Have you swapped out the upper clutch cable on your bike? How did it go and did you come up with any tips you can share? Once you get the hang of the process you can really knock it out quickly.
It won’t cause the red button to engage automatically - probably easiest to compress the spring and press in the red clip before snapping the new one onto the lower clutch cable, but you can experiment. Once you get in there it’s all easy to work with. But I wished I had an extra hand a couple of times :) Let me know how it goes!
No not as yet I needed to get some info on how to do it with these new clutch cable setups very techy now bikes a BIG change from my first bike a 1959 BMW when things were simple but I do love my 2020 Softail
I understand completely! If you ever need to do that clutch hub adjustment it’s quite simple and you’ll have no problems doing it yourself if you’re so inclined.
Done and dusted it was a breeze 10 leisurely minutes and it was done thanks for the information / video made it an easy job, now to do the top brake line
This video was extremely helpful. Noticed my clutch cable binding on Thursday took as look at it and it’s ready to snap. Over nighted a new one and installed it this evening, for the three day weekend, thanks to this video,
Hey sportstyle - thanks for the kind words! Glad it was helpful. And if you want a sticker send me a DM on Telegram, Instagram or Signal with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
Hey Zack Britton - thanks for the feedback - so glad this was beneficial! If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
@@RonsWorkshop Hey Ron I'm putting 13inch T bars on my 2020 Lowrider S and trying to figure out what length upper clutch cable I need. Even the harley dealership in town could help me out. Any advice would be appreciated. Love the channel will definitely hit you up for a sticker
Hey Zack - I installed 17” apes with stock risers and I needed a 46” upper clutch cable. Lol I tried 49 and 44 before I got it right. So you *should* be able to base it off of mine, so maybe the 42” upper? There’s a link to the list of Harley upper clutch cable part numbers in the video description. Let me know if that helps, and for the channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
I just changed out my handlebars on my 21 Road Glide Special and needed more slack on my clutch cable. I ended up having to reroute it to fix my issue. Your video helped me tremendously and is much appreciated!
Hey Michael - thanks for the kind words! I’m so glad it was helpful. And if you want a sticker send me a DM on Telegram, Instagram or Signal with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
Thanks to your most excellent video, removing my old clutch cable and installing the new clutch cable was a breeze! Kudos to you, sir. Now, finding a new clutch cable was a whole other story. Mine was at least 3 months back ordered, but thanks to eBay, I found the one I needed. Thanks again for putting up this video! You’re saving a lot of people a lot of headaches.👍🏻
Thanks for the tips, I got that clutch adjustment exactly where I like to feel it..thanks man have a great day, and again appreciate your extra and exact pinpoints that took out the extra work for me..
Thanks for the video, it was helpful to me as I was not privi to the new type clutch adjuster which I decided had to go. You're video helped me to detach the cable using a few more tricks. Lifting the retainer clip on the upper cable while pushing the end of the cable out of it's cradle enough to slip the cable out. After removing the stock adjuster and spring, I then slipped in the new Fat Baggers easy clutch adjuster and o-ring, then reattaching the cable back in place. The freeplace adjustment is now back to simple nut wrench tools and a parts that won't suddenly strip out and break.
Hey J Rametta - thanks for the encouragement and for sharing your project. Sounds like it worked out perfectly! That fat baggers clutch adjuster seems like a nice addition.
Has anyone else had the new clutch cable come in, and it doesn’t come with the full two piece yellow housing? Only comes with the top portion. I got mine all put together thanks to your video, but the aftermarket small yellow housing doesn’t snap into the big yellow housing like the stock one. I don’t think it will matter as it is held by the cables but, if someone could help that would be awesome! Great vid
Hey Jeremy - the complete yellow housing should be on the upper clutch cable, and then the lower clutch inner cable has a ball end that is held captive inside the yellow piece. Are you seeing something different than that?
yes - and those tabs and little clip things- they won't ever dry out, become brittle and then break off when you even slightly try to move them. Nope- no way. Harley couldn't figure out how to make a reliable and trouble free hydraulic clutch so now we gotta deal with this thing. ????? Anyway- thanks for making the video; wasn't ranting on you. Ride Safe Everybody.
