How To Adjust a Motorcycle Clutch at RevZilla.com

[@BossManSays]

Lemmy is love. Lemmy is life.

[@CbrF4i600cc]

Lemon

[@sarag1158]

Yeeet

[@sfoluxury]

This guy is awesome. He not only knows his stuff, but he has the ability to speak clearly, quickly and concisely. Keep up the good work guys!

[@effuseakay]

WOW! The clarity and delivery of this video should be the standard. Amazing. Thank you a million times my friend!!!

[@hamdog8872]

Just used this video along with my maintenance manual to adjust the clutch in my 2018 Streetbob for the first time. Thanks Revzilla!

[@1state152]

My clutch lever would basically come all the way out on my 48 and not even start moving, did the clutch cable adjustment and now she grabs nice and strong :)))) the lever had like 2 freakin inches of play ! Thanks a ton 🙏🏻

[@rachelledegrace5944]

I have the same issue, can't find nobody to fix that

[@1state152]

Rachelle Degrace it’s pretty simple Once u find the clutch line. What I did was just loosened it to know which way basically would tighten or loosen and then I basically just tightened it up to where the clutch lever felt nice and tight. Now it grabs where I want after a couple test rides. What part are you stuck on ?

[@rachelledegrace5944]

@@1state152 I don't feal safe to do it myself, but I explained that to a "supposed mechanic" he just did not understand a single word that was coming out of my mouth so I will have to try it myself i guess 🤔

[@1state152]

Rachelle Degrace lol ya I was the same way I don’t usually like messing with stuff like that but once I started messing with it I was like oh ok it’s pretty straight forward. You would be able to tell by squeezing your handle if it’s to hard or to soft which will then lead u back to make adjustments. It’s all trial and error and pretty hard to mess it up, I’d say give it a shot! I was the same way and now I’m glad I attempted it :)

[@hamstersniffer]

These vids always make me want to rush home and hug my bike.

[@thebigboygun]

No I'm just watching this because I am bored and I love maintenance vids

[@MeestahChuklesOne4]

You're the man Lem! This is the best video I've seen on clutch adjustment.

[@sgt.f.t.o.4967]

Used these pointed to adjust the clutch cable, I'd been having some 'lift' related issues, I was able to make the needed adjustments after about 15 minutes and several times around my block. Thanks 3 Beard !!

[@rodgerderenski7687]

i adjusted the clutch as you did it was on a stand . when i started it up and put it in gear with the clutch lever in the back wheel wood still turn

[@bigj200016]

Just had bars changed on my M8 softail and shop used traditional clutch cable. Need to learn how to do it this way now.

[@lkazanov]

Lemmy, excellent. Very nicely explained. Please mention the star pattern of bolting on the derby cover, You actually did that, likely instinctively.

[@IggyWon]

3:20 Someone grazed a hot exhaust.

[@johnthewolfheart8495]

Thank you big time! You're demonstration with just the alan key and wrench made that look far more less complicated than I what I was thinking!

[@ricm7006]

You make it all look easy Lem! Great video. Thanks!

[@simmon81au]

Great video. I'm curious how often do people adjust their clutch? I'm up to 5k kms and haven't touched mine yet.

[@g.kworld8034]

That Harley has the prettiest color i've ever Seen on a motorcycle

[@michaelwilliams2232]

Great video in process of replacing clutch cable on my 2001 Softail Deuce !

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Hey lem...... thank you for another awesome video! I'm having a little trouble with the Barnett clutch cable? its a 7/16 and 3/8s size, but I keep calapsing the cable, after adjusting the clutch basket? what am doing wrong-lease help!

[@eclipseshadowyt5917]

Instructions unclear my Harley now identifies as an autobot 😲

[@Guyallknowing]

Make sure you’re paying attention to the manual specs when tightening the derby cover when it says IN-LBS, not FT-LBS. HD primary covers are not cheap. Ask me how I know.

[@Richard5873]

What if you run out of threads when done to try and get clutch back to proper tightening to get correct gap ? Cable is only about 1.5 years old, clutch is maybe six months old Barnett. My Harley is a 2010 Limited. Did a S&S 110 big bore kit on her about 6 months ago.

