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[grc]

As previously noted, there is no free play adjustment, he has a hydraulic clutch.

Before assuming your clutch is shot, do a quick fluid level check.  Make absolutely certain the fluid level is not above the maximum fill line with the master cylinder level (turn the bars to the right until the top of the M/C is as level as possible).  Protect any painted parts before you pull the cover so if the level is too high and some spills out you won't ruin your paint.

The fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir tends to increase over time as the plates wear, which is opposite of how a brake system works.  Rather than go into the details of why that is, just trust me, I know what I'm talking about.  When the fluid level gets too high, the actuator piston cannot completely retract and the clutch doesn't fully engage, thus the slipping.  While this may not be your problem, it is a very easy check and fix if it is the problem.  Always check the simple stuff first.


Jerry

[chaos901]

As previously noted, there is no free play adjustment, he has a hydraulic clutch.

Before assuming your clutch is shot, do a quick fluid level check.  Make absolutely certain the fluid level is not above the maximum fill line with the master cylinder level (turn the bars to the right until the top of the M/C is as level as possible).  Protect any painted parts before you pull the cover so if the level is too high and some spills out you won't ruin your paint.

The fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir tends to increase over time as the plates wear, which is opposite of how a brake system works.  Rather than go into the details of why that is, just trust me, I know what I'm talking about.  When the fluid level gets too high, the actuator piston cannot completely retract and the clutch doesn't fully engage, thus the slipping.  While this may not be your problem, it is a very easy check and fix if it is the problem.  Always check the simple stuff first.

I did not know that about hydraulic clutches but it certainly makes sense.  Without the free space it would act like a regular cable clutch that does not have enough slack.  Once the plates heat up and swell that start to slip under a load. 

Learned something today. 

[Hotrod50]

OK guys, here's an update, and boy do I feel like a dumbass.  I was riding today on the way to Bumpus in Memphis.  They had friction plates in stock and said they would fix me up if I could get it there.  The slipping problem was worse today, and I stopped at noon and called around to find the clutch.  I hadn't listened to my iPod, which is in a Rider's Claw on the left side.  I went to plug in the media cable to the iPod, and found it stuck in the clutch lever in such a way that the clutch lever would return to it's normal position, but the steel end of the iPod cable was jammed in there pushing on the master cylinder actuator.  Pulled it out and had my old yellow RoadGlide back!!

Thanks for all ypur input and willingness to help.  I feel stupid, but sure am glad I figured it out.

[sadunbar]

OK guys, here's an update, and boy do I feel like a dumbass.  I was riding today on the way to Bumpus in Memphis.  They had friction plates in stock and said they would fix me up if I could get it there.  The slipping problem was worse today, and I stopped at noon and called around to find the clutch.  I hadn't listened to my iPod, which is in a Rider's Claw on the left side.  I went to plug in the media cable to the iPod, and found it stuck in the clutch lever in such a way that the clutch lever would return to it's normal position, but the steel end of the iPod cable was jammed in there pushing on the master cylinder actuator.  Pulled it out and had my old yellow RoadGlide back!!

Thanks for all ypur input and willingness to help.  I feel stupid, but sure am glad I figured it out.

You may feel stupid, but also greatly relieved, I'm sure....     Enjoy the rest of your trip!

[dlaws01]

You owe everyone here a cold beer. 

[Hotrod50]

You owe everyone here a cold beer. 

Darn!!  I just left the state!