How to Adjust the Clutch on a Harley Davidson

Are you experiencing difficulty shifting gears smoothly on your Harley Davidson? If so, it may be time to adjust the clutch.

A properly adjusted clutch ensures optimal performance and can extend the lifespan of your bike. But how exactly do you go about adjusting the clutch on a Harley Davidson?

In this discussion, we will guide you through the step-by-step process, providing you with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle this task with confidence.

So, let's dive in and uncover the secrets to achieving a perfectly adjusted clutch on your Harley Davidson.

Key Takeaways

• The tools needed for clutch adjustment on a Harley Davidson include a T27 Torx wrench, 11/16 wrench, 9/16 wrench, half-inch wrench, 7/32 allen wrench, clean cloth, high-quality clutch cable lubricant, and threadlocker.
• To adjust the clutch cable tension, remove the derby cover screws, expose the clutch adjustment screw, use a half-inch wrench to turn the adjuster, break loose the lock nut, create free play in the clutch lever, tighten the adjuster screw, take slack out of the cable, and aim for about an eighth of an inch of play in the lever.
• To check and adjust the clutch lever freeplay, locate the clutch lever, measure the freeplay, adjust the freeplay by turning the adjustment screw, make small adjustments until it falls within the recommended range, and tighten the lock nut to secure the setting.
• To test the clutch engagement and functionality, ensure the bike is in neutral, shift into first gear, release the lever slowly and observe the engagement, accelerate gently in first gear, engage and disengage the clutch at various speeds and gears, pay attention to any issues or unusual signs, and consider readjusting the clutch cable if necessary.

Tools and Materials Needed

To properly adjust the clutch on your Harley Davidson, you'll need a set of tools and materials.

Let's start with the tools. First, you'll need a T27 Torx with a quarter-inch ratchet. This tool will come in handy for removing the clutch cover. Next, make sure you have an 11/16 wrench. This will be used to loosen the cable adjuster locknut. Additionally, you'll need a 9/16 wrench to adjust the clutch cable adjuster. A half-inch wrench will be necessary to loosen the jam nut on the clutch cable. Lastly, don't forget the 7/32 allen wrench. This will be used to adjust the clutch release cover screws.

Now let's talk about the materials you'll need. Firstly, make sure you have a clean cloth or rag to wipe away any dirt or debris. This will ensure a smooth adjustment process. Additionally, you'll need a high-quality clutch cable lubricant. This will help improve the overall performance of your clutch. Lastly, have some threadlocker on hand to secure the clutch release cover screws.

Locating the Clutch Adjustment Screw

Located on the left side of the motorcycle, the clutch adjustment screw can be easily accessed by removing the derby cover and pulling down the rubber boot on the adjuster. To locate the clutch adjustment screw, follow these steps:

1. Remove the five Torx head screws from the derby cover using a Torx wrench. This will allow you to access the clutch and make the necessary adjustments.
2. Once the derby cover is removed, pull down the rubber boot on the adjuster. This will expose the clutch adjustment screw, which is located beneath the boot.
3. Use a half-inch wrench to turn the adjuster portion of the cable. This will help you adjust the tension on the clutch.

Adjusting the Clutch Cable Tension

After gaining access to the clutch adjustment screw, you can now proceed to adjust the tension on the clutch cable. This step is crucial in ensuring smooth and precise operation of your Harley Davidson's clutch.

To begin, start by pulling down the rubber boot on the adjuster located on the lower end of the clutch cable. Use a half-inch wrench to hold the adjuster portion of the cable in place, while using a 9/16 wrench to break loose the lock nut. Roll up the lock nut to put slack in the cable, then crank the adjuster counterclockwise to create free play in the clutch lever.

Once you have loosened the clutch cable, it's time to make the actual clutch adjustment. Hold the adjuster screw with an allen wrench and use an 11/16 wrench to break loose the lock nut. Back off the adjuster screw until it lightly touches, and then back it off a half to a full turn. Finally, tighten the adjuster screw to secure the adjustment.

To finalize the adjustment, run the adjuster nut back down to take slack out of the cable. Aim for about an eighth of an inch of play in the lever. Once you have achieved the desired play, tighten the lock nut on the adjuster nut.

Put the rubber cover back over the top and reinstall the derby cover, torquing the screws to ensure a secure fit.

Checking and Adjusting the Clutch Lever Freeplay

To properly adjust the clutch lever freeplay on your Harley Davidson, follow these steps:

1. Start by locating the clutch lever on the left-hand side of the handlebars. This lever controls the engagement and disengagement of the clutch.
2. With your bike in neutral, pull the clutch lever towards you until it reaches its fully engaged position. This will create tension on the clutch cable.
3. Measure the amount of freeplay in the clutch lever. Freeplay refers to the distance the lever can move before it starts to engage the clutch. Ideally, there should be a small amount of freeplay, typically around 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch.
4. If the freeplay is too tight or too loose, you'll need to adjust it. To do this, locate the adjustment screw on the clutch lever assembly. Turning the screw clockwise will decrease the freeplay, while turning it counterclockwise will increase the freeplay.
5. Make small adjustments to the screw and recheck the freeplay until it falls within the recommended range.
6. Once you have achieved the desired freeplay, tighten the lock nut on the adjustment screw to secure the setting.

Testing the Clutch Engagement and Functionality

To test the clutch engagement and functionality on your Harley Davidson, follow these steps.

1. Start by ensuring the bike is in neutral.
2. Pull in the clutch lever and shift into first gear.
3. Release the lever slowly, paying attention to the clutch engagement. It should be smooth, without any jerking or grabbing sensations.

Next, accelerate gently in first gear. The clutch should engage smoothly, allowing the bike to move forward without any slipping.

To further test the clutch, try engaging and disengaging it at various speeds and gears. This will help you determine if the clutch is consistently engaging and disengaging as it should. While doing this, be mindful of any unusual noises, vibrations, or difficulty in shifting. These could be signs of clutch problems that require attention.

If you notice that the clutch doesn't engage smoothly or there are any issues, consider readjusting the clutch cable. This may help improve the clutch engagement and functionality. Remember to perform the adjustment process again to ensure proper functionality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by following these steps, you can successfully adjust the clutch on your Harley Davidson.

With the right tools and materials, you can easily locate the clutch adjustment screw and make the necessary adjustments.

By checking and adjusting the clutch cable tension and lever freeplay, you can ensure smooth and efficient clutch engagement.

Remember to test the clutch functionality to ensure proper operation.

With these adjustments, you can enhance your riding experience on your Harley Davidson.