2018 Softail Clutch ADJUSTMENT
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ย. 2024
- 2018 Harley Davidson Softail Clutch adjustment. It's very similar to all big twins produced by HD since the 90's, but the cable is a little different. Just a tip on how to keep your bike running sharp, and making it a little easier to find neutral.
Allen key set: amzn.to/2MszMDe
tiny little screwdriver: amzn.to/2Oh8xfA
My Music:
In general: www.epidemicsou...
This video: "DYNAMITE COCKTAIL 5"
Camera Gear:
Camera: amzn.to/2C1zEJm
Lens: amzn.to/2C4ozHK
Microphone: amzn.to/2Cr2wXa
Tripod: amzn.to/2CpiqBB
Tripod head: amzn.to/2Hn6oMH
The tripod and head are sold as a kit, too. Check the pricing!
MotoVlog Gear:
Helmet: amzn.to/2Fay4DZ
GoPro: amzn.to/2ByYMpQ
GoPro curved mount: amzn.to/2GkTvRW
Mic adapter: amzn.to/2BxYCyZ
Microphone: amzn.to/2Hok5Ld
Fur for mic: amzn.to/2ExMfpj
Extra GoPro gear:
Jaws: amzn.to/2CpM35K
Swivel mount: amzn.to/2Favjm1
Head strap: amzn.to/2HmDw7r
GoPro tripod: amzn.to/2Hn1q2s
Thanks for Watching. Like and Subscribe!!!
Where I work:
WEB: www.chattahooc...
FB: / chattahoocheehd
Follow Me:
WEB: www.theharleyt...
IG: / theharleytech1903
FB: / theharleytech - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Thanks John. Neutrals a problem so I mentioned adjusting my clutch at first sevice. Mechanic passed over the suggestion. Now I know the real deal. Much appreciated!
My 2018 Low Rider is having problems with not shifting into second and getting stuck in a false neutral, mostly during left hand turns. Dealer adjusted the clutch and it was better for a short while. Will be using this vid as a reference for doing the adjustment myself for now.
Put a pair of Rinehart 's on my wife's 18 Heritage 114 and sounds awesome just like that. Guy in our riding group has same bike but original exhaust and wife's bike kills him for gas mileage and performance as well. Agree with your comment John that opening the bike up and letting it breath brings it alive. Enjoy your videos. Thanks!
Unbelievable. I watched a TH-cam video few weeks ago how to adjust clutch. This mechanic show all of us TH-camrs how to turn the adjusting screw in three quarters of a turn instead of out. Glad I watched your video buddy. Can't believe someone's teaching how to adjust in the wrong direction.
Welcome to the Internet!
I feel like it would be worth putting an annotation during the basket adjustment that half to full turn out is NOT spec for a sportster adjustment. Don't want unknowing sporty people getting mad at ya when their clutch doesn't work right.
Sick video, dude. You rule.
This channel is blowing up!
I got some luv from John! Right back at ya bro! If you ever make it to Vegas I’d love to show you around.
Thanks to your Video I was able to adjust the clutch of my softail street ... a big greeting from Buenos Aires Argentina! I always follow your videos.
Pretty cool John, I used to work at the HD dealer here in El Paso many years ago. When all their was was the old cable style clutch since the shovel heads. But thanks for the tip brother, got a get me that clutch h cable tool you showed. My 09 street glide is the last one I have since my retirement you can say. Thanks bud
just a little more than a year to the date watching this videotoday help me out big-time working on my HD thanks dude much appreciated from the northern Bay area Cali!!
I'm gonna try doing it again but I just recently adjusted mine and had a hell of a time with it. I've got the Elite Moto EZPull levers and I used the method of when the allen wrench falls down to find the tension point and from there I tried both a half turn and a full turn and my friction zone was WAAAAY long to the point where it started moving when I'd barely let the lever out and even with the lever all the way in I couldn't get into neutral until I turned the bike off. I finally tried doing it without backing off of the tension at all and it felt perfect when I test rode it, but when I went to ride it again a few days later it threw a whole bunch of random codes and then wouldn't even try to turn over.
Thanks, have a 2020 Heritage 114. This saves me a shop bill. Been having the same issue with getting into neutral.
Love the video. I just got my bike back from the service department at my local dealer here in Phoenix today. They finally came through for me and refixed my clutch issue along with a few other little things at no charge. So my faith has been restored in hd service department. I’m loving my street bob but kind of wish I would of got a road glide instead. The bob isn’t that good on long rides.
