My clutch will not fully engage???

[bio_research]

I adjusted my clutch and cable because it was slipping like crazy and would just rev and not accelerate much. It was great for about 200miles and then today I was pulling on the clutch to put it into gear it just started slowly rolling forward. When riding I had a hard time down shifting as well. Could the clutch be shot? I tried adjusting again with no luck. I have a 2008 nightster with 11,200miles. Should I remove the whole clutch and take a look at it? I am pretty handy, but how hard of a project is it to install a new clutch? I'm good with cars, but a newbe at bikes...

 

[BUBBIE]

I adjusted my clutch and cable because it was slipping like crazy and would just rev and not accelerate much. It was great for about 200miles and then today I was pulling on the clutch to put it into gear it just started slowly rolling forward. When riding I had a hard time down shifting as well. Could the clutch be shot? I tried adjusting again with no luck. I have a 2008 nightster with 11,200miles. Should I remove the whole clutch and take a look at it? I am pretty handy, but how hard of a project is it to install a new clutch? I'm good with cars, but a newbe at bikes...

Are you adjusting it by the book?

I'd suspect the cable giving up... (one thing)

NOW a BIG-E.... What lube are you using in the primary/clutch/Tranny?

IF you put in some lube that IS NOT wet clutch approved??????

The clutches are strong in the sport bikes and doubt UNLESS you do wierd things with the bike that it could be worn out in this few of Miles...


signed....BUBBIE

 

[Bodeen]

Harley Davidson Forums

 

[Iceman24]

When you're done re-adjusting the clutch, are you getting the 1/8" play in cable and is everything engaging/disengaging off the bat? Wondering if you have (1) improper adjustment, (2) bad cable, or (3) glazed the clutch plates...

 

[bio_research]

I am adjusting by the book... my cable looks O.K. It was working fine and then just like that after about 200-225 miles she stopped engaging fully. When I got the bike back from the 10k service there was a slightly low level of fluid, so I topped it off with some red line and everythingworked perfectly for a while. Is there a video of the whole clutch removal? I am supposed to go on an escort ride for the Vietnam wall this Sunday, but it's a 4+hr ride and I don't want my bike to (EDIT) out along the way. I need to fix this quickly and I don't have the money to take her to the shop again.

Please read this...

HDTimeline Language Policy - Harley Davidson Community

 

[bio_research]

GOT IT!! I decided to pop off the primary cover while on lift and keep the cover off and give it a go again. I think I was confused about the "seating" point. I was stopping at the very first contact, when I should have actually gone another 1/2 turn and then backed off 1/4 turn... It's great now. I'm going to ride tomorrow, so we'll see how she does with a few miles...

Also, I'm getting my first tattoo Thursday... random...

 

[bio_research]

Nevermind... Today after about 10 miles it started doign the same thing. But this time The started wouldn't work... This will be the 3rd starter in 5k miles... HELP!

 

[HDDon]

Can you give us some basic information? What mods have you done to the motor? Have you done any electrical mods, like aftermarket ignition? How many miles on the bike? How old is the battery? Have you had the battery load tested? When was the starter replaced (miles)?

 

[bio_research]

It's a 2008 Nightster with a powercommander III, arlen ness stage 2 (even though they said stage 3) aircleaner setup, V&H pipes.... no other engine mods... She has 11,200 miles. The starter was replaced at 5k miles and 10k miles(with the 10k service). The batter was tested and was fine. I even tried hooking it to a charger for several hours and nothing. I was able to pop start the bike earlier today...

 

[HDDon]

First unless you do lots of burnouts or you power launch the bike at ever stoplight I really can't see the clutch being worn out. If it has gotten hot from slipping or lack of lube the plates may be warped. If you have a manual it gives a pretty good description of the process for removing the clutch and disassembly, and also the wear limits. The cable may be stretching and replacing it is a pretty straight forward job. When the starters were replaced did you find out what had failed? When you say stage 2/3 what cam did you use and do you have compression releases?