[@AC-he8ln]

My 125cc motorbike is having serious trouble changing gears, gonna try this. Not a Harley but I got the concept.

[@spudgunson]

Hi, great vid. Ive recently carried out this adjustment. The clutch now 'bites' with the lever almost fully released and gives me very little clutch/throttle flexibility for slow speed maneuvering. Have I done something wrong? The bike is a 2011 Fat Bob with 15000 miles. Thanks.

[@The63chicky]

Did you ever figure it out? That's exactly what has happened to mine and I'm running out of finger length lol!! Off to the garage to try and shorten that engagement point....arrghh!!!

[@relentlessliving5588]

Here working on a victory. Thanks for the video! Awsome job too

[@1rottenrat]

Excellent video, very well explained. Very nice tips.

[@dane0341]

You mentioned this as routine maintenance, is this something that should be done regularly or is this only if you are having issues. My real question is what would prompt you to do this, you ran the push rod until it was finger snug then gave a half turn out does that naturally tighten over time? The video was an amazing tutorial I think I just missed the reason for it.

[@RevZilla]

To be safe, it's good to check at every oil change, but it probably won't need to actually be adjusted that often. -DrewZilla

[@styles143able]

Any chance you could make a video on adjusting Harleys Diamondback steel braided clutch line. There is no jam nut there once I raise the chrome slide guard. Appreciate regardless! 👊🤙

[@brianvillesca2637]

Would like to see a walk through video on adjusting the throttle cables for a 2001 Yamaha V star 650 classic

[@rangemaster6760]

Great video Lemmy. Just changed my clutch disks and steels. Major slippage!!!! I've adjusted the clutch cable 3 times and while I've eliminated the slippage, she doesn't want to fall into neutral with the motor running. I have to shut her down in order to find neutral. I've gone as far back as 1 full turn with my allen key when adjusting the clutch. What gives?

[@RevZilla]

Hmm, that's kind of a tricky thing to diagnose over the internet. It could be cable adjustment, plate adjustment, or even clutch plate installation. Therefore, we'd recommend seeking out your local service department or qualified mechanic. -DrewZilla

[@j0shll0yd]

Curious why you switched derby gaskets, even more curious why you switch types.

[@victorviveros3745]

Great video,, What are the springs for on the racing clutch hub kit

[@timbarnett3898]

You should have talked on correct eyeing primary fluid level before mounting cover! Thanks

[@timland75]

Thanks Lemmy! No problem finding neutral now!

[@Mytwistedvoices]

I have a 2014 V rod muscle.Love it. My other ride is a 1991 CB750 Nighthawk. Unlike her fuel injected sister, my Honda needs her carbs cleaned out. I have done it once before about 10 years ago. I have seen some just clean out the primary and secondary and others replace them. Can you do a video on cleaning and syncing them? So many bikes have a similar set up just like the Nighthawk. I know everyone likes the new bikes but older ones still rock.

[@RevZilla]

We haven't made a video yet, but Lemmy _did_ write a very good how-to article. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/common-tread/spring-carb-cleaning-101

[@ennenjilae]

That's an excellent demonstration..Sir...! Many thanks for your marvelous engineering over the technicalities..

[@mlunden11]

How do i adjust my clutch. I race my bike hard. How much should i turn out the allen wrench 1/2 3/4. Or what. Thanks so much great video lemmy

[@RevZilla]

1/2 is fine. Just keep an eye on it if you're running your bike hard. -DrewZilla

[@dmprox]

Do you have a video or anything about adjusting a hydraulic clutch? Just got my first motorcycle and the friction zone seems to be the entire squeeze. Thanks!

[@RevZilla]

You can't adjust a hydraulic clutch like a cable clutch. It is what it is, so you might consider getting an adjustable clutch lever if you want to change where the lever sits. That's the only adjustment to make. -DrewZilla

[@ghoztedkid]

Lenny-Best Teacher Ever 🤘

[@williammorsett8636]

thanks bro nice when a real biker talks about fixing harleys , being a harley man for over 50yrs and building my own rides nice to go back to old school shit , having little trouble with my 113 , dual fired shaved heads , clutch seemed little to hard but really thing its my pressure plate is to much and should change it out to little softer pull , but thanks for being real about simple shit ,

[@0215Hugo]

Hi great video. Does this procedure applies for the street models? Thanks!!

