DOC HARLEY: EASIEST CLUTCH CABLE ADJUSTMENT 

I have always hated clutch lever adjustments. So when I had way to much free play on my 2019 heritage I was dreading having to adjust it. Watched your video twice and did the adjustment in less time that it took to watch the video once. What on earth possessed Harley Davidson to come up with something so simple , it’s so out of character for them! Great video thanks!

You just saved my bacon with this video,... I moved the clutch cable to the front... pushed the clips in and had all that freeplay... I needed the second step - so easy - THANK YOU SIR!

FINALLY DOC.... I had been waiting for this video for years.... I have to say, Im a marine diesel mechanic (not your average boat... I mean BIG diesels) and I had seen a lot of cool and unusual things... but this clutch system has to be the best thing a Harley engineer has EVERRRRR invented/designed .... ohhh my freaking God... its practically self adjusted!!!!.................(this made my day) ...Thanks Doc.

thank you! I was having so much trouble finding neutral and felt like an idiot every time I parked my bike. I followed this video and now my clutch is perfectly adjusted.

In theory, this is a good idea. But on my '21 RGS it doesn't work. After compressing the spring fully and ensuring the cable ferrule is properly seated in the clutch perch and the clutch lever is full forward, when I remove the red lock clip and release the spring tension then reinsert the red the red lock clip, I end up with inconsistent clutch lever play. The gap at the clutch perch obtained by pulling on the clutch cable will always be more than the 1/8" max allowable gap (sometimes up to 5/16"). The only way I can get the proper adjustment is to release the spring tension and then manually try to extend the spring further while installing the red lock clip. This new design would've been a whole lot better if the red lock clip was threaded to facilitate "fine" adjustment by rotating it around the threaded end of the cable (kind of like the old school design!!!).

I just followed your instructions and swapped out the HD levers for the 1FINGER fully adjustable levers on my 2021 Softail Standard. Couldn't believe how easy it was. Thanks so much Doc!!!

I adjusted the clutch on my 06’ E Glide twice in 12 years and 144K. I only adjusted twice because I didn’t like the way I did it the first time. Mech re installed clutch discs with 140K plus due to lack of wear. However some people can burn a clutch up in under 15K. To each their own

I took the Mrs’ Heritage out for about an hour yesterday. So much lighter than my Ultra Limited. Even with just the 107, it has a higher power to weight ratio than my 114. Some day I’ll be retired and I’ll be able to do lots of demo rides, too! That Indian seems very similar to a Street Bob, but with smaller bars. Nice little cruiser.

You have no idea, or maybe you do which is why you make these videos, but you just made me feel so much better about my situation! After a long ride my cable lever was loose as heck. I thought I was going to have to take it to a shop. Nope, not at all. After watching this video and 5 minutes in my garage, everything is back to smooth!!!!!

Thanks again doc. You saved me once again. Went to the dealership for an oil change, the clutch was feeling a little different. I asked them to give it a quick check as I'm going in a big ride tomorrow. Get it back, and there's no friction zone. It only grabs in the last 2mm as I release it. I rode it home like that, watched your video, now it's perfect. How could a dealership mess that up so bad? I called and they said "the tech took all the play out of the cable". The clutch felt so tight.

This video helped a ton! Had a lot of dead space in my clutch handle, this cleared it right up. Thank you!

Thank you so much for showing me this! I noticed on my ride home that my clutch lever was loose. Yay for me for having the exact bike that you are working on! :D

The only think I hate about the clutch cable adjustment on the M8 softail is you can’t set it to personal preference on the lever.

Doc Harley... That is an awesome way to adjust the clutch cable. I don't like to see plastic but it is what it is. They should have made it out of metal... Thanks for sharing it with us......

Wow! This is so much easier than I thought it'd be. Thanks for the video!

Agreed Doc! That is much quicker/easier than the traditional method. Praise the motor company for continuous improvements.

This is a very Kick-Ass piece of engineering. It reminds me of how the shifting linkage adjustment is done on a manual transmission of 2001 VW Beetle. You put this metal pin in a slot on the shifter while it's in neutral, that holds it in place. Under the hood, grab one of the two cables and pull back a fitting and release it. Then you put the shifter in reverse, pin it, and do the same with the other cable. It also happened to be the most impressive thing on the whole car.

I always heed the words of the 'Doc'. Great advice given in a very understandable manner 10/10 sir.

