Harley Davidson 2018 Softail Slim Clutch Adjustment

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Holy crap... I learned something new. At first I thought "Oh yeah, I got this. No problem". But then I saw that new-fangled clutch cable. And a half to a whole turn on the basket. That's new to me as well. They used to say 1/4 turn out. That's how I've always done it. Good to know this stuff for later on. The whole world is changing faster than I thought.

[@TonysGarage]

Yup, the new cable is really nice speeds things up quite a bit.

[@MrAndrew1953]

Always good to know how to keep the bike in good running order.

[@Vic-ng8if]

Thanks for letting us know about the new cable fella. Hi from N Ireland.

[@TonysGarage]

Thanks for watching! Ride safe

[@Vic-ng8if]

@@TonysGarage we are about to go on lockdown over here so who knows when we can next get out. Stay safe in these strange days chum

[@TonysGarage]

Vic 2% we are doing the same lock down starts today at 8pm. Stay safe hopefully this will be over sooner than later.

[@Vic-ng8if]

@@TonysGarage is right. Stay safe my friend

[@ParrotHead1809]

You make it look so easy - great job! Thanks for the video. And, yes, I already ordered my shop manual!

[@TonysGarage]

It’s not hard at all just take your time and follow the Manuel. Thanks for watching and ride safe! Jimmy Buffet fan?

[@ParrotHead1809]

Yep! Thanks Again!

[@TonysGarage]

Me too!! Glad it helped.

[@dcarlson12206]

THANK U THIS VIDEO SHOWED ME EVERYTHING TO ADJUST ON NEW M8 THE OTHER VIDEOS ON HERE ONE WAS FROM SOME GUY THAT WORKED AT HARLEY HE DIDN’T REALLY EXPLAIN IT TO GOOD AND ALSO SHOW WHAT HE WAS DOING LIKE U DID THANKS A SHIT TON IM SAVING THIS VIDEO UR AWESOME BIG BRO

[@TonysGarage]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching👊👊👌

[@stevennault5447]

Brought me 2019 FLSL for the 1000 mi. service didn't like where the clutch lever engaged the clutch after the service, was going to adj. the cable so it would engaged a little earlier, after watching this video looks like I'm going to have too get used to it. (nonadjustable cable.)

[@TonysGarage]

Yeah, it is spring loaded on the newer Softails. Thanks for watching.

[@tbachli1]

Can you triple check the torque specs you are quoting on the derby cover screws? Sounds like you said 84-108 inch lbs. My service manual says 25-35 inch lbs.

[@TonysGarage]

84 -108 inch lbs is the correct torque for a all Harley Softail derby cover except the FLBS which is 25-35 inch lbs.

[@DCyclemoto]

Handy for when I do mine for the 5,000 service. Thanks Tony (and Thickie).😂

[@TonysGarage]

Thanks, hope it helps out. Thickie is shifting like a champ now.

[@DCyclemoto]

Tony Cox I do know the Sport Glide has different torque specs for the derby cover. Not sure why they did that but I was surprised when I learned that. Wonder if there are more surprises in store for me?

[@TonysGarage]

Wow, that’s weird on the derby cover. The adjustments should be same.

[@unionpride525]

Well done Tony. I just changed my pads and I could tell I needed a clutch adjustment. I wanted to double check I knew I could do it. Good man but I wish you shown how to adjust free play in the lever

[@TonysGarage]

Free play is set at the clutch cable adjuster the internal spring does all the work for you.

[@unionpride525]

I don’t have the clip on the cable like you do. I have the coupling nut and stop nut on the thread. Not sure if I had to pull the cable away from the clutch handle to determine the nickel space because it sits tight with no tension. But I did the whole adjustment after watching your vid and it went smooth. You saved me 100$ brother! SKOL!!

[@TonysGarage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5i4hYSNlKqHhqs. Watch is vid I did on the sportster same cable adjustment. Glad the videos where helpful.

[@TonysGarage]

What year is your softail?

[@unionpride525]

Tony Cox 2016 softail slim

[@duelrunner1768]

When the time comes, may you please upload a how to video for changing the spark plugs and if possible a belt adjustment.

[@tonycheung7676]

Cool ! clear and useful info(Y)

[@saveurselves989]

Tiny made it easy😊

[@johnheitkemper874]

Hey Tony, just got a 2016 slim. Just pither over 1000 miles and I came across your videos. Awesome videos first!! Second I was curious if you had advice on my Harley missing nuetral. I was told to adjust the clutch and did everthing after buying the manual so I knew how. (Then I found your videos haha) but after doing the clutch adjustment it will find it more often but still not every time. 75% of time im at a stop im holding the clutch because im tired of trying to get it in nuetral...

[@TonysGarage]

Hey John, when I changed the the primary oil I used Harleys new gear oil and it helped a lot. At least in my case. Thanks for watching man👊

[@johnheitkemper874]

@@TonysGarage changing the oil helped the bike go into neutral???

[@TonysGarage]

John Heitkemper the primary oil where the clutch pack lives. Used the heavier Harley gear oil instead of the syn3 that Harley usually uses.

