Milwaukee 8 Clutch Adjustment • Hub / Derby Cover • Softail Street Bob FXBB

[@RonsWorkshop]

Have you made this adjustment on your Milwaukee Eight Softail? Let me know how it went. I typically set the adjustment screw to 1/2 turn out. What have you tried?

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Lone Wolf - thanks for sharing that! I am planning to do a future video explaining how the lever / engagement changes with the different settings like 1/2 turns out, 3/4 turns out, etc. If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@amberbali8881]

@@BaronvonOldenbiker Same here for years. Have done 3/4 turn on my Evo's, Twin Cams and M8.

[@RonsWorkshop]

The comparison video is coming out within a day or so - finishing up editing now. I’m including the comparison of lever movement based on the min and max settings and also including the adjustment process like here so people can have it all in one place.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Lone Wolf - I just posted a new video and I give more info on the friction zone and how the min and max clutch settings affect it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp-nZ6WkfMtopas

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

So I have a bad experience to report about this... I did this exactly as your video described, and I double checked the manual before going to adjust the clutch. Did the half turn out, based on our previous discussion. Really wanted to get the bike more fit to me. While on my little test ride to get back to the parking lot, my clutch popped lose and left my bike stuck in gear in the middle of the street. A random guy on the street and me were not able to move the bike at all. I had to run home, grab tools, and dash back all while a stranger volunteered to direct cars around my bike as it sat there flashing hazards. I'm not sure wtf happened. I managed to get back to the bike, pop the derby cover and managed to get the adjustment in enough that i could get the bike into neutral and off the street. I just spun the adjuster screw until all the freeplay in the lever was taken up after the clutch popped. I'm so glad it happened next to home instead of on the freeway or something and caused an accident.

[@luisvenegas3275]

This video saved me! Thank you! Was riding today and at a red light when I came to a stop the clutch popped, wouldn't engage anymore. Long story short I push it to the side call my gf for some hand tools looked up your videos and fixed that 11/16 nut that came loose. Found after inspecting the cable first. So great video content info. It saved my day!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Luis - thanks for sharing that!! Glad you got it sorted out. If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@bderryberry4987]

I added the reduced reach clutch handle from Softbrake and needed to make a minor clutch adjustment so your video was very helpful!!! Thanks for posting

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey B Derryberry - I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@gablvdc90t]

This was the first time I have had to adjust my clutch. This tutorial made it super easy! Thank you for taking the time to do these videos for us!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Ajax - I’m so glad it was helpful! And thanks for the kind words :)

[@jeffparker8476]

Thanks!

[@chrissbaker2518]

Have to do my first adjustment and you made me feel way better about doing it. Thank you

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey chriss baker - I’m so glad this was helpful! Here’s another video that covers the friction zone as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp-nZ6WkfMtopas

[@bike619]

Getting ready to do my first one of these this weekend. Clear, concise. Excellent instruction. Thank you!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Seth - thanks for the kind words! Let me know how the adjustment goes. And if you want a sticker send me a DM on Telegram, Instagram or Signal with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@bike619]

@@RonsWorkshop just got done with my post adjustment test ride. Quick, easy, no hassle! Thanks again for the video with the excellent pointers!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Seth - that’s great! Thanks so much for the kind words.

[@mr.robert2507]

Excellent video. Seriously reduced my anxiety when I did my clutch. Thanks!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Mr. Robert - thanks for the feedback! So glad it was helpful for you. If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@erichtucker8142]

Extremely clear with visuals!! Love this channel now!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Erich - thanks for the feedback! If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@justintraupel9468]

Doing mine tomorrow morning. Thank you for the vid!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Justin - let me know how it goes! Glad it was helpful :)

[@dankerson1]

Thanks for all your help. I switched out my levers and you helped out a lot.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey dankerson1 - thanks for the feedback! I hope the levers work out great for you. If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@shawn9878]

Stellar video ,I appreciate the time you take to explain . Thanks

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Shawn - thanks for the feedback! Check out the updated version of this video as well for more info on the friction zone and how the min and max settings affect engagement and lever movement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp-nZ6WkfMtopas If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@roybrazeau3486]

This has been same process since the EVO motor. I’ve used 3/4 back off for clutch basket nut. The cable adjustment is very nice change!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Roy - thanks for the info and feedback! If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@kawaiiracer]

Just did this tonight, such an easy process with your video. Thank you!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for sharing that feedback. If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@kawaiiracer]

