawk. I know everyone likes the new bikes but older ones still rock.
We haven't made a video yet, but Lemmy _did_ write a very good how-to article. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/common-tread/spring-carb-cleaning-101
Any chance you could make a video on adjusting Harleys Diamondback steel braided clutch line. There is no jam nut there once I raise the chrome slide guard. Appreciate regardless! 👊🤙
thanks bro nice when a real biker talks about fixing harleys , being a harley man for over 50yrs and building my own rides nice to go back to old school shit , having little trouble with my 113 , dual fired shaved heads , clutch seemed little to hard but really thing its my pressure plate is to much and should change it out to little softer pull , but thanks for being real about simple shit ,
Lenny-Best Teacher Ever 🤘
Great video Lemmy. Just changed my clutch disks and steels. Major slippage!!!! I've adjusted the clutch cable 3 times and while I've eliminated the slippage, she doesn't want to fall into neutral with the motor running. I have to shut her down in order to find neutral. I've gone as far back as 1 full turn with my allen key when adjusting the clutch. What gives?
Hmm, that's kind of a tricky thing to diagnose over the internet. It could be cable adjustment, plate adjustment, or even clutch plate installation. Therefore, we'd recommend seeking out your local service department or qualified mechanic. -DrewZilla
My 125cc motorbike is having serious trouble changing gears, gonna try this. Not a Harley but I got the concept.
Appreciate the uploads sir, thank you very much! Cheers from Canada 🍻
Hey lem...... thank you for another awesome video!
I'm having a little trouble with the Barnett clutch cable? its a 7/16 and 3/8s size, but I keep calapsing the cable, after adjusting the clutch basket? what am doing wrong-lease help!
Hi, great vid. Ive recently carried out this adjustment. The clutch now 'bites' with the lever almost fully released and gives me very little clutch/throttle flexibility for slow speed maneuvering. Have I done something wrong? The bike is a 2011 Fat Bob with 15000 miles. Thanks.
Did you ever figure it out? That's exactly what has happened to mine and I'm running out of finger length lol!! Off to the garage to try and shorten that engagement point....arrghh!!!
Curious why you switched derby gaskets, even more curious why you switch types.
Here working on a victory. Thanks for the video! Awsome job too
Do you have a video or anything about adjusting a hydraulic clutch? Just got my first motorcycle and the friction zone seems to be the entire squeeze. Thanks!
You can't adjust a hydraulic clutch like a cable clutch. It is what it is, so you might consider getting an adjustable clutch lever if you want to change where the lever sits. That's the only adjustment to make. -DrewZilla
Great presentation sir! Keep up the great content.
Thanks for this tutorial... it was exactly what I needed.
Jam nut would not move! Had to use penetrating oil and than impact to get it lose. But other than that, it went smoothly. Good video.
my bike's an old 2001 883 Sportster, but I think this is a great vid. Thnx!
Thanks guys for the info. Had a clutch go slack on me recently on my Harley 1200 and this was perfect.
Hopefully you guys do gasket seals too because I have an oil leak problem.
Look forward to learning tons from you guys!
Good video, Lem. Any need for us to follow a star pattern when loosening the derby cover as well? Thx.
It's not really necessary for loosening, but they can be really tight with all the heat cycling. Some of the experienced Harley techs here recommend using an impact driver to loosen every bolt before fully removing each bolt. -DrewZilla
RevZilla ok great stuff... many thx.
Lemmy I'm new to riding .... I'm a disabled veteran who rides a 2013 Triglide . Out of all the videos done on this ur's is the best , because u give a step by step block of instructions . Even better than fix my hog's video . But being new to Harley's and riding ... how do you know if ur clutch needs adjusting . Those are the kind of videos we need to see also ..preventive maintenance . My Tri Glide is shifting hard ,says a friend of mine who says he's certified ? It feels like its hard to shift when I change gears , makes a loud clank when goes into gear ...but still runs great ? I don't want to do something wrong if that's not it ? ALL tho at least I would know that has been eliminated for the problem? ...Woofy.
+k9bootcamp01 Clutch adjustment intervals are specified in the manual, so you should follow that schedule at a minimum. You can adjust it more frequently if necessary, and if your friend thinks your bike is shifting hard, you should probably adjust the clutch. -DrewZilla
Great video.. my question is, does it matter what gear the bike is in when doing the adjustment? First or neutral or doesn’t matter at all?
Thanks
Nope, it doesn't matter. -DrewZilla
Great video,,
What are the springs for on the racing clutch hub kit
Lemmy, you're the best. I owe you another beer man!
