I caught my 6-year old watching this video (it's in my liked videos so I can find it next week when I replace my clutch) and he was just riveted. I asked him "hey, do you like that?" and he just nodded with the biggest eyes, like he'd just discovered something very cool. Runs in the family I guess. I'll get him to help me in the workshop next week - thanks Hammer Dan!
One-shot video, I've never seen such a passionate, professional and user-friendly supplier. As I look for more sportster articles and forums on the internet, I'm now more sure why people always say: HAMMER ALL THE WAY!
Awesome video Dan. Thanks for the tutorial. Your clear explanations raise the confidence level in performing the swap. I appreciate your not editing out the slight mistakes. It makes it so much more down to earth knowing that even the best consult the manual.
I am so glad this tutorial exists. Between the service manual and RU-vid, there isn't much a fella can't do to his Sporty! I have been waiting for my clutch tool since pre covid and it got lost in the mail. I got a refund, and ordered another one.....then the new one was delivered to me a week ago....and the very next day the original one was delivered hahaha now I have 2 tools.....and 1 clutch to use them on😂 I will be tackling the clutch this morning sometime, just trying to locate some primary fluid first! Wish me luck, I can't wait to dump it and rip that tire!!!
Worth the watch, owned a Buell X1 Lightning for a year, 2nd gear blew out. In process of replacing transmission, this video has great info, and the primary fluid pain was worth it too! Primary disassembly video is a great video as well, if anyone needs a starter, clutch, or in my case a transmission!
I’ve been watching your videos and I’d like to say there are great you guys really show and tell the public how to do things most shops won’t , it’s always been like a big secret on how to work on Harley-Davidson’s with most shops, thanks for the videos
cant thank you enough, Dan! watched several other videos and swapped my clutch. Needless to say, I had problems with my clutch. Watched your video and everything now works great! From now on I'm watching your videos first! Great job, keep up the great work. Again, thank you.
Great video, close ups and instructions. When I pull my softail primary cover, I grab a cardboard box, poke holes in it and secure the bolts in the order they came off in.
Thanks for the clear guidance on this one. Had never done a harley clutch before. This video got me through this job from stem to stern in 2 hours. Thanks to hammer perf. team. Now just gotta get my 1275 kit ordered up for for my 2013' 48.
Thanks fo this man. I went ahead a fixed my clutch. As I'm watching it I said to myself "I should go ahead and make a coffee" ya know for a quick energy boost before I go ahead and take this project on. So I went ahead and made a cup followed by going ahead and heading into the garage and going ahead and getting a head start on going ahead and fixing my clutch.
Thank you for this amazing well detailed video. I like how calm you are for a mechanic and even when you had to go back it was no worries and no stress. Best clutch video I have seen so far and I have a R1 as well and that clutch is a shit show. Be safe out there y'all!
This is the best walk through I have found on this topic! Seriously thank you for this. I recently did a stage IV on my roadster and it feels like the clutch slips when I really get on it, so upgrading to a performance clutch is on my radar. I was dreading having to take it to the dealership to do the work, but watching this I really think I can pull this off myself. Ive played with adjusting the stock clutch to no avail, I was thinking that maybe just upgrading to a stronger clutch spring might resolve the issue as well, but might just do the full kit since I am going to be in there.
I like the complete, comprehensive video that show the entire process of installing the clutch pack and all adjustments, fluid levels, and covers. Too many, if any, videos do not show the entire process from beginning to end. Most just stop somewhere and then reference an earlier or later video they did on, for example, adjusting the clutch cable at the lever. I like my friction zone to start closer to the grip. But I worry of I'm disengaging the clutch enough. So I put the lever spacing at the recommended spacing. Very good video. Thank you.
Hey brother thanks for the video super informative for my first time ever doing 1 on a hogg So thanks another I will b getting ahold of yall for that 1275 big bore thanks
Watch the video several times and then read the procedure in the HD Service Manual. I barreled in, over compressed and broke my pressure plate. Dan was a HUGE help getting me out of the mess and gave me a fantastic web site for buying HD parts. I do have some tips to share. First, I did not replace the oil seal around the shifter pole. So when I tried putting the primary cover back on I kept knocking the gasket off. I finally put the gasket onto the primary cover and dropped the dowels into the cover as well. Then I ran a small zip tie through each dowel which let me push the primary cover over the oil seal while pushing the primary chain behind the cover. Once aligned I cut the zip ties and secured the cover with screws. The service manual clearly indicates which screw are long and which are short. Second, the O-ring behind the clutch inspection cover kept falling out of place as I tried to put the cover on. I used four little dabs of sticky red boat trailer axel grease to hold the O-ring in place and the cover went on without a hitch. Thanks Dan for the video and the help. BTW - the Hurricane Air Cleaner I bought from you folks years ago in Colorado is still working just great!