Great Video , I could do the old type with my eyes closed . Then I looked at my new 22 Street Bob and consulted with the shop manual and still really didn’t understand it . Then I thought of Doc ! Thanks again for your great informative Videos !

If after doing what you just showed us and the gap is greater than 1/8 inch, would be good to show how to do the fix adjustment under the derby cover. If the cable is OK, after loosening the lock nut, can you do the fix by just turning the adjustment screw (in or out?) slightly without going through the 'feel' process, then having back the screw out slightly? What about adjusting the cable/clutch screw under the derby cover so that the clutch lever friction point can be set where the rider prefers.

Thaks Doc. Simplicity itself. I'll have to look for the 5,000 mile adjustment video.

ok i watched it many times but I cant figure out how still to remove the slack of my clutch lever cable, I only understand is how to replace the lever

Hi Doc, I'm the owner of a new, (to me), 2004 Heritage Softail. It had 11,500 miles on it when I got it... Now, after a month, it's got about 11,800 miles. I know very little about HDs... And the stories are aplenty, about the one I own, in a spectrum of years, that offer failing cam chain tensioners, bad cam bearings, cam and tappet rollers, that are too soft on the surface glaze. Cam plates that either succumb to wear, or the lack of a bronze bushing, that allows crank 'runout,' to simply eat the aluminum plate. Or the runout causes the rotors in the oil pump to strike the inner walls of the pump housing, and destrioy the oil pump, and/ or more of the engine, from metal in the oilflow... On and on, I hear the bad things that are exiting the HD factory... Gone are the days, when a father could offer his son the 'hand-me-down,' car or motorcycle. Gone are the days when an American manufacturer, would stand behind their product, until the original buyer was dead, and maybe even longer! Maybe you're old enough to understand what I mean... I just wanted to thank you, for your excellence in the videos you produce for YT. Yourself, Twin Pro, J&P, Darkhorse, S&S, and others, give great info, tech tips, wrenching advice and more, all free to us less educated in all things mechanical... I told the HD dealership, that I could have went across the street, to the Yamaha dealer, and invested in a jap bike, and never gave it another thought... But I wanted to experience the HD world, that's always been around me, and be a part of the HD family... I was really sad, when I went in and saw, in all the patches, decals, signs and apparel, there was no longer an American flag in the mix... Not a single American flag, in a shop full of Harleys, that were supposed to be an 'American Icon...' I was wondering... Is Harley Davidson still even an American company? Or are they owned by foreign nationals, like Budweiser, or Smithfield Hams?

I find it interesting to do a major clutch adjustment after 5k miles. I believe I heard EVERY 5k, not just the initial. I have ridden 3k mile weekends! I have 40k+ miles on my bike with no apparent adjustment/change in lever pull/Freeplay. I gotta wonder if this scheduled maintenance is for all the fools that don't know how to use a clutch. You know, all the fools that can only pull away by reving the hell out of a long stroke torque monster to pull away from a stop sign. Yeah, this is a dig on many riders. If you ride like this, you are missing the beauty of a Harley; all of that low end torque. Ride safe all, and please ride. We the riders need to promote the activity. Doc, I appreciate your videos, thank you!

😂 watching this last night I had too much slack and did exactly what you showed us fixed it perfectly thanks Doc

Doc I'm waiting on parts for a engine rebuild it's coming up too 3 months. What's up Doc with Harley parts? Getting that should have bought a Honda feeling. So what's the hold up? Thanks.

my brand new 21 FLHTP has zero slack in the clutch cable. kinda upset about it. I've put a few hundred miles on it and finally decided to check to see if it's supposed to have free play.

Very helpful video,thanks!!!

Thanks Doc. Very easy.

This was very, very helpful! Thank you! 🙏

Thanks that was easy to do ...great video...

I'm waiting 2 months so far for top end engine rebuild under warranty for my 2019 Harley Davidson. Dealership has said there's no E T A or any light at the end of the tunnel blah blah. Why have I waited 2 months going on 3 with no end insight? Don't hide behind the Coronavirus my bike required work done under warranty before the coronavirus popped up. Please please explain Doc, you're in the know. Cheers in advance if you can be bothered explaining to me..

Don't let the dealer do it... that'll be a $200 clutch adjustment Lol

Great video Doc! Does H-D make the M-8 clutch cable for older Harleys? Thank you 🇺🇸

Thank You, Sir!