Lemmy you are awesome. However you guys need to start doing some videos on the Indians. As I have a 2015 Chief and a 2016 Scout. I like to do everything I can myself. Just a suggestion.
Lemmy, God bless you brother.
Hi great video. Does this procedure applies for the street models? Thanks!!
Awesome vid!🫶🏻
Thanks for video, very helpful. I love to do hands on work and this is something new I have learned. Thanks again bro and keep em coming,
How do i adjust my clutch. I race my bike hard. How much should i turn out the allen wrench 1/2 3/4. Or what. Thanks so much great video lemmy
1/2 is fine. Just keep an eye on it if you're running your bike hard. -DrewZilla
Instructions unclear my Harley now identifies as an autobot 😲
i dont have a harley, why am i watching this!
iBoos Sportbikes have clutches too! :D -DrewZilla
+iBoos Because Lemmy is the friggin man!
RevZilla so do tractors. but you dont see me watching tractor videos... ok.. ok... I watch tractor videos.
I don't even have a motorcycle, why am I watching this
+Reynald Jackson Well, I'm watching this because i'm going to bleed my brakes in the morning. . . . , wait, shit, I'm on the wrong frucking videos, oh well, I guess that's what happens when I drink, lol, might need to do this too one day!!
Why did he turn the clutch adjuster counter clockwise? If your clutch is slipping, which way would you turn it?
I'm watching because I'm thinking of getting a bike and I wanna know what I'm getting my self into :D
Hey Lemmy, Man, that's well clear and really well done fella - inspires confidence despite a real simple job. I've subscribed! Any tips on how to get any longer life outta the gear shift lever on the transmission main shaft and behind the primary inner casing? - what a wee bugger that is to get to. Mines completely worn but apparently they not hard wearing at all. Gonna have to get a new one. I got a 1993 FLHTC Electraglide. Happy Xmas from us here in Scotland, UK
Great video, good lighting and camera angles, entertaining and educational, thanks. I'm trying to figure out how a clutch cable works, the mechanics of it. I know, seems like an obvious question, but I'm confused about the mechanics, i.e., how the inner cable interacts with the outer cable (housing). You mentioned collapsing and expanding the cable. Can you elaborate or direct me to where I can learn more about it? It seems to me that if you adjust the outer cable it would have no affect on the inner cable. I don't get it.
+Joe John Johnston It seems odd but what's happening is that you're "shortening" the housing by pulling the inner cable further out at one or both ends. Think of the cable as a drawstring on gym shorts or a sweatshirt. As you pull the drawstring (cable) tight, you're shortening the loop (housing).
The adjuster nuts press the cable housing further away from the ends of th cable but you typically don't see it because the nuts and lock nuts tend to cover up the whole affair as it's happening.
+Joe John Johnston If you look at bicycle brake cables/housings, it works the same way. Perhaps seeing it visually up close might help you understand it better. -DrewZilla
Great video. Now I can set up on my 1986 flhtc
Right now my friction zone on my clutch handle is almost all the way out ie fully let go. How do I adjust it so the friction zone is more towards the middle of the release?
I installed some shorty levers on my clutch and now my clutch is kind of wishy-washy I don't know if I should go taking the cover off the clutch if I have to re gasket it. None of the other videos I've seen on the Kawasaki z650 have shown anything involving taking the clutch cover off. The service manuals like 80 bucks on eBay it looks like I need to make a purchase
Awesome tutorial, very helpful. Thanks mate.
I bought a second hand Suzuki SV650s 2003 with 29 k on the clock. I rode it a few months and did my first oil change on it. I used the correct spec motorcycle oil for the SV and the next day I had a grabbing clutch issue suddenly appear. In first the bike creeps forward and at full lever engagement the clutch isn't fully disengaging. I adjusted the clutch cable which solved the issue. Or so I thought. A day later after I got home I went to ride out again in the evening and I'm back to where I was, only worse. Adjusting cable tension and clutch actuator rod have little to no effect. Are we looking at some debris that's come loose in the clutch basket due to the oil change, or is it likely something else?
What about hydraulic clutches? How do I disengage it so I can change the friction zone?
What position do you keep the clutch lever at during the clutch pack adjustment? Some push it to the grip, and others say all the way out. I know that the position effects the orientation of the balls and ramp.