[@georgeroelke306]

my bike's an old 2001 883 Sportster, but I think this is a great vid. Thnx!

[@sarag1158]

I installed some shorty levers on my clutch and now my clutch is kind of wishy-washy I don't know if I should go taking the cover off the clutch if I have to re gasket it. None of the other videos I've seen on the Kawasaki z650 have shown anything involving taking the clutch cover off. The service manuals like 80 bucks on eBay it looks like I need to make a purchase

[@babybugspaw7085]

Great presentation sir! Keep up the great content.

[@unoefxz]

HINT: you can use a nickle to measure the 1/16"

[@roywhite231]

Great video. Now I can set up on my 1986 flhtc

[@WoofDawg486]

Lemmy I'm new to riding .... I'm a disabled veteran who rides a 2013 Triglide . Out of all the videos done on this ur's is the best , because u give a step by step block of instructions . Even better than fix my hog's video . But being new to Harley's and riding ... how do you know if ur clutch needs adjusting . Those are the kind of videos we need to see also ..preventive maintenance . My Tri Glide is shifting hard ,says a friend of mine who says he's certified ? It feels like its hard to shift when I change gears , makes a loud clank when goes into gear ...but still runs great ? I don't want to do something wrong if that's not it ? ALL tho at least I would know that has been eliminated for the problem? ...Woofy.

[@RevZilla]

+k9bootcamp01 Clutch adjustment intervals are specified in the manual, so you should follow that schedule at a minimum. You can adjust it more frequently if necessary, and if your friend thinks your bike is shifting hard, you should probably adjust the clutch. -DrewZilla

[@ShadowedDemise]

HELP! Pretty please? Bought a 1983 Honda CX650 Custom a couple weeks ago. Friction zone is nearly non-existent. I’m forced to let the clutch lever out practically all the way, before there’s any power introduced to the rear wheel, and I only have about 1mm of friction zone, or the bike either stalls, or power to the wheel is fully cut off. How do I fix this?

[@denniskou7614]

My clutch was slipping on cold starts and would be ok when it was ridden for 15 mins tried this cold and it was not slipping anymore thanks could you explain why its fixed now?

[@SwampCityRadio1974]

I bought a second hand Suzuki SV650s 2003 with 29 k on the clock. I rode it a few months and did my first oil change on it. I used the correct spec motorcycle oil for the SV and the next day I had a grabbing clutch issue suddenly appear. In first the bike creeps forward and at full lever engagement the clutch isn't fully disengaging. I adjusted the clutch cable which solved the issue. Or so I thought. A day later after I got home I went to ride out again in the evening and I'm back to where I was, only worse. Adjusting cable tension and clutch actuator rod have little to no effect. Are we looking at some debris that's come loose in the clutch basket due to the oil change, or is it likely something else?

[@KTMK73]

Why did he turn the clutch adjuster counter clockwise? If your clutch is slipping, which way would you turn it?

[@gsabella4]

what is Lemmy's background? he Is phenomenal at this. Love all these videos.

[@FaithisKey792]

Lemmy, God bless you brother.

[@TwigNGiggleBerriez]

Thanks guys for the info. Had a clutch go slack on me recently on my Harley 1200 and this was perfect. Hopefully you guys do gasket seals too because I have an oil leak problem. Look forward to learning tons from you guys!

[@davids7349]

Appreciate the uploads sir, thank you very much! Cheers from Canada 🍻

[@sgtrazor1]

Great video.. my question is, does it matter what gear the bike is in when doing the adjustment? First or neutral or doesn’t matter at all? Thanks

[@RevZilla]

Nope, it doesn't matter. -DrewZilla

[@Kschild09]

Thanks for this tutorial... it was exactly what I needed.

[@kevinperito4668]

Right now my friction zone on my clutch handle is almost all the way out ie fully let go. How do I adjust it so the friction zone is more towards the middle of the release?

[@williangoncalves5237]

Awesome vid!🫶🏻

[@renewatson1685]

Whenever I disengage the clutch on my ‘16 Breakout, and go into 1st gear, the bike wants to creep forward with no throttle. It’s very hard to find neutral; and it takes one helluva an effort to go into 2nd gear. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[@gregslife9584]

Just got a new FZ 07 and it shifts with a heavy thunk through the gears with the exception of 1st to 2nd which seems to always be smooth. Cable seems adjusted properly, could clutch pack be the problem? I know it's under warranty but dealer is 100 miles away. Any suggestions other than hauling it back?