Hey Satyo - thanks for the feedback - let me know how the projects go! If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
Wow super fucking detailed and excellence in editing for this video. earned my sub my dude! Needed a visual guide for adjusting stuff on my fxlrs. Thanks again ron
Hey Scott - I’m so glad it was helpful, and thanks for the kind words! If you want a sticker send me a DM on Telegram, Instagram or Signal with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
@@RonsWorkshop First off I appreciate you and your page!! So why does this keep popping out? I thought it was the top half of the cable but maybe i just need to adjust the clutch as per your other video?
Hey Jeff - thanks for the kind words! Is it that red button down at the adjuster that’s popping out, or something else? And how many miles since the last clutch adjustment?
@@RonsWorkshop Dude you are the man! Went to adjust the clutch as per your video and that nut was one thread away from trashing my clutch! You and your videos are great and I'm a fan for life man! Thank you I'd love to send pics and vids if you'd like?
@@jeffparker8476 I'm so glad to hear that - and thanks for the kind words! You can send the pics to @RonsWorkshop on Telegram, Instagram or Signal, or get the email address by visiting the the channel page using a desktop computer (ru-vid.comabout) then clicking on "View email address" - I'd put it here but RU-vid strips out email addresses.
Hey Jack - glad it was helpful! I’ve got another video about the friction zone and how the clutch hub adjustment range affects it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xnD6rnGf5oI.html And if you want a sticker send me a DM on Telegram, Instagram or Signal with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
This is what I needed, because I just recently experienced some issues with my upper Clutch Cable inner liner crumpling up towards the lever causing a clutch slippage feel. I just want to ask if you or anyone ever experienced this, and what did you do? I have a 2019 FXDR114..... and first thing tomorrow, im going to do what you showed and replace it myself....!! Its better than waiting 4 weeks to see a replacement part arrive to our local Harley Shpp 😩🤔
Hey Mēģģët pAńGiE - glad this was useful for you! I haven’t had any problems with the liner. Let me know how it goes when you tackle it and if you want a channel sticker send me a DM Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
Hey verne_141 hughes - so glad it was helpful! I’ve also covered how to do the adjustment down at the hub if you ever need it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xnD6rnGf5oI.html
My pleasure! I’m glad it was helpful. If you need any info on doing the clutch hub adjustment you can check this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xnD6rnGf5oI.html
Hey I Singh - thanks for the kind words! I’ve covered the clutch hub adjustment and friction zone in a recent video as well. If you ever need that, here’s the link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xnD6rnGf5oI.html And if you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
I like a graphite lube like this one. I let it run down the inner cable from the top, until it comes out below. No risk of it getting gummy or sticky. amzn.to/458zLOf
I know you get a lot of request, but I have yet to find a video on removing the rear tire on a 2018+ Heritage. A lot of stuff looks different from the 2017 and earlier models.
Hey Ron been a While!! No one seems to be asking a very important ?-- How do you measure the upper cable? I'm thinking that it is from the bottom plastic to the pinion hole. Is that right? Brian
Great question - but I don’t have a good answer. The did mine the hard way, trying three different lengths until I found the best one. Let me know if you find the proper method!
Hey Cunningham - yeah, that's the tricky part for sure. I think I had the top end of the cable hanging free when I reconnected it down at the yellow adjuster. But even if I didn't, it would definitely make it easier and give more to work with. Let me know how it goes...