@@RonsWorkshop I would love one! Duc848rider on IG

[@JS-ov9jb]

Thanks for the video. Just made the adjustment and it was v run simple thanks to you

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey J smith - that's great to hear! So glad you found it helpful. If you want a channel sticker drop me a DM on Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@ricktorres7869]

I hope I can get my StreetBob fixed with this video I’ve been having issues with the clutch especially when I’m in 4th or 5th gear the clutch just becomes super loose and takes time before it’ll catch again. Then today I came to a stop at a red light and the clutch just gave away, fully loose no tension. Working on the bike tomorrow fingers crossed this solves the issue! Thank you for this video!!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Rick - let me know how it goes and if you make any discoveries when you tackle the project. How many miles are on the clutch? Make sure it’s at room temp when you start, or the clearances will be off.

[@ricktorres7869]

@@RonsWorkshop so I opened the derby cover today and found the jam nut was nowhere to be seen.. could it have fallen off inside the assembly??

[@RonsWorkshop]

Wow - yeah, it must have fallen right down in there. Man that sucks. Maybe you can fish around down there with a telescopic magnet or something like that and try to snag it. Otherwise you may be doing more disassembly to get to it.

[@ricktorres7869]

@@RonsWorkshop Hey Ron, so yea I fished for a good 45 min and nothing.. so I’m assuming that it may have never been placed during assembly. Its a brand new 2020 Street Bob and it’s had that issue since I got it, I’m thinking that over time, that adjusting bolt started to loosen up till it just fully wouldn’t catch anymore.. nonetheless I replaced the jam nut with a 7/16 - 20 Nut and it worked like a charm no issues and my bike is back up and running! Thank you again tho you helped immensely with your videos and advise! 🙏🏼

[@RonsWorkshop]

Thanks for following up - glad it’s back on the road! If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@glewlew]

Thanks my friend 👍

[@RonsWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@glewlew]

@@RonsWorkshop probably saved me $200 bucks helpful!! Lol

[@willhurt3446]

Nice production. You should do a video for beginners on what tool set to buy and what parts to adjust and how frequently on the fxbb. Nobody has that.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Will - thanks for the feedback! I appreciate the video / content idea as well. I’ve been considering something like that. If you have any other specific thoughts please let me know. If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@andrewlaw239]

Thanks again for another awesome video. Great info and edited very well. My 1st and 2nd gear feel a little clunky after I change fluids for first 1000 miles. Hopefully this adjustment will help.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Andrew - thanks for the feedback! Check out the updated version of this video as well for more info on the friction zone and how the min and max settings affect engagement and lever movement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp-nZ6WkfMtopas Let me know how it goes and if that addresses your issue.

[@bobtranquilli9985]

Good vid. Subscribed!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Bob - thanks for the feedback! If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@TheImtoomuch]

Great video! Thank you! Informative and to the point. As an aside, you sound sort of like Billy Bob Thornton.

[@RonsWorkshop]

So glad you found it helpful! Regarding Billy Bob - you can’t believe how many times I’ve heard that through the years. One viewer even dubbed me Ron “Street Bob” Thornton lol :) And if you want a sticker send me a DM on Telegram, Instagram or Signal with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@TheImtoomuch]

@@RonsWorkshop Billy Street Bob is great! I will definitely message you on Instagram.

[@RonsWorkshop]

I forgot it was actually Ron “Street Bob” Thornton but you get the gist :)

[@harleyflfbsflip8747]

I like to adjust it so when I'm upshifting I need very little engagement to get to the next gear.

[@ronniechandler6993]

Love your info My son has a 2022 low rider s He was riding from work and all of a sudden he has 3/8 or more free cable movement What caused this

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Ronnie - thanks for the kind words! Does his clutch disengage at all, or does he only have lever movement? I'm wondering if the upper clutch cable was somehow disconnected down at the yellow adjuster near the left-front frame down tube. But if that was the case there would be no clutch disengagement at all. Assuming it's still connected, it would also be worth doing a quick free-play adjustment using that adjuster. You can see that process here - it's super simple: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJmvmXeegNGVl5o Let me know what you find out! And if you want a sticker send me a DM on Telegram, Instagram or Signal with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@csmaldino77]

Ron great video. My wife’s Softail Slim has been giving us issues with getting into neutral and it doesn’t roll while in gear, engine off, when the clutch lever is all the way in. I’ve taking it to Harley multiple times and they can’t fix it. Will your technique work?

