clutch cable no longer adjusts short enough to grab

[cjbuhlig]

My 2008 xb12r's clutch cable seems to no longer be able to be shortened.I was adjusting the clutch like I've done many times before and it just became unable to be shortened enough.anybody know what can cause this?I've got a new clutch cable because I initially thought maybe it was stretched but I'm nowwaiting on the Harley shop to send me the o ring that goes on it before i attempt to change it.any help would be greatly appreciated[confused]

 

[wolfo68]

where are you adjusting it? I would assume it stretched, but it could need tightened in the primary.

 

[cjbuhlig]

I've adjusted it at both ends and its as if its too long now.I noticed my clutch lever getting increasingly hard to pull before all this occured(its what prompted the adjustment in the first place)

 

[wolfo68]

I'd say it probably stretched after needing some lubrication

When mine got hard to pull the line wound up breaking after I adjusted it to appropriate tension.

 

[cjbuhlig]

Precisely what I was thinking.thanks for the help wolfo

 

[sparky300]

First, try the clutch adjustment procedure as described in the manual. Links can be found in the header at the top of every page. In other words here

edit: I guess I was too slow, I agree you may have broken the cable. If you pull the inspection cover and there's no resistance in the cable when you tug on it without removing it from the ramp, it's prob broke

 

[cjbuhlig]

How much can one of these things stretch though?this thing is like a inch and a half from being closed up at the lever when its fully shortened

 

[03Firebolt9R]

If it still engages, it is just hanging on by a thread...literally. As Wolfo said, It will break, might as well change it.

 

[Sirius815]

I had an issue to where just shortly after adjusting it (within a few days) the clutch would drag when I pulled in the lever to the point where the bike would almost die - revs dropping below 900 for sure.

New clutch cable = no problems.

 

[wolfo68]

[up]

 

[racepro716]

I have an 08 Bolt that very nearly left me stranded 700 miles from home last weekend. It sounds like exactly the same as what happened to me. Look under the cover where the clutch cable comes in. Take the ramp assembly out and look behind it. Are both the tabs that hold the back plate there? One of mine broke off almost leaving me stuck. We're currently rebuilding the primary cover to strengthen it. I'll post pics when we're done. Good luck, Wayne

 

[Sirius815]

[up]

I made sure to inspect my cover last year when I painted the primary cover - no damage yet. I have seen a member on here post how he strengthened the ramp. I'm hoping that I'll never have to do that.

 

[cjbuhlig]

I got the clutch cable shortened and it now pulls but still wont engage.I don't know what's wrong now.will not shift no matter how loose or tight the cable is[mad]

 

[Sirius815]

Have you checked the clutch ramp?

 

[cjbuhlig]

How do you mean?

 

[cjbuhlig]

Somebody help
Why won't my clutch engage?

 

[wolfo68]

There is a bearing behind the ramp that could have gone bad. Take out the ramp and see if the bearing is still good.

 

[cjbuhlig]

There are 3 bearings behind there aren't there?

 

[cjbuhlig]

I don't see anything wrong with any part of my clutch yet it won't engage