Clutch Issue or Not???

TLB08K9 · Aug 18, 2008

loujr said:
Has anyone else experienced this while riding? I recently got my bike back from the local BDM service center, (500 mile check up) and once the bike got good and warmed up, I noticed that I could not shift the bike into nuetral when completely stopped. I also noticed that the bike would start to creep forward when I did put it in gear, even with the clutch pulled hard against the bars. I adjusted the clutch cable, and it seemed to work much better untill this weekend when I rode for about 180 miles and noticed that the problem was back towards the end of the day. Is the cable stretching, or wearing in,..........are there more serious issues lerking and waiting to happen? Any help here would be appreciated!!!

Mine did this for the first 1000 miles, dealer told me it was just everything breaking in, so every few 100 miles I would have to adjust . After 1000 I think I have had to tweak it once (2700 now). The findind neutral and lurching foward also has gone away. Hope yours is as easy as this and not anything else.

woodbutcher · Aug 18, 2008

if the trouble continues, check out this thread.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/dog-pound/6895-loose-clutch-nut.html

Gas Man · Aug 18, 2008

Most likely just a clutch adjustment needed...

Rottie · Aug 18, 2008

Alright, what's the deal! I had the same crap happen on Saturday! But I know it's the clutchhub nut! The same thing happened to my buddy's 07 K-9...I called the dealer and they said they changed the tourqe specs to 100ftp...

Staffy · Aug 18, 2008

loujr said:
Has anyone else experienced this while riding? I recently got my bike back from the local BDM service center, (500 mile check up) and once the bike got good and warmed up, I noticed that I could not shift the bike into nuetral when completely stopped. I also noticed that the bike would start to creep forward when I did put it in gear, even with the clutch pulled hard against the bars. I adjusted the clutch cable, and it seemed to work much better untill this weekend when I rode for about 180 miles and noticed that the problem was back towards the end of the day. Is the cable stretching, or wearing in,..........are there more serious issues lerking and waiting to happen? Any help here would be appreciated!!!

EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE.....

Just out of curiosity – Which dealer performed the 500 mile service? Did you approach them with this issue?

A common answer is …. Rev the motor when moving into natural – always works. That was what I got when I experienced the same issue, nothing but a @$@* PAIN :bang: :bang: . Switched to a Karata 4” open primary with their (Piranha) clutch- WORKS LIKE MAGIC :up: …..and the one thing I can tell you is …..

When I opened the primary it was the chain tensioning shoe that was COMPLETELY LOOSE – practically falling off – some 500 mile service I had.:angry: :angry:

Mickeetwo · Aug 18, 2008

I'm thinking clutch basket nut...good indicator is the long ride and clutch needing adjustment after stopping. Same issues I had.

05Bulldog · Aug 18, 2008

Also check the clutch cable itself. Mine broke at approx 7500 miles during a ride when I was 60+ miles away. Had to ride it home without a clutch!! Not for the meak or mild. Also if you have the clutch adjusted the mech MAY NOT get the (upper control) end of the cable housing completely against the stop. When it seats itself due to vibration you will loose 75% of the clutch pull. Another "Been there, done that"!!!

Fibersnake · Aug 25, 2008

loujr said:
Thanks for the quick replies.........
Well, I'm not one for taking too many chances, so I think I'll check the clutch basket nut first,......take that thing to 100ft pounds and then adjust the cable once again just to be sure. :2thumbs:

It may very well be the clutch nut, however it could also be the clutch breaking in. Mine did very similar things for the first 1000 or so miles and after that and especially after the 2500 check up, never another problem until I recently broke the clutch cable.

Also if you are going to check the clutch nut, you will have to remove the diaphragme and and pivot plate. If you do so, be careful putting it back together and make sure it is adjusted right to insure proper spring pressure. Since it under warranty, would have the dealer check it out if a basic clutch adjustment does not clear it up or if you do open up the primary and find that the clutch does not appear loose visual.

Just my 2 cents.

XTREEME · Aug 26, 2008

Same deal here. It got real bad after the 500 mile service.

Just dropped it off today for the TP rocker boxes/rockers/springs replacement to the superior S&S ones. They will also be fixing the clutch issue. They didn't look at all surprised when I explained the issue. Sounds like a common thing.

XTREEME · Aug 30, 2008

I am still somewhat shocked at how BDM makes so many frikken mistakes at the factory. Sure they are owning up to them and covering them like they should, but still, where is their QC ?

BTW Lou, cool paint choice.

P8RIOT · Sep 3, 2008

loujr said:
Well,.....just an update on my clutch issue. I got a phone call today from Gail at the BDM service center here in Wilmington, and she told me something to the affect that my clutch assembly was assembled wrong at the factory? Ok,???.........the mechanic there called big dog with my complaint, and BD told them that there were a few bikes that fell into a time frame where the clutches may have been installed wrong? My build date and VIN# indicated to BD that mine fell into that time frame? Ok,........ to make a long story short,........BD is sending Freedom Cycle an entire new clutch basket and clutch assembly to be replaced under warranty. Parts will take about 4 days to get there, but hopefully all will be good from there on! Great news!!! :2thumbs: and much kudooooooo's to BIG DOG and the guys, & Girls at Freedom Cycle! Thanks to all!!!

Hmmm. My 2007 K-9 is clearly developing clutch problems - slipping badly, and tends to creap in neutral.

Do you have any more detail on the dates/VIN's/models when this installation issue might have been a problem??

V · Sep 3, 2008

Glad you got it worked out:2thumbs: Nice lookin bike except those reflectors and down tube stickers:roll: :roll: Jus picken!

loujr said:
Well,.....just an update on my clutch issue. I got a phone call today from Gail at the BDM service center here in Wilmington, and she told me something to the affect that my clutch assembly was assembled wrong at the factory? Ok,???.........the mechanic there called big dog with my complaint, and BD told them that there were a few bikes that fell into a time frame where the clutches may have been installed wrong? My build date and VIN# indicated to BD that mine fell into that time frame? Ok,........ to make a long story short,........BD is sending Freedom Cycle an entire new clutch basket and clutch assembly to be replaced under warranty. Parts will take about 4 days to get there, but hopefully all will be good from there on! Great news!!! :2thumbs: and much kudooooooo's to BIG DOG and the guys, & Girls at Freedom Cycle! Thanks to all!!!

lee · Sep 3, 2008

P8RIOT said:
Hmmm. My 2007 K-9 is clearly developing clutch problems - slipping badly, and tends to creap in neutral.

Do you have any more detail on the dates/VIN's/models when this installation issue might have been a problem??

Hey P8 - go with a Bandit - I would personally rather pay for a Bandit than get a new clutch from BDM under warranty.

Clutch Issue or Not???

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