Toying with the idea of converting my 2011 Street Glide to a hydraulic clutch set up.
Can you still find, and easily use, the 'friction zone' with a hydraulic clutch?
Can you adjust how far off the handlebar the hydraulic clutch engages, like you can with a cable clutch?
Thanks
Check the instructions for the Hyd Clutch Kit, there are no adjustments to them.
Quote from: FSG on August 08, 2012, 11:11:14 PM
Check the instructions for the Hyd Clutch Kit, there are no adjustments to them.
So, when using a HD hydraulic clutch, if you don't like how far off the bar the clutch lever engages, you're stuck with that position?
Thanks
Yes, no adjustments at all. And pull is not lighter compared to cable.
Quote from: ViennaHog on August 08, 2012, 11:22:22 PM
Yes, no adjustments at all. And pull is not lighter compared to cable.
I'm kind of fussy with regards to how far off the handlebar the clutch engages (I like it to engage close to the bar). Where do hydraulic clutches typically engage?
For me, it sounds as if a hydraulic clutch offers no advantages whatsoever. Besides lack of maintenance, Why do Folks like them?
Thanks
Where
Looks maybe. They typically engage closer to the grip compared to a correctly set up cable clutch
ive converted my deuce , the clutch is direct in function thus releasing and engaging the clutch in a smooth action,not like the cable being notchy,mine is lighter than the normal cable when used, im very happy with it ,the lever finds its postion with the handle bars, to change the point where it activates one would have to have a adjustable main rod,but may lead to problems if not done properly ,like slipping clutch ect,its the way to go with the HD clutchs,mine is all HD parts,FSG being a great help with instruction sheets which are on HTT,SE 04 deuce, also has a bundle of knowlege on this subject cheers Barny
I have to disagree. The pull is substantially lighter than a cable. Mine engages close to the grip, and like Barney says smooth engagement.
Friend had a aftermarket hydraulic unit that didn't pull easier, but the HD does.
Fanboy
The hyd. clutch on my 2004 hasn't been touched since it left the factory, 75,000 miles later it stills performs/feels as it did new. The pull is light even with the SE spring..to me it's butter like smooth. The engage/release point is about mid travel on the lever, in other words the friction zone starts about mid stroke. The condition/straightness of your clutch plates and the weight of oil and possibly type used in the primary have a substantial influence on release/engagement and the friction zone. With a heavy oil (Formula+) I had to do all the tricks sometimes to get a nice shift..preload or slight pre-pull of the clutch lever combined with a slightly retarded/delayed throttle roll off, and out of habit preload the shifter. With a light oil (RL MTL) I can get away with an abbreviated clutch pull with just index and middle fingers. With lighter weight oil the clutch releases sooner/nicer and engagement feels better, you get the sensation that full engagement is slightly farther out because there is less drag on the plates with the thinner oil. Also better hold/grip on heavy throttle shifts. Some here feel that the compensator in the later model bikes benefits from a heavier oil FWTW. 5w30, 10w30, 10w40 will net you nicer clutch feel and smoother shifts. Rick