Clutching at straws.. - The Harley-Davidson Riders Club Great Britain

Spice · #1 06-10-2007, 06:53 PM

Now I know my gearbox has always been very notchy and clunky
they all are aint they ??
but today I was having real trouble changing up through the gears.
its as if the clutch isnt fully disengaging. I have never got the hang of the heel toe shifter thing but today I was having to really stamp on the rear peg to get it to change up.. not Good
so I thought that maybe my clutch cable has stretched a bit
so I have tried to adjust the clutch at the adjusting screw on the cable.
am I right in saying to lengthen by screwing out a couple of turns will make the cable shorter and so pull the clutch that little bit further out
havnt had a chance to try it out yet to see if its any better
so am i going the right way, I know im just looking for an easy fix but dont want to overlook what could be just a stretched cable,
any advice as always greatly appreciated
Spice

**Phil** · #2 06-10-2007, 07:27 PM

Rob, if the clutch is fine you may have to adjust the shifter pawl.
With the bike not running stick the bike in third gear & move the gear lever up & down but not far enough to change gear. It should move a short bit & then spring back to centre. The amount it moves & springs back should be EQUAL both ways. If it is pretty much solid one way & all spring back the other it will need adjusting.
Adjusting it is another matter as it is quite hard to do without a special tool. With the right tool though it is just a five minute job.

softail898 · #3 07-10-2007, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil

quite hard to do without a special tool. With the right tool though it is just a five minute job.

Whats the Tool Phil? Is it H-D or Jims? Part numbers would be good too.
Thanks....

Spice · #4 07-10-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil

Rob, if the clutch is fine you may have to adjust the shifter pawl.
With the bike not running stick the bike in third gear & move the gear lever up & down but not far enough to change gear. It should move a short bit & then spring back to centre. The amount it moves & springs back should be EQUAL both ways. If it is pretty much solid one way & all spring back the other it will need adjusting.
Adjusting it is another matter as it is quite hard to do without a special tool. With the right tool though it is just a five minute job.

Cheers Phil
gonna check it out tomorrow.
didnt know my bike had paws...

**Panhead Boris** · #5 07-10-2007, 03:35 PM

Are you sure it's clutch? I had the issue of having to stamp on the heel shifter on a TC Fat Boy. It was the well known lack of lubrication on the lever.
http://www.harley-davidson-hangout.c...you-about.html

I have seen the same problem on a number of other TC's.

Spice · #6 07-10-2007, 03:52 PM

thanks for the Pointer Mr Boris
and that would be a nice easy fix
but sadly no I have greased the linkage...
so its something else..........

Hawkeye · #7 07-10-2007, 04:50 PM

Start at the beginning, slacken the cable all the way. Then adjust the clutch push rod, undo locking nut, turn the center bolt in till you get a very slight resistance, undo the center bolt one full turn. Hold the bolt while you now lock it up with the nut.
Now adjust the cable till there is about 1/16in play at the lever.

I think it would be a hefty clutch to stretch a Harley clutch cable, they are mahoosive lol.

My FXR gearbox is as sweet as a nut, hardley ever clonks unless i stamp on it a bit quick at the light. Unlike my sportster which sounds like someone throwing a brick in a metal bucket.............bloody awful it is.

#8 07-10-2007, 05:08 PM

Hi,
Had trouble changing into neutral when i stopped or at lights.Found Clutch Cable had stretched to the point where it started to drag.I decided to upgrade to the hydraulic age and bought a clutch kit....WOW what a difference.Very easy to fit to.If you can afford it i recommend it.