Topic: My wrist was killing me by the time I stopped! (Read 10037 times)

Sleky · « **on:** March 09, 2015, 11:18:02 AM »

Yup. Not sure whats up with that. I thought this super cool clutch was a 'one finger squeeze'? I'm calling BS...

I do believe that I need to rotate the lever up more so that I'm not reaching for it as much. And granted, this is really my FIRST solid ride (this past sat...) The grip, the ride, the sound... Oh the sound... The way that she feels. Totally different than my other set of wheels. (We won't go there, honestly no comparison!) And I get that there is going to be an...adjustment to get used to her. There are some other things I'd like to change. Removing the heel shifter for example. (Not enough room down there for it, meh!)

But ugh! Is there a spring, or a screw that I can loosen the tension on that??? My last ride, I could actually fit my pointer finger on the inside of the lever and had FULL control up or down. Really could feel the transmission engage. I kinda miss that... If I can just get it so I can get home after a 5 hour ride, that'd be great. Literally struggling to shift going down my home street. Thankfully I didn't really NEED to get into 2nd....

Am I talking crazy or...? Thanks in advance! Oh... I think its time to call the dealer too. My clock won't stay set. =[

grc · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2015, 11:54:24 AM »

As the engines have gotten bigger, so has the spring pressure to keep the clutch from slipping. There are some aftermarket solutions that can help reduce the lever effort. One such product is called the ClutchWIZ. There are threads around here that discuss it, and you could also check it out on their web page:

http://clutchwiz.com/

There are also other solutions that use weights and centrifugal force to add pressure to the clutch pack as rpm's increase. Those let you reduce the spring pressure so you'll have less pull effort at idle and low speeds. However, the effort does increase dramatically as the rpm's rise.

Jerry

Sleky · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2015, 12:04:42 PM »

Even tho its a hydraulic clutch? I can see how the clutch 'cable' might hold true, but for a system designed to have less strain on your wrist from a tight clutch. Hmmmm... I'll take a look see at that site, maybe stop being a baby? HA!

Perhaps I won't even notice it after riding some more; cuz I haven't ridden in months?

RonandJanet · « **Reply #3 on:** March 09, 2015, 01:05:06 PM »

With a hydraulic clutch you I wouldn't think you would this kind of an issue. Mine is easy to pull in. When I get caught in stop and go traffic for awhile (20 to 30 minutes) it can get tiring but I am mostly holding the clutch in and slowly releasing to go 5 feet! You shouldn't have any issues on a regular ride. These clutches are not adjustable and feel a little different when you first use them. Based on what you are saying I would go to the dealer and have them check it out. I had the 2010 Convertible CVO without the hydraulic clutch and even then for normal rides I did not have issues and it was a harder pull. Just my 2 cents!

Sleky · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2015, 12:41:37 PM »

Yeah. Went to dealer yesterday. He said there isn't anything you can do. Not with these kinda clutches. I think that its a couple of problems... With me.

Need to get used to it, haven't used my clutch muscles in more than a few months. I think I'll be fine by summer.

I did also bring up the fact that I need a flash.... Low fuel warnings, clock can't stay set fer chit... He said I can drop my bike off, and he'll have it ready for me sometime in April. THE FUK!?!?

If all that is wrong is the clock and low fuel light. I can deal till next winter. My concern is that there is detrimental harm being done to my baby, since... There IS a problem, yea? He said there isn't a worry. But then again, when I tried to tell him whats going on, he thought that there might be a lose wire... $:-\$

msemersky · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2015, 12:48:02 PM »

I had Rekluse Clutch installed at Sturgis last year. One of my favorite modifications I've done. http://www.rekluse.com/exp_hd.shtml

Sleky · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2015, 02:03:27 PM »

WOW.... MUUUUUCH cheaper than changing it a cabled clutch too.

I do like the flexibility of automatic or manual. Best of both worlds, or did I read into the video wrong?

Still - very interested, thank you!

Royalroadie · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2015, 08:23:26 AM »

I have a question about shifting without pulling in the clutch. For many year i had been riding a metric twin and could shift gears with out pulling in the clutch if I would let off the throttle just enough to unload the pressure on the transmission. It could up shift very smoothly and it would sound as if I was using the clutch. Because of all the problems that I have read about Harley's I have been afraid to try doing this. Does anyone out there shift without the clutch? Is it ok if you do it every once in a while?

grc · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2015, 08:39:58 AM »

Quote from: Royalroadie on March 12, 2015, 08:23:26 AM

I have a question about shifting without pulling in the clutch. For many year i had been riding a metric twin and could shift gears with out pulling in the clutch if I would let off the throttle just enough to unload the pressure on the transmission. It could up shift very smoothly and it would sound as if I was using the clutch. Because of all the problems that I have read about Harley's I have been afraid to try doing this. Does anyone out there shift without the clutch? Is it ok if you do it every once in a while?