[@harleycrasher8396]

Jam nut would not move! Had to use penetrating oil and than impact to get it lose. But other than that, it went smoothly. Good video.

[@llstamant]

My clutch cable does not have a boot over it I can’t find the adjuster. I have a 2019 softail low rider. Any help you could give me would be much appreciated. Thank you

[@rictalley1290]

Lemmy....great video. I normally let a friend work on my bike, '07 H-D Ultra Classic but, after watching this, decided to give the clutch adjustment a try. was doing great till I got the derby cover off and attempted to remove the jam nut off the adjuster. Mine didn't go quite as well as yours......I tried the 'key' in the adjuster and removing the jam nut with 11/16 wrench...all I got in return was the jam nut wouldn't budge, and I felt like the internals of the clutch were just rotating. I then tried a socket wrench....same result....internals turned but, the jam nut wasn't moving. I'm not a mechanic per se and I didn't want to risk internal damage. Any suggestions on how to get around the 'frozen' jam nut?

[@RevZilla]

If the issue is loosening the jam nut, try putting the box end of the 11/16" on the jam nut and an allen/hex bit socket attached to a socket wrench. The box end of the wrench should give you more purchase on the jam nut. It might take some force to loosen the jam nut. If you aren't comfortably trying this, though, ask your friend if you can watch him do it. -DrewZilla

[@adamjam2]

I’ve also had this issue(I know old post, but it could still help someone else) . To loosen, you can just use a socket and give it a good “pop” with the palm of your hand to loosen it. Steady pressure just turns the clutch, but a quick impact with your hand should break it loose. Don’t use this method for tightening (obviously).

[@jeea123]

What about hydraulic clutches? How do I disengage it so I can change the friction zone?

[@kittehkats]

I have a 1981 Honda CX500 with a longitudinally mounted V-twin (like a motoguzzi). other than my clutch cover and clutch being right behind the front tire facing foward, do you thing this is the same principle for adjusting or would my bike be a completely different thing. Thanks, I love your videos you all post!

[@RevZilla]

JW Cohen Adjusting the clutch on the CX will be a similar process, though of course the tools will be metric. Consult a factory service manual for detailed instructions. -DrewZilla

[@PhilogusRex]

Just got myself a 1980 CX500D and was wondering the same thing.

[@jakekn3]

I just bought a 2004 Sportster and the previous owner had a high performance clutch installed. And upgraded heads 80hp. Great and all, but I can’t get out of a stop without skidding the rear wheel. I used to use the clutch a lot on previous bikes to ease into gears, maintain speed, manage slower speeds. There is hardly any clutch play; pulling in the left handle bar perhaps 1/2in is all there is where the clutch is engaged. Makes it impossible to finesse slower speeds on turns and city driving. Now I’m afraid to drive it without hitting the person in front of me out of a stop or falling in a turn. Help!!

[@ROJYPR]

When doing the adjustment what should be the gear position

[@robcig]

Lemmy, you're the best. I owe you another beer man!

[@danshobbies13]

Lemmy you are awesome. However you guys need to start doing some videos on the Indians. As I have a 2015 Chief and a 2016 Scout. I like to do everything I can myself. Just a suggestion.

[@aesqui3434]

I installed 14 in bars and installed burly clutch cables I do the steps but the lever still loose I was debating to screw in more on the plate .

[@dbergant1]

RevZilla; great video! I have a 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan vn1500 that I recently changed the clutch plates on, steel and friction. Now the clutch lever won't budge! It won't pull in at all. Any ideas?

[@dbergant1]

By the way, its a hydraulic clutch

[@mitchcline7020]

I have a 2013 Heritage and I'm putting 16in apes on it. The clutch actually goes to the opposite side of the bike and looks nothing like that. How do you adjust that?

[@Punjabi408722]

I got 2013 vrod muscle. I let my friend borrow it for a day. He tried doing burnout and now clutch is working. I can shift in gears just fine but bike won’t engage. In 1st gear when I get clutch go bike moves like 1-2 mph and in other gears it will just stay as it in neutral. Do I need new clutch plates or should I try to do adjustment like shown in this video.

