Just picked up a 90 1200 - go through clutch adjustment process and can only ride about 5 minutes before the adjustment loosens - ideas on why? (Have done the process several times - loosen cable, counterclockwise the adjustment to resistance then back a quarter turn, reassemble the piece that locks it in place, put the cover back on with the spring, then readjust the cable) - any help is appreciated!

 

Just picked up? 1990?

Maybe the clutch is shot? Or spring plate distintegrating?

John

 

Sounds very typical of a failing spring plate in the clutch pack.
Caution: continuing to ride the bike with a disintegrating spring plate can cause $$$ damage to the entire clutch basket. Get it looked at early and it's not too expensive.

 

Thanks for the input - local stealer acts like they have never heard of this issue - kinda thinking this is old enough none of the young mechanics have had this issue before, or at least with this style of clutch setup anyway......(I will says the new style with the locknut looks much more assuring than this goofy spring retainer setup............

 

Yep, just bought it the other day as a fixer upper for my son to use as a first bike - get this issue fixed and everything else seems to be in line......

 

Your clutch pack is exactly the same as the new bikes. Your clutch basket contains the rotor/stator, which was moved to the crank pulley in 1991, when they introduced the 5 speed transmission. The spring plate is a common point of failure for all 86 up Sportsters I think. Not sure if Ironheads had the same issue, but you've got an evo so it doesn't matter to us. Your access plug to the adjuster is a bit different, but works the same on the inside.

Have the stealer check for wobbling of your clutch basket, a common issue that can lead to destruction of your stator and rotor. Also, the magnets glued to the inside of the clutch basket can come loose.

Good luck, 1990 is a good year, last of the 4 speeds.

John