Easy Clutch Operation for Ironhead

[Tee]

My mate has a '72 Ironhead and although the clutch isn't as harsh as some I've experienced it is still pretty tight even with a new cable. Anybody know of a way to make the action easier without converting to hydraulic? I did hear about something called a 'liteboy' but I'm not really sure about it (not even sure of the spelling). The thing is that the bike is rideable but not for long distances as he let his membership of the mr universe body building club go a while back;) - any help appreciated.

[kevscrivener]

Before going into stuff like that, I'd check that your cable routing is correct. I run a 72 myself, and whilst it's not as light as some, it certainly doesn't kill my hand even on a longish run. I've owned Ironheads on and off since 1989, and they're not renowned for having a heavy clutch; biggest problem in fact is that they can go out of adjustment pretty easily, can be fiddly to set up dead right and are more prone to drag than slip, especially when in heavy traffic.

It may be that someone has, in the past, fitted heavier clutch springs. Never heard of a clutch booster kit for Ironheads, though, although earlier Evo Sportster clutches were notorious for being very heavy.

[bazereid]

Hi Tee
As Kev says Sportster clutches arent particularly heavy if they are set up right. However if your mate has small hands? Short fingers? It may be that he/she is finding it difficult to overcome the first part of the pull till the fingers can be fully hooked over the standard levers. My wife had that problem on her XLCH which was solved at great expense by fitting a handlebar mounted clutch assister. It is basically a minuture version of the old mousetrap set up on a Panhead, consisting of a spring assisted over centre lever. this is in a small alloy housing which is bolted to the underside of the clutch lever mount through the mirror mount hole. The over centre lever is operated by a small peg screwed into the underside of the clutch lever between the pivot point and the cable nipple hole. Its a neat set up which works reasonably well if set up right and kept well greased.
I bought this some years back I think from the V Twin catalogue, an Independant dealer should be able to track one down for you.
Cost now have fun

saw this on ebay for later bikes, but maybe they do somehting for earlier ones?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Harley-Davidso...QQcmdZViewItem