Clutch replacement

[RitchieJ]

I have just covered 25k miles on my 2007 Sporty 1200R but local dealer has diagnosed that the reason I can't select some gears is due to clutch plates needing replacement as cable is at maximum adjustment. Cost is likely to be in excess of £500 because of 3-4 hours labour required. Even though bike is in warranty period these are "friction parts" so not covered by the manufacturers warranty. Has anyone else had clutch failure at 25k miles (or less)? Does the time required sound right as I would have thought the new plates should just fit in place of the existing ones?

Look forward to your comments
Rich

[daverix]

What area are you from Rich? Changing clutch plates is not difficult but if you're not mechanically minded or if you just don't feel like doing it yourself then I know of a factory trained guy who has just set up on his own and could save you a bit of cash.

[girlyglide]

£500?

Give me a call.

[Scotty]

I dont see how he can diagnose the problem without pulling it apart, as has been said it could be other things and not the clutch plates. (it could even just be an over stretched cable)
In my mind if the bike is still under guarantee then they should take a proper look in there and see what the problem is before they even start talking money......I hate Harley dealerships.

Dont you know someone that can have a look at it for you and see what is actually going on?..Where do you live?

Oh yea, and four hours to change clutch plates is taking the piss, two at the very most.
I can do the clutch in my car in two sodding hours and that entails removing the gearbox.

[RitchieJ]

Thanks for the feedback - I'm in Shepton Mallet Somerset so I'll be giving "Fatboyzdiner" a call for sure. I'll keep "Hog parts" in my back pocket for now but thanks for the suggestion.
The clutch isn't really slipping as such it's just very difficult, or impossible, to engage neutral while engine is running and 1st / 2nd gears are difficult to engage - remaining gears are much easier!

I've also talked today with B&H bikes in St Austell who share your opinions that more investigation is required and that it could actually be sorted easily within 1/2 hour - as long as the plates aren't actually knackered. May be I fancy a little ride to St Austell, but not before talking with Fatboyzdiner.

Thanks
Rich

[little_dave]

My clutch was always hard to get into neutral when stopped, normally It would slip into neutral when in 2nd gear, just before pulling up. It was easier when the engine had heated up, but clonky trying to get into gear when cold. So, I start up in 1st gear with the clutch pulled in and drive off as soon as possible, I've adjusted the clutch as per the book, but it makes no difference, it's just the nature of the beast. I've often thought of using a lighter gear oil. Over the last weekend, I fitted extra plates and a Hayden M6 auto clutch tensioner. It's made a difference in that the snatch at low speeds is eliminated, still clonky when cold and impossible to get neutral from 1st, clutch pull is smoother and the lever is about halfway out before the clutch starts to bite, where before, I had clutch lever back at the bar and it would start to bite soon after starting to let it out. The reason I put in extra plates, was that I have triked my bike and opened up to 1200cc from 883cc. My bike/trike has 15,500 miles + on it.

[MarlboroMan]

£500 dam!! to be honest buddy, buy a workshop manuel, it realy is dead easy to do, and if worst get to the worst and you cannot do it, hire a van for £25.00 stick it in the back, go to an independant mechanic (not the stealership) and he would do it for about £100 max

[somerset]

have you tryed A.F.B. IN Bridgwater.....just near Riders

[Roger]

Originally Posted by RitchieJ

Thanks for the feedback - I'm in Shepton Mallet Somerset so I'll be giving "Fatboyzdiner" a call for sure. I'll keep "Hog parts" in my back pocket for now but thanks for the suggestion.
The clutch isn't really slipping as such it's just very difficult, or impossible, to engage neutral while engine is running and 1st / 2nd gears are difficult to engage - remaining gears are much easier!

I've also talked today with B&H bikes in St Austell who share your opinions that more investigation is required and that it could actually be sorted easily within 1/2 hour - as long as the plates aren't actually knackered. May be I fancy a little ride to St Austell, but not before talking with Fatboyzdiner.

Thanks
Rich

Sounds more like primary chain tension and/or clutch adjustment. Easy job 45 minutes

[RitchieJ]

Well the clutch plates were worn out and the clutch cable had separated so all now replaced and bike feels like new.
Is it normal for the sportster to be a problem? I love riding the thing but my 18 months of ownership (from new) has seen the following warranty repairs required:
Both cylinder rocker covers and gaskets replaced
Drive belt and rear sprocket replaced
warning light strip replaced
front brake calipers replaced
rear brake calipers replaced
2 electric failures

......and now the dealership have agreed to replace to the swinging arm due to it rusting out and are also replacing the belt guard for the same reason. They're also replacing the rear disc (warped due to rear brake caliper).

Is this normal????
Rich