Great vid! Does Harley have an upgrade clutch for those of us who do a fair amount of riding in first gear in the “Gray Area” (like police motor training)? I have a 2016 RoadGlide and get stuck in heavy traffic (and yes, I’m a retired motor cop). Keep those vids coming. You are a natural teacher.

wow that was so cool. you are right so much easier. I have been wanting to replace the levers and have been hesitant. cool.

Thanks.

Am i the only one who missed the part where he adjust the clutch cable? push red pin, collaps the spring, lock back again the red pin, and go chang/clean your lever, go back to your adjuster and put back again the tension of the spring. aren’t you’re suppose to turn something on the adjuster? the top piece of the adjustor? turn when lock? or when pin is pushed out?

Lubing the cable is more fun but well worth it. You can pull it with one finger afterwards. You'll need a better than Harbor Freight snap ring pliers though. That pesky ring has tiny holes. Make sure to have a spare on hand. If not you'll surely lose it.

That just answered my question if we can do just that. Which means it is ok to adjust without removing the derby cover.

Doc, the clutch lever on my 2022 Fatboy, appears to be properly adjusted. It’s really hard to push bike with clutch lever pulled in while in gear. Should it be? Is “drag” normal, or should it push the same as if it were in neutral? 3700 miles on bike. Thanks. Great videos.

Great video as always Doc! Hey, I have a 2005 Roadking...can you just buy a post 2008 clutch cable like the one you show and convert it to fit my bike?

Thank you Sir!

You are a darn good fella Doc!

You’re the best!!! Video was just what I needed to change the clutch lever!!

Doc H, great video for servicing clutch lever play. any chance an earlier model Jam-Nut clutch cable could be installed? just an Ol' Dinosaur adjusting clutch play since 2004 on '98 FXDWG/'01 FLSTC/Buell P2 [hey, how'd THAT get in here??]. just prefer "the ol' waya doin' things" if possible. oh yeh, setting clutch plates no worries... just like i always dunnit. thanx. marklewis

You just saved me SO MUCH time. Thank you.

Doc Harley you saved me again

Too easy man thank you

What is the best way to fix your drain plug oils strip

What happens if after performing this procedure, including adjustment of the actual clutch plates ,there is still excessive freeplay?

Thanks Doc!

Do a video on what happens when that plastic part breaks. Throw it away and get the fat baggers adjuster.

good day Doc! can you tell me how to adjust my clutch cable..lol i just watched your vid on this and not sure if that is what i need, my clutch lever has to come all the way out before it will engage with 1st gear. i would like it to engage with gear when my lever is 1/2 to 3/4 out..(3/4 out would be perfect!) i recently purchased 2019 Road king and is all new to me! road a 08 fat boy and the clutch lever was perfect..can you help? thank you! Pete

Hi Doc! Thanks for another great instructive video. Can I suggest a video topic? Speedometers. Let me explain... I have a 1998 FLSTS Heritage Springer. The trouble is that the speedometer (well, the tacho bit anyway... the digitised/LED bar - y’know, the old-style grey-background LED with the black digital numerals) has been giving me trouble for quite a while now. The black numerals are faded to the point of non-existence. After a half-hour (getting longer all the time) of riding, the numerals gradually start to reappear... not greatly but just about readable. This has been getting worse all the time and taking a longer and longer warm-up to be able to see the numerals. What can be done about this?

I do all of this, step by step and can't get rid of slack play of 1/2 inch. Repeated 50x and still have too much play. Tried pulling cable too and red clip won't snap. PITA!

Curious how to adjust the friction zone on low rider st I feel it’s so close to all the way to the grip

Life saver! Best teacher in the world 👊

Great job, Doc. Always enjoy your videos. Keep up the stellar content.

Hey Doc sorry I’m on an older video. I have a 2011 Dyna Fat Bob. Sometimes it shifts smooth. Other times it takes a bit more push. Is it overfilled with oil? Or something else? Thanks

Thanks Doc, I was wondering about this. My 2023 FLH seems to not have enough freeplay, maybe a 1/16. I would like more. It seems to me that the release bearing [throwout] never gets a break, and I would like initial engagement to start to occur closer to the bars. Any way to correct this?

Thank you Doc

Where have you been all my life?!!!! Thank you sir! Just subscribed!