A few months ago i did a screaming eagle stage IV kit on my 2017 roadster and recently the clutch started skipping. I teied adjusting it a few way to no avail so armed with this video i picked up the extra plate clutch kit and successfully (thats largely to this walk through) swapped out my clutch. Once i got in there the grenade pkate had lived up to its name, im glad i didnt keep riding where damage could have been caused. Rode today and its better than ever. Huge difference over the stock, tons of power actually making it to the pavement that i was losing on the stock set up. Thank you!
Just done a clutch swap on my 1200 conversion, used the BDL kit, Harley formula+ oil. Always a little nervous on first start up arnt we 😂 shouldn't have worried, much smoother into gear, nice weight on the clutch lever, more but comfortable. This video is great to have on hand, the manual says it in words, but seeing is so much easier! Thankyou, another job conquered ready for summer when it arrives.
Great job. FINALLY, a tube video that takes the time to explain EVERY detail. So many others just jump around and edit. Skipping important, to the DYI'er, steps. Thanks!
Thanks. I’ve rewatched this multiple times. Currently siting in front of my primary with about 3/4 of a qt of wasted brand new oil... should’ve waited and listened to hear you say don’t forget the plug lol. you live & learn
I installed the Energy One clutch back in 2019 and it’s still awesome….even more so now that I have the Hammer 1275 in my Sporty! Can’t thank you and Aaron enough for helping me getting my bike built up. This bike goes like a rocket. Certainly more than I need most of the time but when I do need that boost of power oooh baby it sure is there! ✌️ from Xena here in Massachusetts! Oh and lefty here too. 😜
Hey Hammer, thanks to this video on Sportster Primary/Clutch I was able to correct my ‘05 XL1200c two shifting problems, (1). It was dragging in neutral at running temp. soon after changing the oil. ( I had about 3 ozs too much oil in it ! ) My “Maintenance Manual” requires 32 ozs NOT 29 which is what filled the Primary case to bottom of the aluminum clutch Basket, as you said. (2). It was shifting hard into 1st gear. ( I adjusted the clutch Cable & Primary again to the Manual, WRONG or maybe not EXPLAINED as completely as you have! ) I’ve been monkeying with this PITA for Way Too long and just today, Easter Sunday after my family disappeared, she’s shifting smoothly as ever without any slip or drag. Again thank you Very much for the details you always explain so well, not only How but Why. Uncle Fudd < N.PA
After watching this for the 100th time I mustered up the courage to install my extra plate kit... finished at 11pm. Wait till tomorrow to feel the results. Oh boy am I anxious
Thanks for , "the how to" my first clutch job and stock clutch kit.change to an extra plate as that inner sping plate did disasemble in my primary case , like you said it would.with your help I got her done.thanks again
That “compression spring” in the stock clutch is called a “judder spring”. It is supposed to prevent clutch chatter. Automotive transmissions use some type of this for chatter, application smoothness, plate separation etc. Great videos, thank you for your work👍
Very methodical demonstration, I learned a great deal of clutch service. I have clutch slipping problem, wanted know how to handle, but haven't found answer in this video nor any other video. Sooner or later one will face clutch slipping problem ! My bike has < 30,000 miles, it is happening, clutch slips. Was interested learning what to do, check RU-vid everywhere, but no conclusive answer. Adjusting clutch cable is trivial, but it does not work if you have worn clutch plates. Few places suggested sanding the steel plates against 220 grit, so & so... but don't seem to be so nice things to do and don't know that little roughing will last long. There aren't any video that solidly tell you how to handle usual clutch slipping. I have wasted many hours on Web. After careful studying of clutch working PRINCIPLE, I have concluded that slipping can easily be taken care of !!! JUST PERFORM STANDARD CLUTCH ADJUSTING PROCEDURE IN THIS VIDEO, and you'll have solid clutch working again !!! (unless you have very very old, thoroughly worn plates, so that the spring plate fully expanded, no longer give pressure) I have done this and my clutch working beautiful again. I guess "clutch service" for slipping will charge you a lot, but it's a trival task by bike mechanic in 10 minutes. If there is any interest to know why, I'll follow up later.
