Hey their the names bill im new to this form and was looking for a little bit of help. I have a 1988 sportster that has been running great and shifting great but latly I been haveing some trouble. I noticed as im driving ill shift and the bike will shift into gear fine and it will start to go but will rev up and not give me full power. So I dont know if the clutch is sticking or something im just not sure. Now the bike wont even drive it just shifts into gear but when i release the clutch it just dosent go but i hear it shift into gear it makes that little clunk noise. Any help would be great thanks

 

Almost sounds to me like your clutch is slipping.. and bad.. I would check it out.. and see if there is any ware and tear on it.. and welcome to to forums..

and check a manual and see if it has any suggestions for you..

 

Your description was hard to understand, but if I'm getting the main point...
You put the bike in gear, let out the clutch, and instead of the bike moving forward(or moves slowly), it just revs up?
That's your clutch letting go. You need to replace the friction and prolly metal plates as well. You'll need to look at 'em to find out for sure.

 

Ditto the 2 previous answers. Sounds like the clutch is the first place to start.
Sam

 

have you ever adjusted the clutch? That would be the first thing to check, but it sounds like if you've been driving the bike with the clutch slipping, the plates are probably ruined.

 

I have never adjusted the clutch it always seemed to shift smooth. Is it hard to replace the clutch I have never really done any work on a bike before so i am kind of new to this. Also if i decide to tackel the job where should i get the parts from straight from harley? thanks alot guys

 

I would say either Harley or some where like JPCycles.. or someone like that.. with a clutch I would try to avoid someone that you don't know.. or trust.. As far as changing it im not really sure how hard it is.. I too have never done it.. but I would say first off if you dont have one get a manual for your bike.. and go from there.. its got to be easier then changing one on a Honda civic..