Depends on how smoothly you do it. If you're good at synchronizing the slight throttle chop and the shifter motion, clutchless upshifts are no big deal. I don't do it often, but when I do I apply pressure to the shift lever first, then chop the throttle slightly. Way back in the day we would use a kill switch button to momentarily cut power for WOT shifts, which you could just brush with your thumb.

These days I don't see a need to do clutchless shifts. If the lever effort is so high it makes someone consider clutchless shifting on a regular basis, I'd suggest fixing or modifying the clutch.

JMHO - Jerry

Sleky · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2015, 09:41:18 AM »

Wow. Good point. I started my metric yesterday and road it a few miles. I did the clutchless shifted all the time too! Haven't had much saddle time on the CVO. But those few miles... The clutch on my metric is redic easy to pull. Like cutting thru butter where the Harley is like cutting thru a bone. Same knife. Really, that much a difference! Also find neutral is more difficult to locate too. I sincerely hope I am just being a baby.... And this summer I can look back at my post and laugh at myself...

JS Hog · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2015, 10:57:45 AM »

I installed a lighter Spring in clutch on my wife bike you just got to be a little easier on take offs so you do not slip the clutch

Sleky · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2015, 11:39:39 AM »

Quote from: JS Hog on March 12, 2015, 10:57:45 AM

I installed a lighter Spring in clutch on my wife bike you just got to be a little easier on take offs so you do not slip the clutch

Did you get it from Ace? Online? Dealership? I thought that it had to be a spring that I could change out! Forgive me but, slip the clutch? Like popping it into gear, or am I not reading that correctly? This is what I was looking for, if you have a bit more info on how/who/what/ect... Was this a complicated change for you? I'm no mechanic but I have a few wrenches. =]

Thanks mate!!!

2 ROSE · « **Reply #12 on:** March 13, 2015, 12:30:18 AM »

I do not have any issues with my 2012 clutch lever pressure. When stopped at a light or stopped anywhere for even just a few seconds, I will always put her in neutral instead of holding onto the clutch lever. Maybe if you are constantly applying the clutch lever, you might want to change your habit...just a thought. Also, in doing so I have become real good at finding neutral quickly. But yeah I had neutral search trouble when I first purchased her. I have shifted without using the clutch a couple times but it was by mistake because of applying upward pressure on the shifter when backing off the throttle. I do not recommend doing it constantly.

VaEagle · « **Reply #13 on:** March 13, 2015, 02:07:33 AM »

Quote from: 2 ROSE on March 13, 2015, 12:30:18 AM

When stopped at a light or stopped anywhere for even just a few seconds, I will always put her in neutral instead of holding onto the clutch lever.

You may want to rethink that method, I have always been told to keep the bike in gear at a stoplight so you can get in motion quicker in the event a vehicle fails to stop in time and is going to hit you. It may give you just the amount of time you need to avoid impact. It also works in cases where some car driver is in a hurry to start off from a light and they don't pay attention to you or get annoyed that you are "taking too long" to get in gear and go.

grc · « **Reply #14 on:** March 13, 2015, 08:31:31 AM »

I would not recommend just installing a lighter clutch spring. A light lever pull isn't worth the damage you could do with a light spring and the subsequent slippage you're likely to encounter. And I'm not talking about slipping the clutch when you take off from a stop, but the kind of insidious slippage that will occur at any time and not necessarily serious enough for you to notice until the wear becomes severe. Spend the money now to do it right, or spend more later to fix the damage.

JMHO - Jerry

Sleky · « **Reply #15 on:** March 13, 2015, 08:46:58 AM »

I feel you. I ended up putting a phone mount on yesterday, so I had the opportunity to move the placement of my lever. I moved it 'up' and I'm hopeful that not having to reach for it as much coupled with removing the cobwebs out of my forearm will help. It is a much bigger bike, expectation management, right?

And I agree with you VaEagle. Same as a car, it is in gear always. I like to rock when I am stopped as well. Or, at least I used to. I like the feel of the drivetrain engaging. Just that little pull and strain on my legs to let me know that she's ready.