Thank you guys for making this video! I just recently bought the 1250 kit from you guys and I'm installing an extra plate kit with the 25 percent stronger spring. So this will come in real handy!
my clutch basket got gouge in the middle from inside from having the stock clutch set, thank god i caught it on time i had revits going all over the place, definitely upgrading to a extra plate clutch, thank you for the video!!
Hello! Thanks for the video, it's very useful. Do you have any suggestion for softening the clutch? I also replaced my stock clutch with a Barnett extra plates kit and a heavy-duty diaphragm clutch spring . It's way too stiff now, especially riding around town.
Thank you! I'm thinking of going with a high performance clutch on my 2014 sportster custom 1200 Recluse is what I'm thinking I live in Phoenix, AZ. The heat is crazy I'm thinking the rekluse will handle the heat better Your thoughts?
Hi, thanks for great video. I installed an Energy One High Performance extra plate clutch kit, according this. After installation there's a chirp/squeal every time I take off in first. Very noticeable. I can eliminate the chirp if I take off real slow. Do you have an idea how to fix this? Thanks!
Fantastic video. I have 2016 xl1200c . A little over 8000 miles on it. Stock clutch. I want to remove the grenade ring. Stage 1 only build but i do get on it pretty good. Should i wait?
Great video. I have a hd , sportster, xr1200x, 2011 model, which replacement clutch kit do you recommend for street use , stock motor, and I do not have gorilla arms! Keep up the good work 👍
I have a buell blast and my clutch is stuck engaged basically acting as if it’s in neutral. I’m thinking that riveted piece may have come apart. Would it cause that? Clutch cable and clutch adjustment is good
Thanks so much for this - has made installing my Energy One very straightforward in my 2010 sporty. just for clarity I adjusted the clutch to half a turn after the tight spot @ 36:50, some manuals suggest 1/4 turn. Just interested to hear your advice. Thanks heaps in advance - Simmo
Quick question, how much play should my clutch hub basket have in it? its got a slight wobble in it and im wondering if I should replace the bearing for it.
Just put a extra plate kit on my 2000 Sporty, but noticed that the primary chain tensioner boot had grooves on it , should I replace it or can I still reuse it.
Great video. This video helps me understand my 1991 HD 1200 better. ah did note the jam nut or locking nut for the primary chain adjustment block is on upside down, not a big deal. The flat seal on the jam nut goes towards the transmission case I would think? Helps seal the case. There's a land milled into the transmission case for that flat seal to crush against. : )
You can also pour your primary fluid into your primary through your inspection cover plate too if you dont take your derby cover off when you change the fluid
As soon as my roadster is run in, I’m going to get the stroker pack or whatever is biggest torque. I like the bike but need to use all this new found knowledge. Not sure if I need the revs. I need to find the best videos to determine what to do. Obviously shipping to Australia is a thing for a cost. I’d love to hear from anyone who has done it.
i changed my clutch pack out with Barrnett extra plate set and new clutch cable shifts smooth but cannot get it to go into Nutral unless moving or motor off
Is there any harm in using the primary fluid you used to soak the friction plates & then reusing it to fill the primary? I only have one quart & not sure if there’s any harm soaking the plates with a different fluid like 20W50 twin cam fluid then filling it with the recommended clutch oil
Man this is a great help. I have a 2005 1200, would an extra plate kit be recommended for it as well? I don't plan to upgrade the engine unless I have to do a tear down. Also, how difficult is it to get the starter out at this point, or it is recommended to pull the primary chain/assembly? It was mentioned in a another teardown video that starter CAN be pulled out without going much further
Also thank you for that 1/2 wrench method! I'm guilty of overfilling the primary with a full quart. I smell something new/not fuel. Not sure it's burning off, but maybe it's coming out as you mention. I'll be more calculated in the future
not quite sure about the clutch at the handle,, are you saying that when you squeeze the lever you should have at least the width of a quarter or a little better when you squeeze the lever fully?? ..... regards albert collins, p.s. i found this video very informative also. i have a 1993 sportster and getting ready to do the clutch thing ,, wish me luck,, lol
Love your videos Dan. I do have a question for you though. I hear from a lot of guys that I should ditch my stock clutch pack due to the ticking time bomb of the brass riveted “grenade” spring. You mentioned in this video that if you’re pulling a lot of HP it’s a good idea or an aggressive rider. At least, not yet, I haven’t modified my bike to qualify as drag & I’m a pretty sensible rider ( with my occasional excuses to rid by bike of blow by of course). Would you recommend swapping out the clutch pack on a 2005 XL1200C with 11 k miles? Thanks.
well, its kind of a personal call. Me personally, I would swap out the clutch just because. Especially if I'm doing any kind of performance upgrades to my bike.
