Clutch effort on 2007 1200L

[Booga]

My girlfriend just picked up a 2007 1200L on Tuesday. I rode it home for her since she is just starting to ride. The dealership is only 5 miles from my place, but my hand almost failed due to the clutch effort. I thought there were 2 reductions in clutch effort, one in 06 and one in 07.

I couldn't wait to get off the thing, and a day later took it to the dealer to to see if it could be adjusted. They lubed the clutch, and adjusted it, but it is still very stiff. I have an 07 street bob, and this clutch is better than twice as difficult.

Anyone else having similar issues? If I hear "that's just the way they are" from the dealer, I might snap. My GF can't even think about riding it, and I doubt I could put 50 miles on it except on the open road.

Thanks for any help.

[zoo]

Something is wrong with your clutch. Take it back to the dealership and tell them to fix it.

[geoffreyt]

Walk into the dealer and pull the clutch on a new 2007 Sportster on the floor. See what you think.

[Booga]

I went into the showroom and sat on a few Sporty's. The clutch effort seemed lighter, but it is hard to tell just sitting on one.

I want the service manager to take it for a quick ride, but he isn't in until this evening. I also have a tough time finding neutral, so could an overfilled trans cause that? With Sturgis coming up, my dealer says that they are so swamped that it might have to wait. I told the GF to tell them it should never have gone out the door like that, and if they don't make it right, cancel her contract.

Am I just ignorant to the fact that some HD dealers are just not concerned with customer satisfaction, just getting your money? I bought HD for the tradition, the comraderie, and the style/performance. If this is the way most treat you after the sale, might as well go back to metrics.

Just a bit pissed, it is spoiling any excitement the GF has in riding her own bike, and I refered her to this dealer.

[geoffreyt]

You don't have any control over the dealer. Your GF will get beyond this if she really wants to ride. It wont take too long to resolve I'm sure.

[tayamaj@mac.com]

I have an 07 XL1200L. My clutch is great. I'd make them adjust it at the dealership.

[MilesToGo]

You should be able to check other models on the floor to see if they are the same. You don't have to ride a bike to check clutch pressure. If you can't tell any difference with the ones on the floor then i doubt there is anything wrong. Maybe your GF needs to check into getting a hydraulic clutch. I've adjusted many clutches and never noticed a significant difference in lever pressure based on adjustment. You may have something else going on but i doubt it's just an adjustment issue.

[MadCity]

Since this thread was started close to a year ago, I suspect that Booga and his girlfriend have either resolved the issue or found a different bike.

[geoffreyt]

Gosh! Has it really been that long?