clutch problems

[donald-do]

Hi I just got a 81 flt shovelhead and was wondering if it is sopposed to have a wet or dry clutch. The clutch is very hard to pull in and even fully depressed still wants to go. Any info about the clutch would be helpful. thanks Don

[strokerjlk]

Originally Posted by donald-do

Hi I just got a 81 flt shovelhead and was wondering if it is sopposed to have a wet or dry clutch. The clutch is very hard to pull in and even fully depressed still wants to go. Any info about the clutch would be helpful. thanks Don

Dry clutch
Sounds like it needs adjusted
They do pull in hard
They will start slipping on a hard roll on if they get oil on them. Put generally will still be able to be adjusted to disengage if they become wet.
Had a 81 FLH MYSELF NICE RIDE!
If not slipping on a hard roll on then adjust and see what ya get.

[Scooter]

Convert it to a foot clutch. You'll never go back.

[rosascycle]

1981 FLH had a dry clutch with a 3 stud hub and thats the way it works best and No it shouldn't be hard to operate. Thats the same bike cops use in parades and stop and go traffic all day long when that clutch is set proper its not hard to pull in and strong enough to run in the 10's in a quarter mile with stock dry cheep set of green plates you need to see what might have been changed to be having the problems your experiencing

[greggeo]

Here is a photo of an early clutch hub, it shows the adjusting nuts to reduce the spring plate tension, try backing off the nuts one click at a time on all three bolts yours may have 5 bolts I think, this pick has no clutch plates in place, by backing off the nuts you create more space for the plates when disengaged.. However backing off too much may cause slippage...
Good Luck
GG