How to adjust the cable clutch lever on 2021-2022 Harley Touring bikes

In this video I'll show you a new product for easy clutch cable/lever adjustment on 2021-2022 Harley Davidson touring and Softtail models.
www.ridelikeap...
https:www.fatbaggers.com

[@martyneilan8947]

Every bike I have ever owned has used all metal on the clutch adjustments. I can't believe the new Harleys are using plastic for a "mission critical" part that can leave you stranded. I would consider this replacement a must-have.

[@Chilllybob]

I hope Harley realizes they made a mistake & does a recall to replace with metal adjusters

[@jlb9074]

You are a life saver - I just finished a break in ride on my new street glide, and I hate how far out the friction zone is. I was hoping I would find this in KZbin.

[@beeg6071]

Thank you so very much for information regarding the Fat Baggers clutch repair/adjuster for the 2021 Harleys. Mine actually broke in the garage, just as I was preparing to leave. Simple and easy install. Ordered it from J&P cycles and it was at my doorstep within 2 days. Your install guidance really helped! Thank you again!!

[@iamdjtake5]

Thanks for this! My bike felt like it was binding up since I got it. I figured breaking it in would get it back to how my 16 road glide special was. After watching this I adjusted the clutch on my 22 road glide limited and it feels way better than it did prior to adjusting it. Thanks!

[@randylane4223]

Just had 12" apes put on my tri-glide ultra and the clutch adjustment was a bit tight ( no play at all). Followed your instructions and now everything is copocetic. Thanks Jerry!

[@adarngoodjoe4043]

The adjustment (since Harley no longer does the jam nut adjusters) is supposed to be done on the internal adjustment inside the primary. It was really the same way before with the jam nut adjuster. Whether it's jam nut or a spring clip design, those were meant to adjust for the proper freeplay in the lever. The spring clip is a simpler design because the spring and clip automatically set the appropriate tension. It's not meant for finite adjustment of the freeplay like the jam nut design was. People should really just get adjustable levers or change the internal adjustment in the primary if they want to change the engagement point when the lever is squeezed.

[@tomjamin4952]

Thanks for the video. I purchased my easy clutch cable adjuster immediately after watching the video. FYI: I must say however that the part has a few flaws that come with it. The instructions indicate a 9/16th inch wrench in the tool list. It's actually a 15mm wrench that will be needed. The instruction photos never show the lock nut collar or where to install it although common sense makes it obvious. I think that Fatbaggers made a design change after the original assembly because if you look at their online instruction photos there are black and white pictures of the collar that appear to have been added after the color photos were made. On my assembly there are no wrench flats ground into the main body of the assembly either. I think Fatbaggers could do a better job with their quality control. Don't get me wrong, I love the product. Oh, and I took your suggestion and used a dremel tool to cut the plastic top piece off. Worked like a champ. Thanks for that.

[@Chilllybob]

Does the black sleeve slide back over the adjuster?

[@tomjamin4952]

@@Chilllybob yes

[@grumpyoldretiredcop8382]

Thanks for posting this! I just got done installing OEM Tallboy bars on my Street Glide and saw how fragile the OEM plastic adjuster is. I'll be buying the Fatbaggers adjuster and installing it over the winter.

[@popopthepatriot]

Thanks, Motorman! Fixed my 22 RG Limited’s clutch. The plastic on the 22 RG Ltd is black & difficult to reach but simple once you move the red clip. Thanks, again!!

[@AussieFloydFan2012]

Great video as always Motorman! Thank you. I've adjusted the clutch on my '21 Heritage twice in about 6k miles. Trying to find that sweet spot that I like. Getting ready to do it again and possibly adjust the clutch basket. I should probably order this part due to the fact I'm messing with the adjustment of the plastic part so much. My luck, I will likely be stranded without a fix and will have to wait for the parts. I think I would rather have and not need vs need and not have in this case. Shame on Harley for installing another poor quality part. 😢

[@AmericanPatriot-cw9xe]

Thanks for posting this Jerry so Many riders needed to learn this ! you rock Brother !

[@motorman857]

Glad to help!

[@gb23a]

Here We Go Again $30,000 for motorcycle and they're putting stuff on it that doesn't last. Now you have to go out and buy something for it that makes it work. Sad

[@tjtj3829]

I just bought a 2022 Street Glide and yes the clutch engages further out towards the fairing I'm going to have to try this

[@adambernat9557]

Same exact preference, like the clutch to grab a little earlier. Same adjustment procedure, works great. Hopefully the plastic will hold up. Thanks for the replacement option.

[@sixtyninetele]

Totally agree. 💯🤙🏼

[@timothywinkelman7198]

Hey Jerry, thank you for the great video! I went for a ride yesterday and it's a 2022 Cvo road glide limited and everything worked fine for the past 17k miles then I went to down shift prior to a turn and there was nothing at the clutch lever. To tension at all. I didn't even realize Harley went to this style clutch cable adjuster and now looking at the plastic adjuster, I can't even see where it's broke or stripped. But has anyone ever had this happen to them where the bike was fine then all the sudden no clutch at all? I ordered this metal adjuster from Fatbaggers and hoping this is the fix. I can't imagine anything breaking off inside the tranny because I pulled on the cable and it's still connected and not like a busted cable or anything. Crazy stuff and I can't see how Harley would even allow this product to be put on a $47k motorcycle.

