2015 Tri Glide clutch issue

Jul 27, 2012
108
38
W.Rutland, Vt.
I have an issue with the clutch operation on my 2015 Tri Glide. When I release the clutch the lever goes almost to the end of the travel and then engages abruptly. Dealer says there is no adjustment for this.It makes smooth takeoff very diffficult. Has anyone had this issue ? I had the Screamin Eagle hydraulic clutch in my 05 RoadGlide and it was trouble free for 10 years.
 
Takes some getting used to.

If you just went to a Hydraulic Clutch, from a cable clutch! It just takes a little getting used to the difference. You will catch on quick.
 
If you just went to a Hydraulic Clutch, from a cable clutch! It just takes a little getting used to the difference. You will catch on quick.
I have had a Hydraulic clutch (Screamin Eagle)
for 10 years.This one just isn't right.

- - - Updated - - -

JMO but sounds like it is sticking before it engages.

I don't think it is sticking because I only have to pull the lever about 1/2 way to disengage the clutch:Shrug:
 
Your right ... no adjustment ... Manual says the first thing that should be done is to bleed the line. If that does not work then rebuild the master cylinder on the handlebar and bleed it again. Make sure you have 38 ounces (NOT A QUART!) of the Primary fluid of your choice (I use H-D Formula+). My 2014 is very smooth.

Bob :Dorag:
 
I have had a Hydraulic clutch (Screamin Eagle)
for 10 years.This one just isn't right.

- - - Updated - - -



I don't think it is sticking because I only have to pull the lever about 1/2 way to disengage the clutch:Shrug:

If bleeding doesn't take care of it maybe its back at the clutch basket?? Could be sticking there?
Wasn't there a recent recall on the hydraulic clutches? Not sure if it was related to the 2015 models.
 
I don't think it is sticking because I only have to pull the lever about 1/2 way to disengage the clutch:Shrug:

All the action in mine is within the first 1/3 to 1/2 of the lever range. But once I got used to it, it was very smooth. It was the same on a couple of Jeeps I have had and on a 2013 Triglide I test drove before buying this 2015. On the hydraulic clutch, all the engaging/disengaging is in the first little bit of the action. I have no experience with the other hydraulic clutch you were using, so I can't comment on the difference.
 
like 3msocks says there is a recall out of the hydraulic clutch even if it doesn't apply the symptoms you describe do so ask the dealer to check it out.
 
Just received my trike and the clutch operates the same way. Almost all the way out before the clutch engages. Not use to it from old clutch and to tell you the truth I don't want to get use to it. I will mention it to the dealer when I go back next week for the RZ seat cable.
 
Just received my trike and the clutch operates the same way. Almost all the way out before the clutch engages. Not use to it from old clutch and to tell you the truth I don't want to get use to it. I will mention it to the dealer when I go back next week for the RZ seat cable.

Thanks Windy,I was bginning to think it was me!
 
like 3msocks says there is a recall out of the hydraulic clutch even if it doesn't apply the symptoms you describe do so ask the dealer to check it out.

Went to the dealer this morning, Service manager said problem is in the new (14 and up)master cylinders. He said we can try bleeding it again but did not hold a lot of hope that bleeding would correct it.My 05 with the Screamin Eagle hydraulic actuation was perfect no matter what clutch assembly I had in it. the last one was a Rivera Pro clutch with lock up.
 
Went to the dealer this morning, Service manager said problem is in the new (14 and up)master cylinders. He said we can try bleeding it again but did not hold a lot of hope that bleeding would correct it.My 05 with the Screamin Eagle hydraulic actuation was perfect no matter what clutch assembly I had in it. the last one was a Rivera Pro clutch with lock up.
Bled clutch today. Got a few bubbles. No difference in operation.Took about a hundred mile ride this afternoon. Taking off from a stop is still a pain in the butt.I would buy a new master cylinder if I thought that would cure it. Guess I will sait il they start recalling trikes.
 
have a 2015 Mine engages pretty far out. Had the dealer Bleed the line. About the same. Big difference from my old bikes. I am now used to it, know where the friction zone is, and dont even think about it.
 
I've had 4 cable clutch Harleys (3 wet & 1 dry) and I've had many hydraulic clutch metrics .... so adjusting to the 2014 Hydraulic clutch was easy for me. When you let it out ... for a fraction of a second it is still letting itself out and that's what you have to get used to. If you rode a V-Rod it is the same sensation on their hydraulic clutch.

I've got over 14K on my 2014 and don't even think about it ... I just drive it. ThumbUp

Bob :Dorag:
 
It is a strange feeling to let the clutch lever almost all the way out to engage the clutch. Very much different than my 13 was and either of the other 2 bikes I had. I am getting use to it but it is still not right to me.
 
just for giggles go test ride a new trike and see if it is the same to you if it is then you know for sure its normal ThumbUp
 

That is why I suggested he go test ride a new one if it feels the same then he can go back to service and let them know his findings..ThumbUp
If not then he knows its normal..:D
 
That is why I suggested he go test ride a new one if it feels the same then he can go back to service and let them know his findings..ThumbUp
If not then he knows its normal..:D

I am not sure they would let me test out a new one knowing they just sold me this one. :laugh:
 
My 14 is the same way and I hate it. If I thought an aftermarket hydraulic cylinder would make it better, I'd change it. I always liked an earlier engagement point for better "feel".
 
So let me get this right.

Its a Hydraulic clutch..I get that but isn't the other side of the transmission still adjustable? (Primary side) Where you loosen the nut and make adjustments to the clutch pushrod adjustment screw?

So On Hydraulic systems not adjustable versus the older mechanical cable type which are adjustable. Trying to fiqure out how it compensates for clutch wear?
 
So let me get this right.

Its a Hydraulic clutch..I get that but isn't the other side of the transmission still adjustable? (Primary side) Where you loosen the nut and make adjustments to the clutch pushrod adjustment screw?

So On Hydraulic systems not adjustable versus the older mechanical cable type which are adjustable. Trying to fiqure out how it compensates for clutch wear?

There is no adjustment on a hydraulic clutch, it compensates for wear the same way a brake caliper does, the cylinder just travels out a little farther.
 

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