Mine wasn't hard ridden and the spring plate came apart jamming the clutch to the point where I couldn't compress it and had to cut off the spring retainer ruining the pressure plate.
Great video…one question though. I am looking to do my clutch in the coming weeks or as fast as I can get a service manual. My bike is an iron 883 2019…do I have to get the 2019 manual or can I get by with a 2018? I found one at a very reasonable price compared to the 2019…not sure if I had to have my specific year or not. Thanks in advance.
Very nice video and I will try to do the same. According to my parts list, normal clutch consists of 6 steel plates , 8 friction plates, and one spring plate. And if you remove spring plates, we should need 8 steel plates and 9 friction plates, that means we need additional two steel plates and one friction plate. Is that correct ?
Let me say thanks for the video. I was following along with your method to do the clutch replacement, got as far as putting the spring compressor on and noticed cracks in the pressure plate, started slowly compressing and then the pressure plate broke at the small snap spring and the adjusting rod came out. I now need to know to get the spring compressed to get the pressure plate off. Will i have to remove the entire clutch assembly to do so. I know its alot to ask, but you guys know your stuff. Thanks so much.
ya, the best way is to remove the whole clutch basket. than maybe you can use a press to collapse the spring to take it apart. Or maybe take it to a harley dealer to see if they can take it apart for you.
Thanks. I set up my laptop in the garage and followed your steps. Saved myself a ton on labour costs and my sportster shifts like butter now. Lots of rivets in the clutch... poor design by HD!
Hi Dan, i bought a ALTO RED EAGLE CLUTCH friction plates only KIT, can i install new clutch friction plates and OEM steel plates without that middle compression rubbish grenade plate but using only the 8 pieces friction kit and steel plates alternate of course,? since the Burnett its 9 pieces and i cannot afford to buy here in UK, its double price, my driving is mostly cruising style, but if that granade mibble garbage bit is ok shall i put it back on again?
i put a Barnett clutch on my sportster as a preventative move against the grenade plate/spring plate that Harley puts in the stock clutch also putting in the Barnett stronger spring! Followed everything you showed soak the frictions 20 minutes friction first and last, put it all back together again only to find I can shift the gears with the foot lever without even depressing the clutch hand lever! In other words the clutch is constantly engaged! Any suggestions Dan on to what is causing this! Barnett didn't have an answer! I did verify I had the right clutch for my year and model and they assured me I did and that same guy I mentioned reusing the stock spring he thought that might help! So if that does't work I'll have no choice but to reinstall the stock clutch with grenade plate or have F'n Harley charge me a fortune to figure out!
I don't know what's wrong with your clutch, but the fact that Barnett isn't helpful is awfully familiar. There's a reason we don't sell their stuff. My experience with that company has been nothing but trouble.
Thank you Brother...I will defenitly order the parts I need for my 2012, 1200 C sportster and install myself..the shop want an arm and a leg...if you know what I mean... I've already done Mose of the maintenance myself..primer oil, adjusting chain, adjusting cable & by the hub clutch adjustment...can't be afraid of this...I got this (I hope :))....Thanks again..& God Bless
Thanks for the DIY. I have a suggestion to make, use a piece of plastic pipe to extend the nozzle of the funnel so its easier to pour the oil in the cavity. I have one question, how can I restrain the noise and the bang on the gearshifter of my Harley Iron 883? I m used to driving Japanese motorbikes whos gear shiifter is as smoooth as ever.!!
I have an 07 sportster 883 converted to a true 1200 my question is I can never adjust my clutch to let out where I would like I would like it to start engaging closer to the bar I've done the half turned inside the case I've done one turn and adjust the free play on the cable it never seems to be where I want unless I have massive slop in my lever.. My buddy has a 05 believe it is sportster 1200 his lets out right off the bar I've never been in It to see what the difference is but I was just wondering what I could do to make it engage closer off the bar. I have the barrnett extra plate kit in it