[@toddgittins5692]

Hardware got cheezey. Good video.

[@llawwncorwynt1469]

As you use the clutch with new metal top, doesn't it wear or flare lower plastic piece? I have always adjusted clutch when changing primary fluid at the clutch.

[@mychaelritterhoff2520]

Worked like a charm! Thanks Jerry!

[@boscodog4358]

Just bought a 42k Tri Glid Ultra.. At a 177mi. And in the shop for a oil leak, should HD adjust my clutch?? Free,?? Releasing all the way on the top.

[@wolco003]

I could not get the "adjuster" to do anything on my '21 Road Glide. Clutch engaged all the way out. A full turn at the Clutch Basket took care of it...and Stainless Derby Cover screws to replace the junk the bike came with. If/when I change the bars, the fat bagger adapter is probably the way to go.

[@motorman857]

If you compress the spring a bit and lock it in, it will certainly give more free play and let the clutch grab closer to the grip.

[@wolco003]

@@motorman857 Thanks Motorman. I'll try it again next time it needs an adjustment before going to the Clutch Basket.

[@tonycortina4624]

Very Good Mr. Palladino 👍

[@harryhowell5644]

First time is seen this product. I adjusted my clutch on my 21 roadglide as I was having some troubles finding nuetral. Tightened it up a little as it had alot of play. Also where do you properly lubricate the clutch cable. Asking for a friend.

[@flyingunicycle]

Usually you just add a couple drops of cable lube down the cable housing when you unhook it from the lever

[@dtharleyman4325]

Great info! Thanks!👍🇺🇸

[@Chilllybob]

Aren't you supposed to turn the adjuster before you push the clips back in??. Anyway I did what you said my bike only has 63 miles on it I just bought it takes a while to find neutral and it would bang when you put it in gear .is this normal of the M8 engine.. This adjustment is a lot easier but I don't trust the plastic tabs holding the cable....On the run this is a quick adjustment if needed. Does the black sleeve slide back over the adjuster??

[@johnmacias01]

Once again great info! Thanks

[@motorman857]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnnybravo3612]

Jeraldo, I hope to someday have a Harley Touring bike of my own. I’m currently riding my Kawasaki Vulcan S.

[@michaelorr181]

Thank you Jerry! Again …. Awesomeness

[@motorman857]

My pleasure!

[@07480]

Good video but you didn’t show how to disconnect the cable end from the cable connector so you can slide the new one on.

[@coreyyancey9272]

Thank you sir! Good to know.

[@motorman857]

My pleasure

[@olemoffat9474]

Hi Jerry great video as always. I just put the same piece in my new limited today and it works great. My question is what’s to stop the adjuster from turning itself? Is the plastic sleeve enough for it to stop turning?

[@motorman857]

The lower plastic piece just holds the cable in place. That's it's only function.

[@olemoffat9474]

@@motorman857 I’m just not understanding how it can’t turn without a lock nut if you get my drift?

[@tomjamin4952]

@@olemoffat9474 sounds like you got an earlier version of this part as there is a locking collar/nut being supplied now. see my post above.

[@olemoffat9474]

Ok thanks Tom, it will probably be ok, I may just safety wire it or something like that.

[@olemoffat9474]

Tom I just looked on the fat baggers sight and you are correct the newer adjuster does have a locknut, I’m going to email them about the problem.

[@nicholasdenise5594]

terrible job on Harleys part ! should have just kept the good old adjustable cable like they had prior to the other problem... the hydraulic clutch uggh ! what are they thinking ..???

[@billcarson1966]

Nice metal product! Harley...cheap yellow plastic? Really?! I'm guessing no but....will this modification void a warranty?

[@motorman857]

Doesn't matter. The clutch isn't covered under warranty on any motorcycles.

[@louislewczak1750]

It's actually covered up to you 1000mi service. How do I know? When I burnt up my clutch because of this shit piece of plastic at 1500mi they would not cover it...smh

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Motorman.

[@motorman857]

You bet

[@theChestnutMtnTinman]

Do they have something for a 2014😎😎

[@motorman857]

That's a hydraulic clutch. No adjustment but softbrake.com has a clutch lever that brings the friction zone grabbing in the perfect spot.

[@theChestnutMtnTinman]

@@motorman857 Ok thanks

[@randallfosnocht1171]

This is good advice, but for what these Harley' s cost why do you have to upgrade these junk plastic parts that Harley uses?

[@motorman857]

You don't have to. But if you need to, get the fatbaggers.com piece shown in the video.

[@randallfosnocht1171]

I know and agree with you I guess it was a comment more than a question.

[@funhumanusa]

Good video. I guess this is preventive maintenance.

[@philbohr9224]

This doesn’t fit on 2022 Road Glide!

[@motorman857]

According to Fat Baggers website, they make one for the 2022 Road Glide!

