Clutch question

Discussion in 'Indian RoadMaster' started by Jackman, Jul 7, 2022.

  1. Jackman

    Jackman Member

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    2019 Roadmaster. Almost 18K miles.
    I was in traffic yesterday when I engaged the clutch. I heard and felt a slight but audible CLICK. I then noticed a little more play in the clutch lever than i had before the CLICK. The clutch worked OK, made it home fine. I didn't see anything that came loose or dislodged. The cable seems to be in place. But the play in the lever is noticeable. Time for a new cable? Simple adjustment? Take it apart at the lever and look inside? Thanks to all.
     
  2. IROQUOIS

    IROQUOIS Gold Member

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    Check at each end of the cable. Theirs a "barrel" shaped piece at each end. You may have heard the cable starting to fray where it's joined at the connecting point of the barrel. If so the clutch cable needs replaced.
     
    #2 IROQUOIS, Jul 7, 2022
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2022
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  3. Jackman

    Jackman Member

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    Thank you. The play in the lever is a bit much for my liking. The friction point is immediate. I have replaced many a clutch cable over the years and i have the service manual. Looks like I am ordering a cable today. Thank you
     
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  4. Bobby Jesus

    Bobby Jesus Chainsaw God
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    Not sure if the 19 is the same but in order to swap the clutch cable on my 16 Springfield you have to remove the lower left side of the frame. Newer bikes with new primary are different. Keep us posted please
     
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  5. Baldhead_J

    Baldhead_J Gold Member
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    Still that way, annoyingly.
     
  6. Jackman

    Jackman Member

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    There is a video on you tube showing how to do it on the 2019's. Very straight forward. Just some wire ties that keep the cable against the frame.
    I ordered my cable this morning. Should be here in early next week. I wont be able to get to it til next Sunday when i get a day off. I wil let y'all know how it goes.
     
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  7. doublej

    doublej Silver Member
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    I'm a little late here....did you make sure cable is lubed and simply adjust it?
     
  8. Jackman

    Jackman Member

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    Not yet. I wont get the new cable til sometime this week. I didn't even think about checking the cable til the other night. I will get a chance to look at it Sunday. I will see if adjusting it will help and have a cable on hand when/if that day comes that it needs replacing. But if it does just need adjusting what was the sound I heard and immediate play in the clutch? Things come apart and out of adjustment but it sure seemed weird.
     
  9. doublej

    doublej Silver Member
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    I find these engines clunky and chunky, so I have no explanation, as ide from the fact that I find the Spirit Lake Indians very finicky about their clutch adjustment. Also, the clutch cable is a maint item and does need to be lubricated and adjusted....it's in the owners manual. Let us know how you make out.
     
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  10. Jackman

    Jackman Member

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    Got the new cable delivered and installed.
    There is a YouTube video for clutch adjustment that Indian put out. Very straightforward video. It doesn't say how to remove the cable so it's implied that it's very easy. It looks as though they routed the cable and then secured the engine to the frame. There is a very small hole the cable comes up from the frame as it goes to the clutch lever. The cable fits through fine but the metal fittings on the cable will not fit through the hole. After struggling with it for about 30 minutes I cut the old cable in half and rerouted the new cable to bypass the tiny hole the original cable went through and secured it with metal fasteners. The actual fitting and adjusting the new cable was very easy.
    Strands were broken at the clutch end. That was the sound I heard and give in the lever I felt when they broke.
     

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  11. IROQUOIS

    IROQUOIS Gold Member

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    Good to hear positive results. Thanks for getting back with us....we all learn
     
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  12. Baldhead_J

    Baldhead_J Gold Member
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    Nice job!
     
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