[@RonsWorkshop]

Thanks for the kind words! It’s hard to say if it will fix your issue - but I can say it’ll eliminate a couple of variables if done right (general clutch adjustment and lever free-play). Let me know how it goes!

[@beeker3]

Just subscribed, wish I would have found you earlier. Put 13 inch handlebars on and extension cable because clutch cable would not reach. I had to jury rig some other adjustments to make sure the correct amount of slack was taken up. Here is my issue now; if I release all the tension on my clutch cable, I get so much free play that the lever will have no pull at all. Therefore I can not do the "pull in clutch lever three times" after initial adjustment. Should I put some tension on the cable so I am able to perform that part of the adjustment?

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey PJ _ D - thanks for the kind words! That might be worth trying but I don’t know that the step we’re talking about is critical. In my case it only moved the clutch hub a little bit when I did the three pulls. If you have to pick one or the other, I’d go with the cable setting that lets you get proper free-play after adjusting down at the hub. Let me know how it goes! I have an updated video as well, and it includes friction zone info for the adjustment range: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp-nZ6WkfMtopas And if you want a sticker send me a DM on Telegram, Instagram or Signal with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@beeker3]

@@RonsWorkshop Thanks for the reply. One thing I noticed about having the extension and the adjustment; when I adjust for free play at the ferrule next to the hand lever, I can tug on it and it comes out a little over 1/8 inch. However, the handle is still tough to pull and the friction zone is almost all the way at the end of the handle when releases. I discovered that with the "longer" cable, there is pressure against the handle where the ferrule is. Therefore tugging on the cable gives a false "reading". I had to back off the adjuster so I would get some free play in the handle. Works much better now.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Yeah that’s tricky. Glad you got it dialed in!

[@JR_1982_JR]

Just got my first 1k service last week and today the clutch is not engaging so when the motorcycle is on first gear and pulling the clutch handle , it doesn’t disengage the engine 😢. Will try to adjust it to get ride of this clutch drag. Thanks a lot

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Moto Freak - do you have the two piece clutch cable? If so, I wonder if the red clip popped out? See the yellow adjuster and red clip in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJmvmXeegNGVl5o

[@JR_1982_JR]

@@RonsWorkshop thanks a lot. I doubt it’s the case because the clutch leaver is still looking firm. I’ll go and open it now though and let you know how that goes. Much appreciated

[@RonsWorkshop]

Ok - please do tell me what you find.

[@JR_1982_JR]

@@RonsWorkshop I removed the cover and the cable extender looks good. That red clip is in place. Thought the internal plates need to be adjusted which I couldn’t do because I don’t have tools. So I called Harley and they picked the motorcycle today. And they called me after 5 hours saying the motorcycle is all good and they have checked everything and it’s just that the engine was cold and I should just start it and wait for it to warm up. Had to pay for the pickup service though 165NZD 🥲. I hope they are right and it doesn’t stop somewhere 😜. I noticed Harley says I should not leave the bike on Neutral gear when parked overnight which I usually do it anyway. I learned the hard way and will never park the bike before change to neutral gear first 🫢

[@RonsWorkshop]

Thanks for the update! I’m curious what’s going on there.

[@letiziapassanisi9967]

I followed this to a T! When replacing stock levers with 4fngr levers. Somehow, there’s a little “skip” might be the best way to describe it when shifting gears. Any suggestions? 🤔

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hmmm. The only thing off the top of my head is to double-check the lever free-play as well. I’d check with the lever company too to make sure there’s nothing special that needs to be done with their lever.

[@crisprtalk6963]

my 2018 street bob will go into neutral often when I shift into 2nd. Will a clutch adjustment address this?

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Crispr Talk - hmmm it’s probably worth trying. It’s easy enough to do so you could rule that out if it didn’t fix it. But it sounds like there could be something going on with the tranny itself. I’d expect the clutch adjustment to cause issues with disengagement but not necessarily the problem you described. But I’m not an expert! Let me know if you give it a try, and how it goes.

[@mikesarrocco2898]

Ron if you want to clutch to grab sooner do you go with 1/2 turn or 1 full turn at the hub

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Mike - 1/2 turn out will engage about 20-25% sooner based on what I saw. Here's a link to that section if you want to review it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp-nZ6WkfMtopas

[@garybaldwin1061]

Thanks. Does the M/c need to be upright just to adjust the clutch or can you do that on the jiffy stand.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Gary - I put a wood block under the jiffy stand to get the bike just a little closer to vertical, to make sure it didn’t lose primary fluid when I removed the derby cover. It may not lean far enough to actually lose any fluid, but I wanted to be sure. It’s also a little easier to get to things when it’s more upright. Let me know how it goes!