[@TonysGarage]

I ran the gear oil in the primary and transmission. Harley Davidson Softail Slim Service Series-Oil Change

[@johnheitkemper874]

@@TonysGarage oh ok, from your 1000 mile tune up videos. 3 of them right. I didn't get a chance to watch those. I bought the bike use with 900 miles. And got it up to 1200 but saw your videos and actually going to town to get everything now and I was going to watch those! Thank you!! Can't wait to see if it works for mine. Can't wait to see more videos from you. Do you have a video that shows just a good general walk down on and what to look at on our bikes before a day ride?

[@danielmorales8803]

Do you leave the bike in neutral or in gear for this?

[@TonysGarage]

Neutral sorry I should have mentioned that. Thank for watching ride safe!

[@danielmorales8803]

@@TonysGarage so it'll spin a little before the but actually I breaks loose right?

[@NorCal-refrigeration]

Enjoying the videos 🤘⚡️🤘

[@TonysGarage]

Thanks for watching ride safe

[@michaelcerreto8645]

My 2018 Deluxe clutch lever has always seemed to engage too far away from the handlebar, free play is fine, will the adjustment inside the derby cover help with this?

[@TonysGarage]

It should

[@michaelcerreto8645]

@@TonysGarage Thank You. I have the print from the service manual, but your video gave the most clear explanation and took away any hesitation I had so I'm going in!

[@TonysGarage]

Glad it helped!

[@michaelcerreto8645]

@@TonysGarage So, after getting a motorcycle lift, I got around to this adjustment today. The results were very positive. After initially loosening the jam nut, you would not believe how many clockwise turns of the adjustment screw were necessary before a slight seat was felt. After checking and getting everything back together, the clutch now engages with the lever right off the handlebar, which was my whole point in doing this! Can't thank you enough for the clear and thorough video explanation.

[@jiripastrnak1936]

I have a same bike same color even lol. I've never done this but I'm pretty mechanically inclined and this great video makes is look easy... I just bought the bike but have same exact issue. Clutch is grabbing way far and I have short fingers.

[@gregoriojuarez1579]

Is it that easy to adjust the clutch? You just put it back and push the red tab?

[@TonysGarage]

That’s it spring adjusts the tension for you. Still need to check for proper play at the lever, but mine was perfect.

[@gregoriojuarez1579]

@@TonysGarage What is it doesn't set it up like it did yours? Do I just push the red tab, and push it back in then check the play?

[@TonysGarage]

Yup, push it in a little and lock it in place with the red tab and repeat until free play is correct. You should be fine the spring does a good job at getting the tension correct. I did mine a few times and it was perfect everytime.

[@gregoriojuarez1579]

@@TonysGarage Thank you so much. Your series will save me $480 dollars.

[@vetter847]

Great video Tony. Are you aware how to remove excess free play in the clutch lever?

[@justinlongoria9952]

Thank you for this sir

[@TonysGarage]

Thanks for watching. Ride safe

[@garybaldwin1061]

Did you readjust the clutch cable when you were done at the derby cover. I want to just adjust the cable on my 19 heritage.

[@TonysGarage]

The new clutch cables are self adjusting. It’s done by an internal spring.

[@garybaldwin1061]

@@TonysGarage Thanks...Good videos!

[@triggerman1979]

What if the self adjustment is off? Is there a way to fix it?

[@randyfroysland2892]

Hey Tony you're wrong about that adjustment for the Inspection cover not 80 to a 100 it's 25 to 35" Is inch lbs

[@Me-fg1pp]

Can you tell me the part number for the derby Oring, thks!

[@chazzcapone]

Hey bud, it's a quick internet search... (25416-99C). www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/Willie-G-Skull-Derby-Cover/p/25441-04A From there, scroll down to DETAILS. Then, select INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. That opens a new page to this: serviceinfo.harley-davidson.com/sip/service/document/295352?locale=en_US That's everything needed to know. You're welcome.

[@renzokukenleonhart]

Do you lube your clutch cable?

[@TonysGarage]

Yes

[@renzokukenleonhart]

@@TonysGarage Thanks. Have you had any problems with your cable since lubing it? Some people suggest that the newer harleys should not be lube due to teflon coating. Also what's a good grease for the brake control other than HD brake grease?

[@TonysGarage]

A good spray lube will work fine. You just dont want to overdo it. It will collect dirt overtime.

[@danielmorales8803]

How much does that service manual run?

[@TonysGarage]

Hey Daniel, depending on the bike they run 100 bucks or so.

[@danielmorales8803]

@@TonysGarage thanks for the reply man. Do appreciate it 👍

[@tbachli1]

$20 for the digital version.

[@danielmorales8803]

@@tbachli1 where do you get the digital version?

[@larrys.3992]

Get a parts manual as well. Parts breakdown can be helpful.

[@adminadmin9997]

Why would someone adjust the clutch?

[@TonysGarage]

Clutch cables stretch overtime. Thanks for watching👊👊👊

[@steveimperial7760]

Do u really have to adjust the cluch on a brand new bike,if so let them do it .

[@chriscouch8181]

You didn't show how to make the adjustment on the cable that's what I'm here for

[@TonysGarage]

It’s spring loaded on the new softails. It self adjusts with spring tension. I explained how it works.

[@chriscouch8181]

@@TonysGarage my bike has less than a thousand miles on it and like 3/16 worth of cable slack in the clutch lever. I did what you said and it's still there I guess I'll just have to make a trip to my dealer just to be safe I appreciate the help

[@TonysGarage]

You can give the spring a little help and it should get rid of some of the slop.