The new design is kind of dangerous for rookie bike wrenchers, be careful. thing came lose on me after changing to some shorty levers, bike almost went through the garage..lol
Hey Blake - those are Lucky Speed Shop 6blocc shorty levers. I really like them a lot and did a video series on them - here’s a link to final video in the series: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-kzVcvNa64Qs.html
Hey ron, seems like the ridges on my red clip is worn out and when i put tension on the spring and squeeze the red clip to lock it in place, the stem just releases on its own and doesnt stay locked with the red clip. Would this be a problem?
Hey zephyrboy69 - well, it could be. You could slide the the black cover over it and test it out but it could be a bit risky. In the video description I’ve listed the Harley part numbers for the red clip and the yellow adjuster in case you have to replace either of them. Let me know how it goes.
Yea i tried to install it with two zip ties holding the red clip tighter. As soon as i pulled the clutch it collapsed again. I will have to get a new red clip. Let you know how that goes
Ron could you tell us what brand and model is the Snap Ring tool you are using for the pin, I swear I’ve ordered cheap and descent ones but the tip sizes are always to big. If you have a link that would be great. I always use a needle nose pliers.
Hi Ron, thank you for the great Video. I changed the handlebars on Ma Street Bob 2020. Now i need a shorter Upper clutch cabel. How do you measure the length of the cable. From the outside Clutch Handle To the end of the yellow plastic+ black plastic? Best wishes from Germany
Hey Matthias - ok, so this *should* be a fairly accurate way to measure the upper clutch cable. I measured mine from the edge of the clutch perch to the bottom of the red clip on the yellow part to get a measurement that matches the specs on my upper clutch cable. Here is a list of upper clutch cable lengths and part numbers - let me know if this helps: cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdforums.com-vbulletin/779x804/upper_cllutch_cable_2_2d51a93c44bf296d0812a88a5aaba8055b38afb7.jpg
New here. 2019 heritage. Putting on 14in apes. Sure question asked stock upper clutch cable not on chart. Don’t want too much cable sticking up. Will 40in work for my application? Keep up the good work. Thank man
Hey Gary - I’m using a 46” upper clutch cable with 17” apes. If you like that length based on the way my bike looks you could go with 43” upper. Thanks for the feedback! If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
Ron, I bought the Magnum upper clutch cable and it does not have the yellow housing coupler. Can the yellow coupler come off the old and go on the new upper clutch cable?
Hey Donald - I don’t think so. The yellow adjuster is attached to the lower clutch cable, and there’s a coupler inside that connects the upper and lower cables together. I’m guessing the Magnum cable is the one-piece style?
@Ron's Workshop I think you are right. This will be the first time switching out a clutch line. Put on 16 inch apes. Already replaced and rewired the new bars just have to switch out clutch and front brake lines. Thank you for your response!
I had to buy the upper clutch cable for my 2019 Softail but couldn't find information on how Harley Davidson determines the length of the cables they are selling. Help would be appeciated.
Hey THE_ELECTRICIAN - ok, so this *should* be a fairly accurate way to measure the UPPER clutch cable. I measured mine from the edge of the clutch perch to the bottom of the red clip on the yellow part to get a measurement that matches the specs on my upper clutch cable. Let me know if this helps.
I am planning on adding 5.5in pull back risers to my 2020 FXLRS. The risers require a reroute of the clutch cable from inside the triple clamp to outside. Do you think I will need to completely disconnect the upper clutch cable from the assembly in order to reroute it?
Hey benjieswork4me - it’s probably easiest to remove the pivot pin at the lever to disconnect the cable and then reroute it. The only hassle with that is the little circlip on the pivot pin, so get the pliers if you don’t have them. Removing the top end is easier than disconnecting the bottom. Is the stock cable long enough to use the risers? You might need a longer one.