[@garybaldwin1061]

@@RonsWorkshop Thanks for the response! What I plan on doing is draining the primary (I do it every year anyway..about 2k/yr) and then do the clutch adjustment. There won't be anything to spill. I'll put jiffy stand on 2x4 to keep it mostly vertical anyway...what do you think?

[@RonsWorkshop]

That should do it! If you’re draining it anyway you may not even need to do that. I have a couple of small squares of plywood that I use - not sure if the 2x4 is too thick or just right.

[@garybaldwin1061]

@@RonsWorkshop Thanks...I'll do it today. The 2x4 is a bit much...it takes the bike too close to center without someone to hold it. A piece of 3.4in plywood is good.

[@kevinholowka7294]

Ron, Just found your channel and like what I see. I have been watching your other video's as well. Question, how does turning out the adjustment screw more, say to 1 full turn make the clutch lever grab point change ? What I am looking for is the clutch to grab sooner upon release of the lever not 1/2 way or 3/4 way out upon release of lever. Thanks, Kevin

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Kevin - thanks for the feedback! The more you back out that adjuster screw, the larger your friction zone would be. Maybe try 1/2 turn out and see how that does. If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@joek1012]

@@RonsWorkshop What do you mean by larger friction zone? Which engages the clutch sooner? 1/2 out or 3/4 out?

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey @@joek1012 - Larger friction zone = bigger lever pull where the clutch is slippling. At 1/2 turn out, the clutch grabs sooner, At 1 full turn out, the clutch grabs a little later. Hope that helps - let me know what you end up with,

[@joek1012]

@@RonsWorkshop Thank you. I would like my clutch to engage closer to the grip so I'll start with a 1/2 turn.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Let me know how it goes!

[@Deuce-ic7un]

Your clutch handle is not in play, you release it when you compress the spring?

[@RonsWorkshop]

That’s correct. The lever will move freely when the spring is compressed.

[@vickaminski]

So where does the clutch cable connect inside? I couldn't see that. My clutch cable disconnected inside it was total free play. I called for my first service at 500 miles but they said it wasn't until 1000 miles. I have 1200 miles on my new 2021 Street Bob 114 FXBBS and just finished a group ride and parked it for a few. When i went to leave and started it and grabbed the clutch there was zero tension and the handle was just free play. I had it towed from the park. I couldn't get a clear answer from the dealer but they said the clutch needed to be adjusted then another time they said it needed its first adjustment after cable stretch and the clip and spring came off inside the clutch housing. I am wondering how the hell the retaining clip could come off inside the clutch. Sounds like a major safety issue. Imagine if i was riding when this happened.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Victor - there is a coupler down on the frame that connects the upper clutch cable to the lower clutch cable. Then the lower clutch cable runs over to the right side of the bike and goes into the transmission side cover. You could start by inspecting that coupler down on the frame to see if it’s disconnected there. That’s an easy one. Let me know what you find!

[@vickaminski]

@@RonsWorkshop The cable was completely free moving and i felt it moving inside all the way up to the case. It was disconnected inside. They said because it stretched but i just finished riding and it seemed fine up until is gave way when i was about to ride again. I'd figure the spring and clip inside would have been harder to fall off than that.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Yeah that’s odd. That’s not anything I’d expect. But I’m glad you got it sorted out!

[@jasonsokoloski7569]

Is this the same way to adjust clutch on a 2021 touring?

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Jason - I don’t know for sure, but from what I’ve seen this is a pretty standard HD adjustment procedure. But it would be good to check a manual to be sure. Let me know if you give it a try and how it goes!

[@calvins4084]

this is not how it worked for me, when I went up and pulled on the clutch lever 3 times after breaking nut loose and seating Allen screw it unseated the Allen screw and changed where the bottom was by a couple of turns. I then adjusted from that bottom but it was way off. so how do you know what bottom to adjust too?

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Calvin - maybe try loosening everything, then back that adjuster screw way out so it’s obviously not touching, then try running it down until it just touches. Maybe that will reset your baseline and from there you can back it off based on the setting you want to try. Let me know how it goes!

[@theshowextension666]

my softail street bob m8 107, make whining sound when heated up in 3rd gear and then again in 5th gear not in any other , any reason or any solution, kindly share

[@RonsWorkshop]

Sounds like it’s transmission-related, but that’s just a guess. Let me know if you learn anything more.