[@RevZilla]

Hard to diagnose without seeing the bike in person, so I recommend you have a qualified mechanic diagnose the issue if you aren't able to do so yourself. -DrewZilla

[@geoffeves4722]

I recently put 14" bars onto my softail. The cables are new and stretching, I've been using the adjuster it is almost all the way out. Will this process make my cable adjustment on the adjuster less?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, you should go through this whole process. -DrewZilla

[@peacebart]

I have tried this six times on my 99 electraglide. Bike still wants to creep forward. Enough to that I have to stop it with brake. Any thoughts?

[@DavidRodriguez-nj2jc]

swaped out stock bars for 16" apes on my 15 road glides, i have everything ran but just wanted some pointers on bleeding hydraulic clutch. thnx

[@RevZilla]

Bleeding the hydraulic clutch is similar to bleeding hydraulic brakes. See our article and video on how to bleed brakes. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/common-tread/video-how-to-bleed-motorcycle-brakes

[@sicksohchris1179]

@revzilla I just installed some elite mototech levers on my practically new 14’ street bob at 4500 miles. I did all the same steps multiple times, but there’s suppose to be a dime size amount of space between the perch and the clutch cable. My clutch won’t work right unless it’s totally tight with no slack. If I leave the dime size amount of slack in the line, it’s either pulling me in 1st with the clutch in and i can’t get into neutral or shift up. Tighten the line fully tight with no slack, doesn’t do it. Maybe the elite mototech levers don’t require the slack?? Please help!

[@childofGod1111]

Hey Lemmy I have a 99 Fatboy. Ive worked on vehicles for years but am new to motorcycle mechanics. You mention Harley Big Toy, your process in this video will this be the same for my 99 Fatboy?

[@RevZilla]

The clutch itself is different than the Twin Cam's clutch in this video, but the adjustment process is the same for your EVO motor. -DrewZilla

[@damianwoolfallmusdal7255]

Awesome tutorial, very helpful. Thanks mate.

[@markreynolds6043]

Hey Lemmy, Man, that's well clear and really well done fella - inspires confidence despite a real simple job. I've subscribed! Any tips on how to get any longer life outta the gear shift lever on the transmission main shaft and behind the primary inner casing? - what a wee bugger that is to get to. Mines completely worn but apparently they not hard wearing at all. Gonna have to get a new one. I got a 1993 FLHTC Electraglide. Happy Xmas from us here in Scotland, UK

[@websolutions6117]

Great video, good lighting and camera angles, entertaining and educational, thanks. I'm trying to figure out how a clutch cable works, the mechanics of it. I know, seems like an obvious question, but I'm confused about the mechanics, i.e., how the inner cable interacts with the outer cable (housing). You mentioned collapsing and expanding the cable. Can you elaborate or direct me to where I can learn more about it? It seems to me that if you adjust the outer cable it would have no affect on the inner cable. I don't get it.

[@nathanwiens108]

+Joe John Johnston It seems odd but what's happening is that you're "shortening" the housing by pulling the inner cable further out at one or both ends. Think of the cable as a drawstring on gym shorts or a sweatshirt. As you pull the drawstring (cable) tight, you're shortening the loop (housing). The adjuster nuts press the cable housing further away from the ends of th cable but you typically don't see it because the nuts and lock nuts tend to cover up the whole affair as it's happening.

[@RevZilla]

+Joe John Johnston If you look at bicycle brake cables/housings, it works the same way. Perhaps seeing it visually up close might help you understand it better. -DrewZilla

[@daverollins1128]

I had to have my clutch adjusted a couple of times recently, Now it is going out of adjustment again. Do you think I need a new clutch pack, or could it be the spring plate or pressure plate. The clutch does not slip.

[@RevZilla]

Performance plates could help, but it may be unnecessary if the adjustment is off. I recommend you take it to the service department or inspect the clutch plates for wear or warping. -DrewZilla

[@garya3056]

Good video, Lem. Any need for us to follow a star pattern when loosening the derby cover as well? Thx.

