Would appreciate a little instruction on how to adjust the clutch on my 85 FLTC. I have had the bike a short time and ridden it all of five miles. It is in need of a clutch adjustment and I haven't purchased a manual for it yet. The cable adjustmment is in a different location and I don't want to jack it up. I have adjusted the clutch on my 2005 but this looks to be a different animal. Could someone please give me a quick write up on how to adjust this cable? I believe I'll be ok on the the clutch pack if that is the same as the newer bikes. Anyhow here are a couple pics of the cable. Thanks

 

According to the factory manual, you disconnect the cable, remove the derby cover on the primary, loosen the locknut and adjust centre screw so there is just a little free play on the pushrod. Tighten locknut and readjust cable.

 

It is sufficient IMHO to back the cable adjuster right off, set the clutch adjuster just so, then readjust the cable. With my 1990 bike I find the clutch functions best with very little free play at the lever.

 

Listen don't just loosen the adj screw a little but with the cable slacked off turn the adj screw until it seats then turn back 1/4 turn and tighten lock nut. The reason you need the 1/4 turn slack on the adj screw is when the tranny gets hot and the internal parts expand with out sufficient play in the adj screw you end up with the adj screw not having any play which will fry the clutch shaft and throwout bearing. Once you have set the adj screw then adj the cable for 1/8 to 3/16 play between the cable and the handlebar housing when you pull back on the cable as this assures proper play in the clutch and linkage when both cold and hot.

 

What problems are you having with the clutch? Why do you think it needs adjusting? The adjustment in your picture is to give you the play in the clutch lever. The clutch lever should be loose with the clutch out, 1/8th to 3/16th inch as mentioned by Richard. Is yours tighter or looser than that?

There are other clutch adjustments as well, including the spring load. Anyway, what's wrong with what you got?

 

The Indy shop picked up my bike yesterday and the clutch cable is in bad condition and the clutch was in need of adjustment. Anyhow I am having them check everything and make necessary repairs and adjustments. I believe it is best when you buy a used bike to have everything repaired and right and then I then can take over the maintenance and insure everything is done on schedule. Thanks all.