It doesn't matter. As Lemmy shows at 3:00, you adjust the cable so that there's maximum play. With maximum play, the clutch lever won't put any tension on the clutch, regardless of lever position. -DrewZilla
RevZilla but wouldn’t it effect the position of the balls and ramp and pushrod position?
No, with the clutch cable adjusted to full slack, the lever has no effect on the clutch anymore. -DrewZilla
Whenever I disengage the clutch on my ‘16 Breakout, and go into 1st gear, the bike wants to creep forward with no throttle. It’s very hard to find neutral; and it takes one helluva an effort to go into 2nd gear. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Lemmy, Great Video! Fantastic Explanation, so easy I could follow along! Thanks for doing this video!
Lemmy....great video. I normally let a friend work on my bike, '07 H-D Ultra Classic but, after watching this, decided to give the clutch adjustment a try. was doing great till I got the derby cover off and attempted to remove the jam nut off the adjuster. Mine didn't go quite as well as yours......I tried the 'key' in the adjuster and removing the jam nut with 11/16 wrench...all I got in return was the jam nut wouldn't budge, and I felt like the internals of the clutch were just rotating. I then tried a socket wrench....same result....internals turned but, the jam nut wasn't moving. I'm not a mechanic per se and I didn't want to risk internal damage. Any suggestions on how to get around the 'frozen' jam nut?
If the issue is loosening the jam nut, try putting the box end of the 11/16" on the jam nut and an allen/hex bit socket attached to a socket wrench. The box end of the wrench should give you more purchase on the jam nut. It might take some force to loosen the jam nut. If you aren't comfortably trying this, though, ask your friend if you can watch him do it. -DrewZilla
I’ve also had this issue(I know old post, but it could still help someone else) .
To loosen, you can just use a socket and give it a good “pop” with the palm of your hand to loosen it. Steady pressure just turns the clutch, but a quick impact with your hand should break it loose.
Don’t use this method for tightening (obviously).
HELP! Pretty please?
Bought a 1983 Honda CX650 Custom a couple weeks ago. Friction zone is nearly non-existent. I’m forced to let the clutch lever out practically all the way, before there’s any power introduced to the rear wheel, and I only have about 1mm of friction zone, or the bike either stalls, or power to the wheel is fully cut off.
How do I fix this?
I haave a 2019 HD Sport Glide. Very hard to find neutral. Could the clutch needing adjustment be the problem?
swaped out stock bars for 16" apes on my 15 road glides, i have everything ran but just wanted some pointers on bleeding hydraulic clutch. thnx
Bleeding the hydraulic clutch is similar to bleeding hydraulic brakes. See our article and video on how to bleed brakes. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/common-tread/video-how-to-bleed-motorcycle-brakes
Respect revzilla you know your shit. Well explained great information keep them coming bro.
My clutch cable does not have a boot over it I can’t find the adjuster. I have a 2019 softail low rider. Any help you could give me would be much appreciated. Thank you
When doing the adjustment what should be the gear position
can you please make a video on how to change a throttle cable?
We'll definitely consider it. -DrewZilla
So, one would put the bike in neutral prior to the adjustments being made? Thanx!
It doesn't matter. -DrewZilla
My clutch was slipping on cold starts and would be ok when it was ridden for 15 mins tried this cold and it was not slipping anymore thanks could you explain why its fixed now?
Does this solve the issue of the engine being connected to the trans while the clutch is engaged?
So should the engagement point be set close to the grip or far out? Just got a new clutchlever and its all the way out almost before full releasing the clutch completely. Old clutch was just few inches out, but wasnt a sportlever so im not sure anymore. Thanks!
Set it wherever you want. That's one reason you have the barrel adjuster on the clutch cable. -DrewZilla
I recently put 14" bars onto my softail. The cables are new and stretching, I've been using the adjuster it is almost all the way out. Will this process make my cable adjustment on the adjuster less?
Yes, you should go through this whole process. -DrewZilla
what does the stud in the middel of the cluch do chage how hard youre cluch is or stuff like that i didnt get that out of the video
The clutch (push) rod controls the ability to spread the clutch plates apart (engaging and disengaging the clutch). The clutch lever is attached to it through a pulley system on most V-twins. -DrewZilla
RevZilla alrith thankyou for awnsering apriciate it
RevZilla
RevZilla ,,,, sorry but I still need more information,,,. ??? My clutch leaver engages too soon for my taste,,,. So do I need to set the set screw at a quarter-turn or maybe at 3/4 of a turn,,. ???