That might have to be a habit I curve. Maybe... The dealer did say that this kinda clutch, either is engaged or not and that feathering the clutch isn't possible. I'm still obviously very green with this bike still. But I'm calling BS. I swear it feels like my other bike that had a cable. I swear!! Hmmmmm

BDMastiff · « **Reply #16 on:** March 13, 2015, 09:26:31 AM »

I'm a lefty so I've never had issues with a tight clutch. All of my friends who have tight clutches complained at first. Over time they got used to it. Also, you can shift without using your clutch if you know how to time it correctly. I'm not a fan of clutchless shifting but I know people who do it with no issues.

2 ROSE · « **Reply #17 on:** March 14, 2015, 02:55:17 AM »

Hey Sleky,
Yeah I was also taught about holding of the clutch lever when stopped at lights for safety reasons. And I do watch approaching vehicles from the rear. But after traffic behind has stopped or if there is no one behind me it goes into neutral. Maybe in my case its a lazy old man thing resting my old body any chance I get. I am thinking maybe you guys are on the young side of say 40...especially with the comment of enjoying rocking back and forth while stopped in gear. You may out grow that enjoyment when your wrists and knees reach 60...that's years, not MPH. As for the motorists behind me being annoyed about anything I may be doing...I simply could not care less. I ride to make me happy...no one else. There is no one who dictates how fast or slow I go...just me. If someone is on my ass I simply move over and let him pass. More stuff you may appreciate when you get older. Just fun in with you ...you young whippersnappers.
Welcome to the site.
Enjoy your new scoot and Stay Safe.

RonandJanet · « **Reply #18 on:** March 16, 2015, 12:59:10 PM »

Quote from: Sleky on March 13, 2015, 08:46:58 AM

I feel you. I ended up putting a phone mount on yesterday, so I had the opportunity to move the placement of my lever. I moved it 'up' and I'm hopeful that not having to reach for it as much coupled with removing the cobwebs out of my forearm will help. It is a much bigger bike, expectation management, right?

And I agree with you VaEagle. Same as a car, it is in gear always. I like to rock when I am stopped as well. Or, at least I used to. I like the feel of the drivetrain engaging. Just that little pull and strain on my legs to let me know that she's ready. That might have to be a habit I curve. Maybe... The dealer did say that this kinda clutch, either is engaged or not and that feathering the clutch isn't possible. I'm still obviously very green with this bike still. But I'm calling BS. I swear it feels like my other bike that had a cable. I swear!! Hmmmmm

You still have a small area in the pull where you can slip the clutch or rock the bike. It is not like a switch (either on or off). I don't usually have trouble finding neutral unless I didn't shift all the way down when stopping. I agree that you should keep your clutch in when stopped in case you need to move suddenly! That said, if there is stopped traffic all around (nobody is moving) I will put her in neutral and rest.

Ldblu10 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 07, 2015, 04:26:13 PM »

I've been complaining about the tension in my clutch since I bought it. I have a 2010 Softail CVO and I get the standard answer. On the day I bought this, the clutch bled out before I even made it home. I was stranded. When I got it in the shop the next day they gave me a song and dance and did whatever. Now I'm not sure it's ever been right. At Sturgis this year, I had the opportunity to test out the clutch on a 2010 Ultra CVO and it was like butter! I need that now that I have arthritis in my thumb. Is there a difference between these two clutches?

moscooter · « **Reply #20 on:** September 07, 2015, 06:26:26 PM »

$:-\$
yes, there have been issues with the hydraulic clutch setup. In most cases, assuming you are not riding in an enduro for hours on end (not likely on a Harley) and/or are not caught up in a major traffic backup event like (parade traffic) thru Myrtle Beach and/or Daytona and/or downtown Sturgis.........where you are constantly using the clutch.

Given the above circumstances or others similar to them, if those do NOT apply to you....................you need to get one of those spring loaded grip devices to exercise your wrist and hand muscles.

Cause it AINT the bike that has the problem

Lucky Doug · « **Reply #21 on:** September 08, 2015, 11:16:44 AM »

I don't know if it is relevant but I would dry shift my 01 sporty. Ended up with a bent shifter thingy. Only cost $3 but it did have to be repaired.

Mrs C · « **Reply #22 on:** December 27, 2015, 04:20:27 PM »

Searching for help on this subject. Have had trouble with the clutch since picking the bike up. I am now heading to surgery on my wrist due to stress on the bones. They have adjusted the lever for me and short of taking out the hydraulic, there is nothing they can do. Surgery not until next fall (long ortho waiting lists here in Canada) so need to get through the summer. Have a big trip to Colorado/Utah/New Mexico in July...

Author Topic: My wrist was killing me by the time I stopped! (Read 10037 times)