I have a 2021 HD Lower rider s. I installed 8 in pull back risers, keeping stock bars. So I needed a longer clutch cable. Magnum said I needed a 6 ft new clutch cable. So I ordered it. That thing goes from handlebars down underneath the bike and around reaching to the clutch compartment on right sight of bike. But why would I need to drop the tranny fluid and open that compartment up to add that in when I’ve got the quick release up by the front of the bike? Wasn’t that the whole purpose of HD adding that in there for convenience? Not sure how they would’ve gotten confused but I just assumed they knew what that bike needed after I told them all the parts that I bought and what I was doing. Could you confirm if I need to send that long clutch cable back and get a shorter one that only reaches to the quick release from the clutch lever on the handlebars? Simple measurement to me would solve the issue and let them know it magnum
Hey GreenHouseMortgage - you are correct in that the new two-piece cable makes it really easy to swap out the top half for bar changes, etc. it sounds like magnum sent you a traditional cable. That may be that HD is the only one making the new two-piece parts, but I have no idea. If you click “show more” on this video description you can find a link to a chart that shows the upper clutch cable lengths and part numbers. That’s what you’re looking for. Let me know if that helps and what you end up with. And if you want a sticker send me a DM on Telegram, Instagram or Signal with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
Hey there Ron, If I want to replace my upper segment of my black color clutch cable , from the lever just to the yellow part , and change it for a braided one (for example), is it doable? I mean , do they sell the upper part alone (from the lever to the yellow plastic? If so , please guide me to the method my friend. Thank you in advance 👍👍👍
Hey there! It looks like Magnum makes several different braided upper clutch cable options that are compatible with the two-piece system: bit.ly/3OoA0KU Let me know if decide to try one!
@@RonsWorkshop Ron , I found it at Dennis Kirk’s , I have installed a 16” ape handlebar dominator on my soft tail standard, so I ordered a 50” one , it says it fits my bike , let’s see how it goes. 👍
Questions I have a 2021 road glide. And they came out with clutch cables instead of hydraulic clutch. If I wanted to install 16in ape hangers, could I do this top cable change out?
Hey Mrchevy305 - from what I can tell it looks like it's the same two-piece clutch cable that you see here in this video, but it looks like on the 2021 Road Glide the adjuster is on the right side of the frame. If you find that adjuster, pop the clamp off the frame, and slide the plastic cover up you can check out the yellow adjuster. If it looks like what you see in the video you should be good to go. Here's a link to the different length upper clutch cables that work on the softails (presumably the same for yours): cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdforums.com-vbulletin/779x804/upper_cllutch_cable_2_2d51a93c44bf296d0812a88a5aaba8055b38afb7.jpg
hey man i just came across your page and subscribed great video i am in the process of new handle bars on my fxlrs and cannot find an extended upper clutch cable like the one your running. do you have any suggestions. the only thing i can find are full cables. thank you
Hey John - welcome to the channel! You’ll find this handy - it’s a list of Harley OEM part numbers for the various upper clutch cable lengths: cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdforums.com-vbulletin/422x435/upper_cllutch_cable_2_2d51a93c44bf296d0812a88a5aaba8055b38afb7.jpg Let me know if that helps. If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
This link for these cables is exactly what I was looking for, also replaces bars on the FXLRS, but now I’m perplexed as to the proper measurement of the cable. Any tips on if it is the cable sheathing, cable itself, down to the total end of the yellow adjuster?
Hey Ronald - ok, so this *should* be a fairly accurate way to measure the UPPER clutch cable. I measured mine from the edge of the clutch perch to the bottom of the red clip on the yellow part to get a measurement that matches the specs on my upper clutch cable. Let me know if this helps. If you want a channel sticker send me a DM on Telegram or Instagram with the mailing info @RonsWorkshop
It did work actually. The stock cable is about 33”, so overall I went with a 42” cable which should be more than plenty for the 14” lan splitters I put on there. Not gonna lie, I absolutely love this clutch set up now that I understand it. Can’t wait for it to come in. I really appreciate the support, your video and response helped tremendously, especially compared to the dealership.
Would this be the same for the fxfbs? I can't seem to remove the coupler on the stock upper cable in order to reuse on the aftermarket longer clutch cable. Please help!
