Motorcycle Repair: How to adjust the clutch on a 2008 Harley Davidson Road Glide

**Always follow the instructions in your repair manual when doing repair or maintenance work on a motorcycle. Manuals can be found at the dealer and online.**

This video shows how to adjust the clutch and clutch cable on a 2008 Harley Davidson Road Glide. The adjustment should be done with the motorcycle upright and at room temperature. Adjusting the clutch on a motorcycle that has been warmed up will cause the clutch to be out of adjustment when it cools down. Always clean the bike to prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine before you begin work.

The seal on the clutch inspection cover should be inspected for cracks and damage before reuse. The manufacturer recommends replacing the seal every time the cover is removed. Check for oil leaks around the clutch inspection cover after you reinstall the cover and start the bike. I have found that you can often get away with using the same clutch inspection cover seal, but the manufacturer does recommend replacing it. Its your call.

I made a mistake in the video and said the clutch inspection cover screws should be tightened to 72-108 in.-lbs. This is incorrect! The correct torque is 84-108 in.-lbs

Tools Used:
- T27 Torx Socket
- 1/2" and 9/16" Open End Wrench
- 11/16" Closed End Wrench
- 11/16" Deep Socket
- 5/16" Allen Wrench
- 7/32" Allen Wrench
- Steel Rule
- Torque Wrench

Specification:
- Clutch adjustment screw should be turned inward until lightly seated, than backed out 1/2 to 1 full turn
- Jam Nut around clutch adjuster screw should be tightened to 72-120 in.-lbs
- Torx Screws holding the clutch inspection cover should be tightened to 84-108 in.-lbs
- Clutch cable free play is 1/16 - 1/8 inch

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• howto
• how
• to
• manual
• repair
• engine

[matttess]

Good video thank you, will adjust my gs500 clutch this way! I set mine up wrong I'm sure. I only backed the clutch screw out by half a turn rather than 3/4's. Also I missed out the squeezing of the lever. I adjusted it and it now rattles! So will redo tomorrow! Cheers.

[smallengineshop]

@matttess There might be differences with your GS500, so I would check a repair manual for your bike. Thanks for your comment and watching!

[ojarquin74]

best video. Thank you for posting. AAAAA+++

[smallengineshop]

@ojarquin74 Your Welcome! Thanks for watching!

[detroitdetomaso]

Good stuff! Thank you.

[smallengineshop]

@detroitdetomaso Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[smallengineshop]

@archuka1 Thanks for the comment and watching!

[archuka1]

Good video--thanks

I have learned on an 09-ultraclassic to hand tighten the cover bolts only. If you tighten them to much they bottom out and its a bytch to get them loose. I had to drill one out, not fun !!

[smallengineshop]

@astrsfan Thank You! And thanks for watching!

[astrsfan]

Great vid! I too, was wondering about the derby cover gasket but see you've covered that in another video. Great job!