Hydraulic clutch

[Dumb Country Boy]

Looking for opinions, good or bad, on HD hydraulic clutch. Looking to upgrade to a later model Ultra.  Current ride is a 2004 Ultra with 73K.

[fbn ent]

I took a Buddy's 2017 for a ride and I didn't like the feel of the hydraulic unit. It is one reason I haven't pulled the trigger on a newer (than my '02) ride. My $.02...

[Hossamania]

The new ones went back to cable clutch a few years ago.
The hydraulic clutches had issues at first, but they should all be sorted by now. You might not like the feel at first, but like anything, you'll get used to it. They are a nice light pull, engagement is further out near the end of travel. There are a few mods that can be done to bring it closer.

[Travis3406]

I have a 2015 Ultra and don't have any complaints. The hydraulic clutch has a different feel but not in a good or bad way.

The fluid should be flushed every few years and you may have to remove the exhaust to do that. My 2 into 1 pipe is just too close to the master cylinder cover.

[calif phil]

Hydraulic clutch took some getting used to, much better after replacing the slave cylinder with a Rekluse or Mueller slave.   I would not let a hyd clutch sway your purchase decision, both cable and hydraulic work fine. 

[hrdtail78]

I did my 99 dyna and liked it.  I set up my 05 the same.  09 Touring went that way as well. I think I used Pro 1 for one and PM for the others.  I did keep my adjuster on the clutch pressure plate. This allowed some control over where in the lever movement the friction zone was. 

[Deye76]

I have 3, 2 cable (a 1992 and a 2020), 1 hydraulic, all have different engagement points, no problem operating any of them. The best hydraulic was on my 2004 Roadglide, D.O.T 5 fluid, changed it once in 93,000 miles, worked perfectly.

[jsachs1]

I have a factory hydraulic clutch assy. (Standard on my 05' CVO). Never a problem, or high maintenance item, along side the 128 h.p. the 103" engine puts out.


You cannot view this attachment.

[FLSTFIDave]

7 of my 8 CVO's have been Hydraulic clutches, my newest 2023.5 went back to cable.  I never had an issue with the Hydraulic clutch.  I liked them.  This cable is okay, but I need to adjust it as it doesn't grab until 95% of the way out.

[bigfoot5x]

The clutch on every bike I have ever ridden feels different and has a different engagement point than any other bike. It is just a matter of getting the hand used to it. I bought a Mueller slave cylinder which makes it lighter and slightly more friction zone. The biggest advantage I see in a hydraulic clutch is that it will always be perfectly adjusted. No regular adjustment needed. I ride about 15,000 miles annually and my wife rides about 10,000 miles. That's a bunch of times I don't have to adjust a clutch since they are hydraulic. Flushing and bleeding periodically is not  that difficult.

[CarlosGGodfrog]

I am using the SE Hydro Clutch, SE VP pressure plate, and the SE heavy duty spring on my 2000 117 cu in HS. I love it.

[76shuvlinoff]

I took a Buddy's 2017 for a ride and I didn't like the feel of the hydraulic unit. It is one reason I haven't pulled the trigger on a newer (than my '02) ride. My $.02...

 Same here, an 18 RG.  He's had the bike since new and he isn't thrilled with it either.

[turboprop]

I am using the SE Hydro Clutch, SE VP pressure plate, and the SE heavy duty spring on my 2000 117 cu in HS. I love it.

Not even close to the system the OP is asking about.

[rigidthumper]

I've a 2019 tricycle with a 131 engine, and i use the EBC heavy spring (CSK236) with the Mueller (120-60) slave cylinder.  Smooth like buttah.