I just got my 2018 FXFBS back from a warranty on the clutch cable. Went in for a 1k and was told the cable was junk. Now it shifts smoother then ever and doesnt clunk forward when shifting from neutral.
I always had a hard time getting neutral and I thought it was some sick joke harley was playing. It was frustrating when it would pop into 2nd 5 times before I would finally get it. Now its easy to get neutral with a working cable.
BTW, I love your videos bud, keep up the good work.
Whoa... I've noticed a rattle of my clutch lever at 30ish in 3rd gear on my 2018 FXBRS and finding natural is a pain but I've never owned/ridden a Harley (until now) so I just thought that is was normal. I've noticed If I shift from neutral to 1st I have to hold the clutch until the transmission whining sound stops or it kinda surges forward just a little bit and goes "CLUNK"... same for you??
EastCoast.30Cal mine didnt whine with the clutch in but, it did clunk into first and jump forward a little bit. The lever rattle is probably just factory slop mixed with vibes at that rpm. Mine does that but, it doesn't bother me.
Thanks man!!! So far, the videos I found, and definitely the Service Manual, didn't describe that basket adjustment in a way that made full sense to me. Everyone learns differently... I just did a 3 hole, and adjusted my clutch for the 1st time yesterday. I didn't like the results. Now I know where I went wrong. It will be an easy 5 minute fix. One small detail... Keep up the good work JM!!!
Chad Varnell lemmy from revzilla has a great video on how to do clutch adjustments on twin cam. The cable tension release changed on new softails, but the actual clutch basket adjustment didnt
@@bigj200016 Mine is a 2015 FXDL.
Just inherited my Dads 06 ultra classic. Found in difficult to find neutral, but can actually shift it without using the clutch while the trasn/motor is cold. Hoping adjusting the clutch and cable will help. The video is awesome btw!
Just found your Channel , love your style and the way you present your content.
I've been on Harleys since the early 90's, currently on a 2012 iron 883 (which I owned since new)
Cheers from a fellowed long haired, bearded, coffee loving Harley Rider. 👍
my FXBB clutch lever feels like it has a little too much play.... then this clutch adjustment video suddenly appears, Thanks John :D
perfect timing!
John, thank you for the video on how to adjust a clutch
I have the same bike, bought it with 3+K miles and had it die on me while riding on Interstate 75 in Florida, got it restarted after about 45 minutes and then brought it to Gator Harley well they could not find the reason but surmised that it had to do with a switch attached to the clutch lever, (so the bike does'nt jump when it's started? so they told me - they adjusted the clutch and told me to take the leather wrap off my levers (I did not do this cause I was dubious about that), anyway now the couch does not engage until the lever almost all the way out and I was told that's the way the 2018's are.
So far after an addition 500 miles it hasn't happened again but dam I'm just not used to the engagement point of the clutch at all.
Al
PS Appreciate the channel!
amacro11 Same here on my 114 BF, clutch engagement point is far out. Guess it is the norm on these 18’ softies , bunch of riders on the H-D forum state they are experiencing the same.
Come on John. I've watched them all now. Get uploading.
As soon as I changed the fluids and got away from what came in it from the factory, I found it much easier to find neutral.
perfect video. I got that exact bike - so cool. I too had problem with the neutral. after the 1000 mile checkup with Harley it was gone and I find neutral easy now. super bike for sure. as always great detail. thanks for what you do.
I miss your regular videos
Yep my 2018 Softail definitely is a pain in the arena to get in neutral. Gonna adjust the clutch and see if it fixes it.
Hello! Thanks for your video!! I just bought my brand new 2024 Road glide. Is it okay to adjust my clutch considering that I am in the break in period?
In ur professional opinion, what would be a good bike for me? I’m 5’0” and have a hard time reaching the ground with both legs on a lot of bikes. I don’t want to have to lower the bike too much and mess with the suspension. Keep in mind this will be my first personal bike. I’ve always been the passenger but I’m tired of waiting for my man to take me for a ride!
Life saver, was woundering how to get that going for my levers kits I was going to install on my FXDR 114. Good look. Following you now. Thanks again good stuff.
Hi John, need to pick your brain about a problem I have with my 08 Street Glide which I recently bought. After making the clutch basket and cable adjustment my clutch pulls horribly. When pressing the lever the spring on the basket bearly moves and the lever is stiff... The funny thing was after taking off the primary inspection cover you normally don't get much oil spill when the bike is upright but my primary was filled with something like 2 quarts of oil and it spilled all over... Not sure why someone did this. Checked the transmission cover clutch actuator and it's okay, clutch basket nut, and it's solid... Also to make it work at all, had to turn the adjuster bolt in after reaching the resistance instead of going half-turnout. Not sure where to go next... The only idea I have left is that my Street Glide has Apehangers and a quite long clutch cable... would that be the cause of my headache??? Not sure where to go next... Regards Simon
Great video, I do my own service work. I purchased a 2017 ultra classic with a 114. I would like to see a video on servicing the radiators. I sprang for the service manual, but a video would be great.