Hey Doc! Can you show how to remove the Brake lever? I heard about a small piece underneath it that can be broken if not done properly. Thanks a lot for the good Videos keep it up!

THANK YOUUUUUU

Hi Doc I enjoy your very informative videos. Could you do a clutch cable video for a 2021 Road / Street Glide as the cable is hidden on the left side.

My freeplay stays way too much after doing this on my 2018 Street Bob. Stock lever. Can that spring be too soft or what could be the reason? (My dealership doesn’t give a damn about it.)

Now please tell me that will retrofit to evo 1340! Yeah we still ride ‘em!

Any retro fit kits for 16 dynas? Thanks doc 👍

You are really good that’s why I follow you thank you

Wow, that’s a lot nicer than the way I had to do it on my 2009 Heritage. Thanks

Is the inside derby cover clutch adjustment process same for my 22 FLTRK (no service manuel yet) as it is for my 2010 FLSTC. ? Thanks

Thats amazing Doc thanks for making it keep safe.

Thats pretty slick. However, its gonna suck in about 10 years when that plastic clip.gets brittle and snaps the next time it sees a screwdriver

Hi doc, how about a how-to properly adjust the primary chain on a HD sportster, 2011 , xr1200x, too many iffy methods , needs your savvy . Cheers

Listen I'm a 55 year old boy from Chicago (but I reject city type life and everyone assumes I'm from the country) oh I started riding a mini bike when I was 4 years old had a sportster at 17 and bla bla bla 7 harleys later I'm a old man and I love to fo the work on my bike but alot of years I was a Union highrise carpenter building concrete forms allday so plenty of guys have worked on my bikes in the Chicago Harley Davidson service dept. and all of them were good mechanics but come on fellas???? Doc Harley is the top dog of all Harley mechanics!!!! No doubt about it!!!! Keep those wrenches swinging DOC!!!! You know your shit!!!!!

Great vid doc..All the best from 🇨🇦 stay safe and well. 🇨🇦/🇺🇸!!!!!!

Thanks for another helpful video

Can you adjust your engagement point though that adjustment?

Thanks bro, you’re the greatest

Hey Doc should i adjust when engine is cold or hot ?

Hey doc quick question. I have my cable disconnected and am adjusting internally via the derby cover. Can I adjust the clutch with the cable disconnected or am I wasting my time doing so?

Thats a great design they came out with, but as with all things plastic, its a failure point as it ages.

Doc - could you do a video on the more major clutch adjustment behind the derby cover? There are video's online for this, but a clear and consise one done by you would be good. Thanks Matt, Essex - United Kingdom

So I just changed my levers on my street glide st. I thought I had to pop the red clip put like you did And then spin the yellow tube to release the slack. But it didn't do it, now I spun it a ton but don't know where it was before, how do I re adjust it correct?

Unrelated question Doc, but what is the difference between EG 4 speed front ends and EG 5 speed front ends. I'm told that a headlight nacelle/cowl won't fit my '87 EG 5 speed, but my '96 EG 5 speed had the same unit I want for my '87. HELP!!!

Hello and thank you for the video. I have a 2021 Road Glide Special and when I loosen the red clip and compress the spring and snap the red clip back in, it does not hold the spring just pops back up and I cant make adjustments. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you, Doc! Bought the manual and your video makes it so clear!

Out for a ride yesterday and this "great" cable adjuster broke. The metal holding the cable end appears to be die-cast metal. It shattered. I made it home shifting without a clutch. Now the bike is laid up for a couple of days until the replacement part comes in. On the up side, it cost less than 4 buck. Which makes sense as it's a POS...

Thank you Doc.

Thank U

I did exactly what was shown here in this video to reduce the amount of free play in my lever and once I pushed the red tab back out to allow the spring to pop back out and then pushed the red tab to lock it back in it seems like my free play area got worse. Why?

Hey Doc. Are you going to do a vid on the 131"?

Hi Doc Do you do they make a cable like this for years prior ?

Thanks Doc! Great info!

DOC, I really enjoy your videos! A questions about levers and cables. I had the dealership move my handle bars forward some, but now I have to reach over the top to reach my clutch and brake levers, can these be rotated back some so I don't have to reach over the top so much? Thanks for any info.

Installed a longer clutch cable and ape hangers. Tried everything to get some slack to connect the lever , but barely any slack. What am I missing?

Doc, how to remove and replace the cable?

He should do voice overs LOL