Harley Clutch Seems to Not Disengage

By Dennis Santopietro

Question Harley Clutch seems to not completely disengage.

1. shifts hard
2. hard to get in neutral
3. adjustment of clutch and cable does not help
4. primary oil Mobile 1 20W50
5. clutch pack loos good, fiber plates look good, steel plates have a dark blue color

Any suggestions?
Bobby R.

Answer If the steel plates are blue, they have been over heated and are no good. Would suggest replacing all steel and fiber plates. It would be more helpful if you told us your make and model. There are a few things that can cause a m/c to do what you described. Also, is this a stock H.D. clutch pack?

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20 Responses to “Harley Clutch Seems to Not Disengage”

  1. Ronald McCoy

    I bought a 2000 Road King that has been sitting up for almost ten years. I have had lots of problems getting it running, but now that I have conquered that, it does not move when I release the clutch.

  2. Van

    My 1989 fxsts will lung forward, go dead when I let out on clutch after shifting unit first?

  3. Mark Donahue

    Hello and thank you. i HAVE A 1998 SOFTAIL , My clutch never release fulling causing hard shift and hard neutral , NOW IF I drain the oil from the primary and dry the clutches up and drive it , iIt drives awesome . Shifts well and neutral is very easy . I have driven with the cover of and watch the clutch release 100 percent when sitting at a lite. My problem is im going to cause issuses with my primary chain if not lubed any ideas . Thanks again Mark PS with oil in and derby cover off the cluch never fully disenganges .

  4. robert lewis

    I have a 1999xl sportster and the clutch won't engage. I've adjusted cable/clutch nothing happens

  5. John Paschall

    2007 sportster clutch will not fully disingage. Tryed adjusting clutch several times and doesn't get any better. Any ideas?

  6. James

    I pulled in my clutch at a stop sign and my bike lurched forward and died. The clutch handle wont come back out and now only has about a quarter squeeze before it hits the handle?

  7. Dalton Campbell

    2008 fxd with new screaming eagle clutch kit and pressure spring and clutch will not disengage

  8. kelly

    I have a 2008 XL1200N and the clutch wont disengage. I will go from 1st to neutral also

  9. Lani

    2000 Deuce, with a hydraulic clutch. Replaced, clutch, clutch basket, push rod etc. When clutch is pulled back, and 1st gear chosen, back tires spin without letting out the clutch. Cant stop the bike by pulling in the clutch. Help!

  10. rick

    installed new clutch & steel plates new cable. will not disengage completly hard to get into nut.