I searched for this particular issue and could not find the answer I was looking for so here goes:

Do 2007 and later touring model clutch cables require lube or are they lined with "teflon" or some other material that doesn't require lube? I could have sworn I read that they didn't require lube and that lubing them actually causes the lining to break down, but now I can't find that thread. On my 2004 Dyna, you definitely have to lube the clutch cable but on my Ultra, the cable feels just as smooth as it did 20K ago and I haven't lubed it, based on my thought that it didn't need lube.

Can anyone confirm whether the cable needs lube? I don't have my service manual at the moment and don't remember whether it mentions lubing the cable or not.

Thanks.

 

I only know my 2011 RKC clutch cable is teflon lined, but I still lube it. I use Super Lube, which is friendly to the teflon. Do not use Dri Slide on teflon. I bet your 2007 does not have a teflon lined clutch cable.

TedMan

 

The shop manual for 08 Touring says to lube the cable. I am partial to 75-140 gear lube for that job in part because if any extra runs down the cable and into the transmission, it is the same stuff that is already in there.

 

After a bit of googling, I think the teflon lined cables came out in '09 so that supports what you are saying. Maybe I am so used to how the "old" heavy clutch action felt the newer light clutch pull made me think the cable doesn't need lube...

Thanks for the reply, appreciate it.

 

Have always wondered if this was another "urban legend" or not.

 

I have a 2010 Street Glide, and when I had the 1000 mile service performed they lubed my clutch cable with the lube that Harley specifies. When I picked the bike up I noticed the clutch was very grabby and would engage all at once. I thought that maybe the clutch was adjusted a little too tight and it would get better after a few miles. It didn't so I took it back to the dealer and found out that there were more folks complaining about the same problem. The service manager called Harley Davidson and was told that the new cables were not to be lubed or it would gum them up and cause the clutch to grab. Another case of the MoCo not passing along information to the dealers. They ended up replacing the clutch cable on my bike and at least 6 others. Needless to say they were not very happy. If you have lubed your cable and not had any problems that is great. I am just passing along the information as I know it.

 

Drop in some INOX lube. Great stuff. Not harmful to anything.

 

Tedman, which super lube are you talking about.






Backroader, is this what you are talking about?


Inox products for motorcycles

For “The Best Cable Lube,” Use the 125 ml Needle Bottle size of MX3

 

I have always used a product called Cable Life by Tusk on my jap bikes. Comes with a clamp for the end of the cable for application. My RK however has hyd clutch.

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