Hey Warren - I think it is the same but I haven’t seen it firsthand. Do you see the little metal tab that is bent down over the top of the cable ball end? It can be a bit fiddly trying to get it to release after you bend the metal tab up.
@@RonsWorkshop Yes, I see the metal tab and I was able to use it to detach the two cables but the coupler doesn't seem to be removable from the upper cable.
Ahhh - there are a couple of plastic fingers at the bottom of the yellow part. Gently pry them outward and once they release you can remove it. I think there are two of them.
My cable broke somewhere under that plastic cover the other day. Not even at 200 miles yet on the bike. Curious as to what part failed or if it wasn’t installed/adjusted correctly. I was lucky that I was in my neighborhood already so I rode home in 2nd and popped it into neutral in the driveway.
Hey Jeff - that’s strange! I wouldn’t expect anything like that. Let me know what you find if you get into it. I wonder if it broke or just came disconnected at the coupler between the upper abs lower cables. Glad you were close to home!
Hi Ron my bikes done 230 miles only I went to put on my Oberon clutch lever followed all your instructions that are very clear thanks when I went to engage a gear the clutch was not clearing tried the adjustments numerous time no good put my original lever back on still no good any ideas Thanks Paul
Yes Ron I did this on the new lever I was trying to fit about 6 times then I came across we’re you said you had trouble so I put my original one back on still dragged the clutch tried the adjuster loads of times still the same it’s strange ??
@paulbodypumper1 yeah that is strange. I’m not sure what is going on. It’s the same clutch cable, right? And you didn’t make any changes down at the clutch basket?
I have a 2018 Fat Boy 107, it has ape hangers , I changed to a short riser and cable is way too long. I need the upper cable replacement to be 48 to 49 inches Where can I get just the upper cable, Local Harley shop says you have to buy upper and lower cables, ordered the cable they said was like the new cable, it came in wrong it was old style. Where can I get just the upper cable or both pieces if necessary. I mean the new style cable. Thanks
Hey Ray - check out this list of upper clutch cables - they are definitely sold separately! I went with 17" apes and the stock risers, and I am using a 46" upper clutch cable. Let me know if this helps: cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdforums.com-vbulletin/779x804/upper_cllutch_cable_2_2d51a93c44bf296d0812a88a5aaba8055b38afb7.jpg
@@RonsWorkshop Ron. Great video. Still confused with measurements have a 2019 heritage. The stock cable is not on the cable length chart. Put on a 14 in ape what cable would you suggest from chart. Thanks man
Hey Jose - you release the tension down at the yellow adjuster. Pop out the red clip, compress the spring, and snap the red clip back in to leave the cable loose. Let me know if that helps…
Hey Kevin - I got a Harley upper clutch cable that was long enough. It took me three tries lol. In the video description I have a link to the list of part numbers and lengths for the upper clutch cables. I’m not sure if the bottom end down at the cover is the same as the previous models or not. If it is then you could use the previous one-piece cable in the right length but I have no idea if it’s compatible.
@@RonsWorkshop I just waited 4 weeks for my local HD stealership to get my parts that were on "backorder" got there and the tried giving me a brake cable and clutch cable from L.A. choppers that I could've ordered weeks ago. They seemed confused about it being a new clutch cable ... idk .. i just want to ride again 😪
Hey Paul - That's a great solution! Thanks for sharing that. Sorry for the delay in responding - for some reason your comment didn't show up and I just found it.
I made a mistake today trying to pluck out the red clip. I put too much pressure on the yellow plastic piece and I cracked it. Any ideas besides the dealer where I could get one?
Hey PaullyBB - hmmmm. I’m not sure. It doesn’t look like that pet is available separately. Maybe you could snag an upper clutch cable from eBay? I’m also not sure if you can remove that part from the cable, but my initial guess is that it may not be possible. Let me know what you end up with.
