Clutch

[Race3119]

07 K9. I've adjusted the adjustment on the pushrod and clutch cable. Bike still wants to Lunge when shifting into 1st out of neutral. Should I turn the adjustment screw on pushrod (clockwise) or out (counter-clockwise) to help with this? It is currently backed out 1/4 turn like recommended.

 

[HMAN]

07 K9. I've adjusted the adjustment on the pushrod and clutch cable. Bike still wants to Lunge when shifting into 1st out of neutral. Should I turn the adjustment screw on pushrod (clockwise) or out (counter-clockwise) to help with this? It is currently backed out 1/4 turn like recommended.

Clutch can be a pia to get dialed in sometimes. They dont always like 1/4 turn. Some a little more some a little less. Keep trying n u'll find the sweet spot.

 

[Race3119]

Ok, thanks... I had backed it off a little but didn't seem to help. Didn't know if turning it in would hurt anything or not.

 

[HMAN]

Sometimes when you think you 'feel' the rod touch, ur still a bit off. Somebody will have a better answer. Id run it in a bit an keep looking for the sweet spot. It changes with clutch wear.

 

[Sven]

Could be one warped steel plate dragging the bike forward. No adjustment will help with that one plate catching the rest.

Stack the steels in hand and note the gap of the one plate (or more).

 

[Race3119]

I'll check that on a day that I can dig a little deeper into it

 

[Mr. Wright]

I adjust the rod 1/8" back. And adjust the cable till there is a dime width free play on the handle. Could be your clutch disks are a bit wore.

 

[Mickmorris]

I agree with Harry. I would try the adjustment again. May I ask why you had to adjust it? Was it pulling to begin with?

 

[Race3119]

It's always lunged when going into 1st...just thought I would try to adjust it out.

 

[Mickmorris]

Yeah so in that particular case I would say you need to go a little bit further past 1/4 after you touch the pushrod. That should engage the pressure plate a bit more. What’s the mileage on your existing clutch pack?

 

[Race3119]

13,500 miles

 

[Mickmorris]

13,500 miles

Have you ever taken it out to look at it & the basket and hub? I don’t know what kinda pulling you got going but if you can’t get it out in the pushrod adjustment… you might want to take a look inside.

 

[Race3119]

No, I haven't had it apart. I guess it's time

 

[HMAN]

Gotta wonder if the last person in there mixed up the clutch stack? If its done this since you got it especially. People do some really odd things to these poor Dogs.

 

[Race3119]

I don't think anyone has been in it, except fluid changes. It is possible though.

 

[Mickmorris]

I don't think anyone has been in it, except fluid changes. It is possible though.

Be great on those year models if you could just pull the derby cover and see what’s happening inside…unfortunately that’s not the case.

 

[Race3119]

Yeah, I tried that last night

 

[Race3119]

Wish there was a trustworthy Big Dog mechanic closer... I'd let them look at the clutch and the carb cough it has randomly.

 

[Mikeinjersey]

Yeah, I tried that last night

Give either of these methods a try. Very key in this adjustment is to have a lubricated push rod so its easier to feel when it is lightly seated. Lightly seated is a very subjective feel . Consider what your looking for, you want as much throw as you can get while still making sure the clutch plates are completely engaging when you release the handle.
Does your bike pull forward slightly when in 1st with the clutch pulled in? Does the problem seem less after you have ridden enough to warm up fluids? Fresh primary fluid can help a little as well.

 

[Race3119]

It doesn't pull after its in 1st with clutch pulled in...if it does..it is very very minimal. It does not get better after it is warmed up.