SHOVELHEAD CLUTCH TIPS

Clutch Adjustment Tips- Shovelhead thru Early ‘84

1. Inspect hub, basket, and entire primary for wear or damage.
2. Make sure that the hub liner is in good condition and rivets are not loose. Make sure all ten drive pins are straight and not grooved.
3. Make sure that the primary chain/belt is in good condition and properly adjusted.
4. Install clutch pack of 5 frictions, 4 steel plates.
5. Install pressure plate, springs, and spring retainer plate.
6. With the clutch cable adjuster closed for maximum cable slack, position clutch adjuster for proper clearance on main-shaft push rod. Refer to service manual for proper adjustment.
7. Adjust clutch cable to about 1/8” free play at the lever.
8. With the primary cover off the bike, pull in the clutch lever and rotate the clutch assembly by hand. You must be able to rotate the entire clutch assembly 360 degrees with full release. Adjust threaded finger nuts (3 or 5) to get an even, clean release for the entire 360 degree rotation.
9. Once the pressure plate is adjusted parallel to the clutch pack, pre-load the 3 or 5 finger nuts to pre-load the springs for enough pressure for adequate engagement.

These steps will help to provide maximum surface area contact s well as maximum release for better shifting and ease in finding neutral. The above information applies to a 3 or 5 finger hub, aluminum or steel pressure plate, wet or dry clutches, and a chain or belt drive primary. Defective, worn, or warped components can result in erratic and/or inefficient clutch performance.