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Clutch basket inspection

Buellxb Forum

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wally

wally

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Messages
632
Location
Bellville, South Africa
Hi guys, I need some general advice before I get into this.

My clutch area is making a pretty decent noise when the lever isn't pulled in.
It is very noticeable when engaging and disengaging the clutch.

Now for the questions:
1. What is involved with inspecting the clutch basket?
2. What are measurables and key things to look out for?
3. Any other advice?

I readjusted the clutch cable over the weekend.

I took a video a while ago, but you can't really pic it up too well on the clip.

I want to tackle it in our winter season when I replace the rocker gaskets as well.

Thanx guys!
 
Some things to look at first...
Did you adjust the clutch basket or just the clutch cable?
With the inspection cover off look at the lip on the inside of the primary cover.
What does the primary fuild smell like and is there any water in it.
Check primary chain tension.

If all of that checks out... Get ready to pull the cover.
After removing the clutch ramp and before removing the primary cover look inside the clutch basket to see if the snap ring is still seated or the lip that hold holds the it is still intact.
If that checks out then drain the oil and remove the primary.

With the primary off check the primary chain tensioner shoe depending on the year it's black or blue.
Depending on the miles on your bike and the condition of the shoe you can decide to replace it or not...

Now the clutch is cut and dry... If it does not slip and there is no clear damage.. Run it....

If it has a broken spring on the back side of the clutch basket or broken ramp replace it...

If the clutch is bad just buy a used one from someone... Don't bother buying new.
 
I adjusted the clutch at the case/basket and in the front at motor mount.

I noticed some milky whiteness when I pulled the clutch adjustment cover off.
Oil was changed end August and has done less than 2 000km on it.

Clutch isn't slipping, shifting i sometimes clunking - as Buells are. :)

I will check through the list - thanx!
 
Sorry, it has been a bit hectic.

I actually took this video 2 weeks ago already, but only got around to uploading it now.


And off course the video went on sideways in stead of portrait wise.

Sorry! :D

Check oil level, topped it up a bit, bu the noise is pretty much still there...
 
So, the noise goes away when you pull in (dis-engage) the clutch? Does the noise sound like marbles in a wooden cup? The basket itself could be loose on the trans input shaft:( its a tapered shaft with a keyway so there shouldn't be any slop at all. Once the primary cover is off, see if the whole basket can be moved around (wobbly) and take it off completely to check the trans input shaft for damage.
A tiny bit of milkiness can be ok (due to condensation) especially on bikes that don't get ridden a lot, but if it's a foamy milkshake, you'll have to find out where theres water intrusion.
Personally I adjust my primary chain tension with it warm and idling. Loosen until then noise gets louder (not more than 2 turns), then tighten. The noise should get quieter, then louder again. When It does, loosen 1/2 turn and lock it down. It is way better to be slightly loose than too tight at all.YMMV.
 
wally: as cooter mentioned you're going to eventually have to remove the primary cover and inspect what's going on inside there. a pretty easy task. carefully inspect the large outer engagement ears of the clutch pack friction driven plates for wear and large grooves in same. sure sounds like they're bad and rattling around inside the basket.
 
Wally, if you need the clutch tool, for compressing the diaphram spring, I'll mail you mine as a loner.
LMK
WOW! just noticed you're in South Africa!
Might be cheaper for you to just buy one!
I got mine off amazon for about $35bucks.
 
Thanx dudes! I'll check it out.

Yip, it might be cheaper just to make up a tool. :)

I am waiting for our crazy exchange rates to hopefully come down a bit.
I still need to order the gaskets for the rocker covers, so then I might as well do primary gaskets as well.

I'll just do everything in one shot over the winter.

I have been riding like that for a looong time. Though that while I am doing the rockers I might as well get to the bottom of the noise.
I am sure I will be able to fix it - with the help of you guys off course!

Wanted some quick input before tearing down stuff and getting into trouble.
 
And I have nice big, fat leak under the transmission cover, so I will be pulling it sooner rather than later.

oil.jpg

Looks like it might be from around the primary adjuster bolt.
Shot was taken after I had wiped it down.

And off course, looks like there are no gaskets in the whole of South Africa and HD dealership said anywhere up to 3 weeks. :/
 
I have an extra gasket. Have no idea how I go an extra but I have one. It would probably take two weeks to get to ya. I'd just ask you reimburse the shipping cost.
PM me if you're interested.
 
Chickn, the gasket arrived today - thank so much!

I will send you a PM shortly!

I just want to post an update.
I do it hesitantly as most guys (including myself) don't like/want praises sung, but Chickn helped me out big time!

He not only shipped me a clutch cover gasket without wanting money for the gasket, but also refused to accept payment for the shipping.
I am extremely grateful for this generosity you have shown me!

Thank you! :up::applause:
 
Last edited:
Clutch problem is sorted and the bike is coming back this week after the whole transport issue with new parts fitted.

Met a really nice, knowledgable guy who is a qualified HD tech, but also a qualified engineer and IT dude. Strange mix, but it works!

He pinpointed the fault to the thrust washer being the installed the incorrect way around. Must have come like this from the factory, as I bought the bike with about 8000km on from the dealership and it would be very unlikely that it would have been opened and worked on already.

The fact that the nut had loctite on was the only reason it was still together.

He also fitted the new parts.

It seems like HD is willing to give him the distribution rights for Buell parts in South Africa, which is really good news for us!
 

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