Hey John, thanks for the reply. I would love to use a service manual. Unfortunately there isn’t one available for my 2018 FLSB Sport Glide. In fact there even isn’t an owners manual available. Dealer said there wouldn’t be anything available till the 2019 bikes and literature comes out. Thanks again for the reply, and keep up the good work.
daniel jaram m.ebay.com/itm/2018-Harley-Davidson-Softail-USB-Service-Manual-Electrical-Diagnostic-Manual-/332670973212
This is what I purchase for my slim. It's for all softtails.
Was doing mine last night and forgot to slack my clutch cable first. Adjusted the basket and went to pull lever and… clunk followed by lever going slack. Played with it for about 10 minutes, setting the adjustment about 3 or 4 times (this time with cable slacked and then restoring it) before it started feeling okay. Went for quick ride and it feels normal. Did I screw something up majorly or just a lesson learned the hard way?
Would be nice to see a clutch and front brake cable change on a Milwaukee 8 touring bike. I went with taller bars and am struggling to find a video that shows me how to install extended lines. Love your videos though!
Love the video.... you always have the best transitions. The new Softails are sweet.
Find myself trying to wipe the bug off the wind defector lol. Great vid, I'm likin the clarity
Cool. Wish I was subscribed to couple months back could have said hi when we stopped by the dealer.
It’s all good. I’ll catch ya next time!
IF I'm not getting enough movement at the basket (clutch is grabbing right off the grip hard to move in gear with clutch in, hard to find neutral) what should I do? Turn the allen bolt out less? 1/2 turn instead of 3/4?. My sport glide has aftermarket cables but I assume the procedure is the same... remove cable tension, adjust basket, adjust cable play to 1/8 inch
Wow I think this video is awesome and you are a so good theacher for HD.
If you be havin a hard time finding neutral, adjust your shift lever. Wear your riding boots when you do it.
Thanks man. Needed more than the cable adjust would allow after Elite Mototech clutch lever install. Also found part of my red clip was broken. You guys keep those on hand at the stealership?
Thanks again. Clutch adjustment took me less then 30 minutes. Bet my dealer would have charged me an hour, plus a new seal.
Hey John I've got a 2002 softail standard Springer my father gave me as an early inheritance It's time to change plugs and it's at 9.5k miles I was thinking about putting ngks in it rather than the original stock ones No clue in how to cross reference or if it's a good idea Once person says use what it came with one says upgrade to iridium Any thoughts I'd appreciate em: -D
John could you do a video on engine/swingarm alignment on pre 09 baggers?? I'm having a hell of a time with this.
I have a HD 2003 Softail Classic FLSTC. Does it matter what gear my bike is in when I'm doing a clutch adjustment?
Really helped me - tks.
BUT my clutch started changing where it takes. eg. start of ride it might take really quickly (cutch lever flaps around), then end of ride it settles to normal position. Any clever chirps?
Great video, I have a question. To reduce play you have to go near to one half or to one complete turn?
Is this procedure adjusting the clutch basket unique to this bike/Harley? I have a vintage Hodaka that needs clutch work but that’s not something I’m familiar with. It creeps when you pop it in first and getting it into neutral while it’s running is impossible.
Could you show us how to remove this top half of the clutch cable, some of us have to extend the cable and Harley does this with just the top half of the cable where the adjustment is. So how is it removed just the top cable.
Thanks John this is what I needed to adjust my clutch. I will have the service manual in hand also. P.S. you have the best here on you tube.
Is riding the friction zone very bad for the bike? I blew out my clutch and damaged it because of it :( !!! i guess the bike took it pretty well after 12 months of riding it constantly in the city !
Harley Breakout Guy using the friction zone is one thing... Riding the clutch is bad. Use it and let the clutch out completely. If you need to slow down pull the clutch in all the way. I have seen people feather clutches in and out in slow traffic and just "ride" the clutch partly engaged... That kills the clutch.
yeah i found out the hard way my bike is now at the service department getting fixed for using friction zone too much.
Don’t wrench my bike, but it’s good know stuff on your channel. Thanx Mr Max.