[@Coastin77]

Classic little kid job; you can hold the flashlight!

[@brucelee9968]

I bought a clutch lever from softbrake🤷‍♂️

[@ridered7394]

That is the most ridiculous clutch cable I have ever seen on a $27,000 motorcycle,

[@jvtmotors]

That's a Harley for ya.

[@dsruddell]

my 2021 flhtp came too tight. i asked the dealer to give me a little more freeplay and they totally overdid it. should i have expected anything more from a harley dealer? sheesh. thanks for the video i just ordered one

[@michaelcerreto8645]

Since my 2018 Softail Deluxe has the exact same setup, I went to FatBaggers to find out why this part was only for 2021 & 2022 Touring. Turns out the 2021 version is also for 2018-2021 Softails. Since the LOWER plastic part of the setup came back from dealer service cracked, I ordered a replacement and while I'm at it I ordered the FatBagger metal piece for the top. So Thanks Again Motorman!

[@steveledbetter9579]

you like that adjustment for the cop side of you I had The Harley dealership where I bought my 2015 Heritage adjust my clutch lever The same way the mechanic asked me if I was a police officer I said no but I like a little bit more free play then Harley gives you standard from the factory . It does make a difference in the way I clutch the bike just having a little extra free play. Take care stay safe 😎👍

[@tmontana213]

I’ve got a 2022 Road Glide and the clutch feels crunchy when letting it out. And it only does it sometimes. I’ve owned 3 different bikes and never felt anything like it.

[@sjp8201]

Wow. That's rediculous having a cheap plastic part for an important part of an expensive bike. Good to see the aftermarket industry has you covered with better quality parts.

[@lyndonmccorkle8415]

I have a brand new 2021 street glide and had lots of problems with the clutch only 20miles on it

[@motorman857]

What kind of problems?

[@lyndonmccorkle8415]

The little yellow and red plastic piece kept breaking on the clutch adjuster

[@motorman857]

@@lyndonmccorkle8415 Get that adjuster from Fat Baggers and end that problem for good.

[@marksmallman4572]

Its a stupid, overcomplicated adjuster.

[@Plissken84]

Having to buy a part for a new Harley? 🙄

[@Tom-jw1pe]

Looks way more secure… thanks… harley should’ve came out with this…

[@bobdecker2446]

Just like Harley to put cheap plastic on such a critical part.

[@julesdain8702]

Guess they should have kept the hydraulic clutch 😂

[@marshallschreve7318]

HD has never been able to design a hydraulic clutch!….look at all of the clutch recalls!

[@HawkQFI]

@@marshallschreve7318 Mine has worked well for years!

[@julesdain8702]

@@marshallschreve7318 mine has worked perfectly for three years so I’m thinking they have it figured out.

[@tallmike6598]

Thanks for the info and video brother..

[@ricardomachuca4064]

Great video and amazing after-market part.

[@babybugspaw7085]

Very appreciated for sharing, have question that maybe someone can help, I have the old style adjustment nut 9/16 & 1/2” , my question is,,, I had a hard time literally changing gears (up shifting or down, & finding neutral) so I adjusted the cable & now the clutch doesn’t engage until my lever is almost all the way out, I don’t like it & not sure if a 2016 Bagger “Road King” w/ a 103 is supposed to be like that from factory,, lever was engaging clutch the day before that happened at about 1/4 the way out… so I need any suggestions or thoughts or knowledge or all the above.. I’m going to adjust the clutch on the primary this evening when I get home, am I barking up the wrong place for adjustment? Thank you again, love your content and your service for LEO. 🙏

[@motorman857]

You should be able to adjust the clutch lever to grab where you want it with the cable. But, you can and should adjust it from the primary, then adjust the cable. Here's how to do it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqHCp52aZaynec0

[@hollywood93c87]

Great video ✌️

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

Great to know!

[@carlaustin7398]

Thank you, that's great info.

[@motorman857]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TinyDragon]

Hey Jerry and Donna, thx for the call today! Here is the video I was referring to (see around the 9 second mark). I think it is you? Wanted to make sure it was ok to reference you and your channel about those drop guards kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIGwZHuAoJqjm9U

[@motorman857]

That wasn't me. I'm all the way to the left in that shot.

[@paulhutchins6019]

Added complexity with that Harley original system! Plastic fittings on a clutch cable with all that tension can't be a good move. The metal replacement looks much sturdier.

[@motorman857]

The idea behind the new system is it makes it easier to put a longer clutch cable on if you're using higher bars since you can easily split the cable and add an extension. Why they didn't use the older style metal nuts/adjusters is a mystery to me.

[@h-droadking6719]

@@motorman857 Do you think Harley will have a recall on this, since it sounds like it would be a safety issue if the plastic parts break? Thanks

[@superduty131]

A little fiddly?? Is that code for "I have no idea " ?? Your description of how to disconnect the upper and lower cables inside the plastic adjuster is VAGUE at best 🤔 😳

[@brandonnowlin4523]

I’ve had no problems with my plastic piece even after 8500 miles so no need for me to replace it at this point