[@RevZilla]

It's not really necessary for loosening, but they can be really tight with all the heat cycling. Some of the experienced Harley techs here recommend using an impact driver to loosen every bolt before fully removing each bolt. -DrewZilla

[@garya3056]

RevZilla ok great stuff... many thx.

[@uptownsamcv]

i installed a new clutch cable on my sport bike thinking the old cable had stretched and it seems as if i can't get proper cable tension adjusting the cable at both ends. is it time for a new clutch kit? I haven't noticed any slipping but i do seem to have a lower top speed in 1st gear..

[@Tracyminor1223]

Very well spoken guy

[@markadcock1445]

I haave a 2019 HD Sport Glide. Very hard to find neutral. Could the clutch needing adjustment be the problem?

[@Sy1vanharp]

I doubt you guys are looking at the comments here anymore but I was hoping for some help, I have an 85 kz750 Ltd, and I'm having issues with adjusting the clutch at the cover. I was wondering, what helps you know what adjustment you need to make on the adjuster bolt.

[@RevZilla]

Do you have a service manual for the bike? It should say how much play/adjustment you need to have. -DrewZilla

[@michaelbennett8847]

Does this address/fix. the tension of the lever pull? not play, but the amount of force/weight needed to pull the lever fully in? My tiger 800 takes a lot of pull. Fatiguing on long rides. I recently took a 2014 Honda CTX700 for a test ride and that thing was so smooth and required very little lever pull/weight. If the tiger was a 10 or 15 pound pull, the honda was 5 pounds or less of a pull.

[@RevZilla]

+Michael Bennett No, this doesn't change the physical lever pull. However, with a little more play, your fingers are closer to the handlebar before you actually feel the resistance of the clutch, and that can reduce fatigue. -DrewZilla

[@realjohnnyharrison]

9:40 Ghost?! 9:43 "to its final resting place" Ghost confirmed

[@clintoncoey9840]

Ah lemmy, you never disappoint

[@danielhawthorne5584]

After adjusting ultima open primary clutch I still have no clutch.clutch lever feels good.everything seems like I shod have clutch.any answers?

[@juanpablogonzalezs.v.8319]

I'm watching because I'm thinking of getting a bike and I wanna know what I'm getting my self into :D

[@ConradLarsonGaming]

Hey guys watching this just before getting my hands on my '17 iron... Is the process more or less the same for a sporty?

[@RevZilla]

Yes, it's generally the same, though we recommend you get a factory service manual as well for better reference. -DrewZilla

[@didnthurt4077]

So should the engagement point be set close to the grip or far out? Just got a new clutchlever and its all the way out almost before full releasing the clutch completely. Old clutch was just few inches out, but wasnt a sportlever so im not sure anymore. Thanks!

[@RevZilla]

Set it wherever you want. That's one reason you have the barrel adjuster on the clutch cable. -DrewZilla

[@sinurbia]

Does this solve the issue of the engine being connected to the trans while the clutch is engaged?

[@ejonathanviera4659]

Great vedio! Thanks for your time and help!

[@dannyabbatiello4456]

Just picked up a softtail springer 1990 .. I can't find neutral while the engine is running , but when engine is off no problem finding neutral . Am I looking at a cable problem or something more intense ?

[@RevZilla]

+danny abbatiello Could be any number of things. Could be fine, could be fluid, cable, or a bad clutch. If you have time and want to get your hands dirty, it'll take a lot of investigating. Or, consult your local mechanic. For what it's worth, Lemmy wrote a four-part article about something similar, so you might want to read that! -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/common-tread/saving-the-softail-part-1

[@TheJaxsonjack]

So, one would put the bike in neutral prior to the adjustments being made? Thanx!

[@RevZilla]

It doesn't matter. -DrewZilla

[@michaelrodgers6559]

I'd like to get a much sportier clutch lever pull out of my 16 fxdb... currently the clutch requires me to pull the lever alllll the way in. I'd like to only have an inch or so of lever pull as measured from the end of the lever. Pipe dream, or is this possible with an aftermarket clutch?

[@RevZilla]

You can go through this process and adjust your clutch cable such that there's no slack in the lever pull. That will move the engagement point as far out in the lever throw as is possible. If you then wanted to have the lever sit a bit closer to the grip, you could install an adjustable clutch lever. -DrewZilla