HINT: you can use a nickle to measure the 1/16"
I have a 1981 Honda CX500 with a longitudinally mounted V-twin (like a motoguzzi). other than my clutch cover and clutch being right behind the front tire facing foward, do you thing this is the same principle for adjusting or would my bike be a completely different thing. Thanks, I love your videos you all post!
JW Cohen Adjusting the clutch on the CX will be a similar process, though of course the tools will be metric. Consult a factory service manual for detailed instructions. -DrewZilla
Just got myself a 1980 CX500D and was wondering the same thing.
i installed a new clutch cable on my sport bike thinking the old cable had stretched and it seems as if i can't get proper cable tension adjusting the cable at both ends. is it time for a new clutch kit? I haven't noticed any slipping but i do seem to have a lower top speed in 1st gear..
Ah lemmy, you never disappoint
Great video and tutorial Lemmy! I have a 2008 Street Bob and have just had 14" Reaper Handlebars fitted. Previously it was a Drag bar. I took it for a ride this morning and the clutch was slipping in mostly the higher gears. At the higher gears and revs it sort of slides into the gear and then settles down. I am 100% sure it is due to the cutch adjustment being out. My question is: Can I get away with only adjusting cable and not open the derby cover for on the clutch adjustment. Reason being I am concerned that the gasket may have a gasket sealer from previous time and then I have to clean the junk of the gasket. 2nd question: Do you recommend putting on gasket sealer on top of the gasket in the derby cover? Thanks
+Philip Fourie There's no need for gasket sealer unless the derby cover is warped. The gasket is not expensive though. You can adjust the slack in the cable without adjusting the clutch pack, but it will only adjust the cable itself. It is not a clutch adjustment. -DrewZilla
What do you do when the Jam nut is stuck af , I cannot move mine at all
9:40 Ghost?!
9:43 "to its final resting place" Ghost confirmed
I installed 14 in bars and installed burly clutch cables I do the steps but the lever still loose I was debating to screw in more on the plate .
Hey Lemmy I have a 99 Fatboy. Ive worked on vehicles for years but am new to motorcycle mechanics. You mention Harley Big Toy, your process in this video will this be the same for my 99 Fatboy?
The clutch itself is different than the Twin Cam's clutch in this video, but the adjustment process is the same for your EVO motor. -DrewZilla
A great and very comprehensive video!
would creeping in gear and hard shift be to tight on the primary pushrod or to loose? for example, if backed out 3/4 of a turn and now its creeping... should 1 turn be tried or less like 1/2 turn out?
It sounds like it's too tight and the clutch is not disengaging fully with the clutch pulled. Try another half turn out and see if it does the trick. -TeamZilla AJ
RevZilla just to update you guys. the problem I was having wasnt with the adjustment. it was with the clutch itself. i had swapped in the Barnett extra disc kevlar kit. their instructions are wrong for 06 up harleys. you have to remove the spring seat and damper! i spent yesterday afternoon on the phone with barnett and apparently I got an "old kit" that didnt have the update so when I followed the instructions. it was wrong!
Thanks for the update- we have not heard of that issue, but thanks for passing it along. Glad you got it sorted, though.
-TeamZilla AJ
I have a 2013 Heritage and I'm putting 16in apes on it. The clutch actually goes to the opposite side of the bike and looks nothing like that. How do you adjust that?
Is having the play important? Some school of thought says that leaving play keep the clutch cable strained and will snap. Also keeps the clutch little disengaged which causes clutch wear. Please let me know. Thanks.
It's actually the opposite. Having play means there's no strain on the cable and the clutch is fully engaged. -DrewZilla
RevZilla Many thanks for clearing it out, I could not find any blog related to this. Thanks again :)
After adjusting ultima open primary clutch I still have no clutch.clutch lever feels good.everything seems like I shod have clutch.any answers?
Question do you oil the cable at all and if so what do you suggest I use?
Yes, you lube it when or before the cable starts to stick. I think Lemmy uses whatever he has around, perhaps even old motor oil. However, you can use cable lube if you want to be all proper. -DrewZilla
*www.revzilla.com/product/pj1-cable-lube
*www.revzilla.com/product/motion-pro-cable-lube
Having trouble with my clutch. Is it the cable adjustment or the actual clutch assembly. It goes into 1st gear, starts slipping in 2nd gear, and does not engage at all in 3rd gear. Would that be an easy cable adjustment or actually adjusting inside the housing unit as shown. Or will I need to replace the clutch plates? Thanks.
I'd start with cable adjustment. If that doesn't fix the issue, then it's likely transmission error. -DrewZilla