A little history...when I first got the bike, clutch was nice and tight but by the time for my 1K service there was about 1/4" play at the clutch lever. Did my own 1K service and got the clutch back to the 1/8" clearence at the lever. Now at 2200 miles my clutch is back out with a 1/4" gap at the lever. Is it normal for the clutch to gain play over time/milage? Do I need to go back and adjust the clutch again or can this wait til the 5K service? There are no issues with the clutch, I just don't like having that much play at the lever.

 

My clutch cable seemed to stretch quite a bit when it was new. The clutch engagement point was fine after adjusting the cable so there was no need to adjust the clutch behind the derby cover. I adjusted it three or four times in the first 5000 miles. After the initial stretch, cable adjustment has been minimal.

 

I just rolled 9K miles on my 2008 and I had the same experience. The cable stretched seems to have declined after 5k adjustment.

 

If I don't tighten mine down to where it almost touches the perch, it rattles like crazy. I have to keep it tighter than recommended.

 

thanks for the feedback, mine is starting to rattle also. I will tightener down and see if the stretch is almost gone.

 

My buddy and I recently purchased 09's a UC and SG. Both going through the same thing. They must have come across a stretchy batch of cables as I have not experienced this on any of my other Harleys. He had the dealer do his at about 600 miles I did mine at 800. Tonight will be a beer and tighten session, about 1200 miles, in the man cave... I told my buddy it takes a LONG time to do, so bring a LOT of beer...LOL

 

Adjusted my cable at least twice before I did my own 1K service. Adjusted the clutch then and of course the cable again.
Yup, the cable stretches for a least the first 500-1000 miles.

 

Are you all going to just adjust the cabel or going to adjust the clutch too by going opening up the derby cover. I am inclined to just adjust the cable.

 

Should just be able to adjust it at the cable. I did my '07 Ultra at 10,000 miles and it's been fine for the last 3K miles.

 

My Street Glide seems to have the same issue. I had the 1,000 mile service done at the dealer. The clutch lever was fine. The 'clutch zone' was 1/2 - 3/4 out from the bar. Perfect for me. Now at 3,500 miles I notice that that the 'clutch zone' is 1/4 - 1/2 out from the bar; and I have slack in the cable.

So, I pulled the primary cover, changed the oil and adjusted the clutch inside the primary (3/4 turn). I adjusted the cable and went for a ride and the 'clutch zone' is still 1/4 - 1/2 out from the bar but my slack is normal.

What is happening? Do I have to adjust more or less at the jam nut? or is my cable just screwy or is my clutch going?

I would like to have the clutch work from 1/2 to 3/4 out from the bar ultimately.....