I like a small set of vice grips in my tool pouch. Love the videos keep up the good work John!
john thanks for your clutch adjusting video but i as well would like to know what pipes were used on the 114 you should i have the 114 and am waiting and looking to replace my mufflers with new ones to get rid off catalytic converters but not having to remap my computer or buy a tuner to do so thanks
Will this work on my 21 Low Rider S? I have that type of clutch cable you are showing here.
Hey man hoping you can help me out. 2021 street bob around 9000 miles. Adjusted the clutch several times and have played with 1/2 to 1 full turn out and when my bike is in gearit wont roll with the clutch in. My research shows its way too tight. Can you please help me out with some tips?
I find it difficult to find neutral on my FXLR (Sage iii) when caught in stop/start traffic for some time. Seems like when things get hot down there it won't go out of 1st gear. Once rolling off, the she'll go into 2nd. I think HD have not got it right.
Thanks for the informative videos and great editing and cinematography too.
Thx , I'll have to look this up for my 07 Dyna wg riding two up all day I can tell mine slips starting in 1st
nice vid John, as usual...another dirty thumbs up...I love the maintenance videos
Hey bro my clutch cable went out . My clutch need to be replaced probably because my is 2002 fatboy in Love to go fast any suggestions besides no to go to fast 😎🇺🇸
Thanks John. Great info! Have a good week!
So if my cable is surely needing adjustment does that mean the Clutch also needs adjusting?
are the new electronic clutches adjustable? rode one today that was a little grabby
Hey John Whats your take o dry clutches, say for Dyna's. Im kicking around the idea about investing in one want your opion good,bad or indifferent. Thanks Man. Big O'l Dirty Thumbs up
...so what brand did the mufflers turn out to be??
i have a 93 Heritage I put a new clutch and cable on it i have 1/2 turn out on clutch 1/8 free play clutch is a barnnett extra plate .NOW i cant get it into neutral unless im coming to a stop or bike is turned off the shifting is smooth and when you start to let off clutch it wants to hall ass . what do you thing would cause the neutral problem
I always like your videos! If you find out the brand of those slip-ons, I'd love to know. My 114 Breakout runs so well, I almost hate to mess with it but if I can make it a bit louder and not get any decel pop or performance set backs, I'd do it. Thanks!
Where to get that yellow piece to adjust cable?
I've got 4 Harleys: '01 Ultra, '13 Electra Glide Classic, '02 Softail Standard and an '06 Sportster 883 Low (wife's bike). I notice on the Softail that I get a significant "clunk" when I put it in gear. What causes that and how do I fix it (assuming it needs to be fixed)?
Lol I’m a non trained professional. When you riding to Vegas?? I have a 2016 ultra limited
John I have a question, how much oil should a 2017 street glide burn in between oil changes???
I am surprised a hydraulic clutch wasn't on the soft tail models , and that bike didn't have fluid transfer did it ?
Hi John, love your vids man always looking forward to them. Even though i don't own a Harley (yet) the tips you give out have been very useful. Much respect from Chile.
Great vids bro keep it up. Sidenote does harley make a narrow profile primary cover for the M8 softails?
Great video. Wish I could get my hydraulic clutch on the RK to move the friction zone/engagement closer to the grip. Damned thing is wayyyy out there.
Hate it.
Dear John. I have a 19 Limited I'm not really crazy about the hydraulic clutch. I was curious on the transmission endb is it a way to convert it back over to a cable operated clutch. Thank you for any advice.
I wish all Harley techs were thorough. I've taken mine in for service or installations, only to find they neglected to tight bolts.
Hey man, does this adjustment affect when the clutch grabs when you release the lever? Trying to set mine to grab about 1/4 way release of the lever... The dealership adjusted it so the clutch doesn't engage until the lever is basically all the way out...
same adjustnent for the 19 limited?
Hi guys !
Do I have to do that readjustment if I just unlocked the clutch adjuster to remove the handlebar ?
thx buddies !
Be safe !
Good video - i just blew out and damaged my clutch because i rode the friction zone too much partly because i live and ride in the city all the time :(
I didn't get warranty on the clutch damage lol oh well i will have to stop using the friction zone from now on and that's going to be a bad habit to lose.
Great video, John! I have a 2018 Street Bob and have just developed an issue where it occasionally goes into neutral instead of second gear. I've also had a couple times where it would go into a false neutral from 4th-5th. Could this be the clutch cable needing adjustment? I had the 1k service done at the dealer and otherwise the bike has been great, but this 1st-Neutral-then 2nd business has almost gotten me run over a couple times now. I have tools and can try to do this myself but was thinking I should take it in since it's still under warranty. What do you think I should do?