[@theshowextension666]

@RonsWorkshop but as soon as I hold the clutch even a little bit, the whining sound disappears,

[@RonsWorkshop]

I just don’t have any ideas on that :/

[@theshowextension666]

@@RonsWorkshop alright

[@Deathmetalcarson]

I followed these steps, but when I went to put the red clip back in the cable adjuster seems to have to much cable length. And I can’t get my lever to be tight it’s all sloppy

[@RonsWorkshop]

The spring on the yellow plastic sleeve should take up the slack when the red clip is removed. Make sure nothing else is binding the cable.

[@Deathmetalcarson]

@@RonsWorkshop yeah the cable was binding up in the triple trees. I tried freeing it once but I tried again and everything went together and I readjusted. Thanks!!

[@mR_Reddexe]

You didn't mention temperature in the video at all. The bike needs to be at "room temperature" to make this adjustment as the rod will grow in length when the bike is hot.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey mR_Redd.exe - I actually did mention that and show it on the screen at this point in the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5fQdmh6a9aro6c But that’s definitely a critical requirement!!

[@wolco003]

Isnt it a T27?

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey wolco003 - I just double-checked and my derby cover bolts are T25. 2019 Street Bob FXBB. Maybe different on some of the other models? Be sure to check out the new version of this video for more info on how the min and max settings affect clutch engagement and friction zone: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp-nZ6WkfMtopas

[@wolco003]

@@RonsWorkshop I watched it, thanks! My 2006 FLSTN and my new 2021 FLTRX are both T27. And the New Road Glide has the rubber gasket in the derby cover rather than on the primary...and some seriously crappy fasteners. Came with a terrible adjustment from the factory and the auto cable adjuster does not work well, I think because the cable is routed a bit tight to the right side with the adjuster right next to the exhaust. Im a 3/4 turn guy. Thanks for your videos!

[@wolco003]

@@RonsWorkshop I just looked up the part and your bike is not included. " Fits '06-'17 Dyna, '08-'18 Softail (except FLSB) and '08-later Touring and Trike models." Just mention in case others might worry. Reviews also mention crappy steel. No problem with my old bike but may have been replaced. Thanks again!

[@RonsWorkshop]

Thanks for the follow-up!

[@tyke6351]

My spring won't lock in place with red clip

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Robert - it looks like the Harley part number for the little red clip is 37200395A. Maybe see if your local dealer has one - I’d suspect that to be the problem and not the other part of the mechanism, but that’s just a guess. Let me know how it goes!

[@tyke6351]

@@RonsWorkshop the treaded piece broke of my cable that the clip locks onto . That is why it wouldn't lock . Thanks anyway bro. Ordered new cable

[@RonsWorkshop]

Ahhh...that’ll do it. Glad you got it sorted out.

[@netmeistr329]

T 27 for derby cover....

[@RonsWorkshop]

👍🏼

[@JCunningham21]

no one ever bothers to say if you have to much free play in the clutch cable. i assume i need to pull the derby cover to adjust that

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey J - yeah, if the clutch is adjusted within spec and not excessively worn, the spring adjuster in the upper cable should take up the free-play. Let me know how it goes - I recently posted an updated video on the clutch adjustment that also includes an explanation of the min and max settings on clutch engagement and the friction zone: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp-nZ6WkfMtopas

[@JCunningham21]

@@RonsWorkshop it doesnt. cluch wont release. bike is new 600 miles on it. i just installed 5.5" bull back risers that i was told will work with the factory cable re routed.

[@JCunningham21]

i got it a little better still shifts into 1st harder then it did. N harder to fine.

[@JCunningham21]

i guess it just needed a little movement. tried out the friction zone and it shifts great now. 1 turn out.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Excellent! Thanks for letting me know. I was really puzzled as to why it was causing problems. If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop

[@gagezorola8725]

75 INCH pounds

[@RonsWorkshop]

Right! Makes all the difference. Any trouble getting the replacement jam nut?

[@JulianJohnstone]

wonder if this will fix the issue ive been having with my 2020 FXST, the transmission is slow to return the shifter lever when downshifting.

[@RonsWorkshop]

Hey Julian - sounds like it could be something different but it’s easy to make the adjustment just to see. You could also try setting the free play first - that’s a 2-minute adjustment you can make without opening the derby cover. Here’s a link to that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJmvmXeegNGVl5o Let me know how it goes!