"10ft lbs" with a regular ratchet. I was halfway expecting you to verbally say "Click!" lol
I should have. Damn...
Thanks for the laugh I needed one.
Spot on video. About finding neutral, it is practice. I initially thought it was me lol... But it was me lmao.
Do you have to drain the oil in order to pull the clutch cover off and do this adjustment?
No, but if the bike isn’t upright, you’ll lose some of the oil.
Hey John I got the 1275N clutch springs and was wondering if you know the torque specs on those?
Sorry off topic.. is it normal for the Screaming Eagle 110 having an audible ticking noise normal? I have a 2016 Low Rider S
What liquid is in your applicator to lubricate the clutch cable? I'm not a fan of the aerosol can + applicator tool method. Are there pros and cons to each method of lubricating the cable? Also, I just purchased my first Harley 2 days ago (2010 Road King). When and why do you actually have to adjust the clutch assembly? I'm not sure how the adjustment relates to finding neutral, either. I've only ever known to adjust the clutch cable tension and if your clutch is slipping, to replace the pack. I love your videos, keep up the good work!
If the clutch is out of adjustment, it typically acts like it is too tight. For example, when you squeeze the clutch lever in it doesn't disengage the clutch all the way which in turn puts pressure on the drive train making it so when you lift the shifter up to find neutral, it requires more pressure than usual and you will overshoot the neutral detent into the next gear. Thats why it needs to be in proper adjustment. So the clutch fully engages and disengages. Hope this helps. Safe riding man!
I normally enjoy your videos. Just watched your clutch adjustment video. I’m at a complete loss as to the procedure, as you jumped around so much. In particular the “new” new adjustment clip. Loosen it first?
I picked up the service manual for 20 bucks. The procedure for clutch cable adjustment is in it.
Agree, it jumped around too much to follow. I think this harks to John's point about not doing how to video's. Delboys Garage gives a good explanation on an early softail if you want a clear step by step.
It’s just supposed to be an entertaining way to show how it’s done. A service manual is absolutely a must if you’re going to do your own work. My videos or anyone else’s shouldn’t be a substitute for the service manual. Just a visual aid in what you’ve read.
Essentially, you loosen the cable and the clutch basket. Lube cable. Adjust the basket then the cable.
Wow that sample, I did not know that it was that easy, most mechanics are charging $90+ 🤔
So you don't have to hold the adjuster on the basket with an Allen key when you "torque" the nut. That's why I check here. Good info.
What type of lube do you use for lubing the cables
Hi John I have a question. How do I get the red check engine light on my speedometer to go off. I checked the codes and there were none. It is a 2003 roadking police
John is the softail the only 2018 with the catalytic converter in the muffler itself? I know it was a heat issue on my 2014 SGS until I got rid of the head pipe. This would make life easier on the baggers also.
The only other one I know of is the screaming eagle nightstick exhaust. At least the twin cam version had the cat in the mufflers. Those things weigh like 20 pounds a piece!
Heyall, my problem 1999 heritage softail, clutch problem, if i adjust to factory specs, it really grinds to go into gear, but doesn't really creep in first, but it is really over klonding!>> is there a clutch warpage or wear do this? thanks alot!
Can i use this same adjustment range for my 2018 fatboy 114?
I have a new Electra limited and it has a hydraulic clutch and it I have a hard time finding neutral also . But figured that ( as you said) it’s just learning the feel of the transmission and I should start finding neutral easier.
Switch to Red Line Shockproof for your Trans, or any Gear Lube. 20/50 is a motor oil not gear lube. JMHO.
Freddie Ray I was thinking about going with the Amsoil transmission oil and the primary oil that they have. I’ve been using that brand in the past. I have 900 miles on the bike so I will be changing it pretty soon.
That's cool, I only tried RL after reading a lot of raves about on Harley Tech Talk, but I will be switching to Spectro products. I've used Amsoil 20/50 in all three holes before with no problems. When I put in the RL Primary Oil it sounder great the first day, but when I fired up on the second day I thought my compensator took a dump. So I drained it and my garage stunt to high heaven. HTT subscribers thought I had a bat stator. Even the bottle stunk. I put Amsoil 20/50 in and everything sounded like before.
Hi John really like your videos. Very helpful and funny. Thanks!
What type of lube do you use for the clutch cable?
Hi john. How did u pull out the clutch cable out so easily?
Great video ! I Just boughta roll but I will wear this proudly. love the videos!!!