I have a 2018 and the friction zone wasn't really the problem, it's how far out from the grip that the friction zone starts that causes the problems. Softbrake has a modified clutch lever that moves the friction zone about 1-1.5 inches closer to the grip, this made a world of difference for me. These are the same as stock levers so you don't need to replace both clutch and brake levers to keep symmetry.
The other alternative is to buy adjustable levers from Hog Leverage, however you will need to buy both clutch and brake if you want both levers to look the same.

 

Yeah, I get that. I’m targeting the ‘19s with the question, as I read where they fixed the issue of the friction zone being too far out on the 2019 models. I know the ‘17s and ‘18s have the issue, and I’ve already spent the big bucks on Oberons. I just heard MOCO addressed the problem on the ‘19s and I was curious if anyone knows for sure, and how they did it if they did.

 

The MOCO added a thicker judder spring in the clutch pack for the '19s. As far as I know, since the rest of the clutch pack is the same, I think you can get the thicker judder spring and install it. There are also 2 different weights of springs that you can buy for the clutch hub.

 

I guess maybe it is because I ride so many different kind of bikes, but I have not noticed any issues with friction zone or where it is on any of the Harleys. I did notice the pulsing in the clutch lever on the '17 Road King, but don't notice that on the '18 Road Glide Special.

 

I've worked several demo events at our local dealer & I would say that they did fix that issues as the 19's are way easier to run the clutch lever as to the previous years hydraulic clutch systems. Better friction zone & easier to run the lever on the 19's.

 

Well, it does sound as though MOCO has listened (i.e. friction zone, Boom glare). What I am really hoping for is that the fix is something also available for the ‘17 and ‘18 models. Has anyone spoken with a dealer or a technician who can answer this?

 

Don't know if the fix is retro or not, but I do know that they have gotten better. I have an early '18 and rode a late one that felt much better.

 

My friction zone on my ‘18 is about midway, and no shudder;the shudder can come from inadequate throttle input.




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Will follow this as well. My 2018 has this issue. Seems that the clutch dosen't strart to grab until the lever is almost to the end of release. Way diffrent from my 02 cable operated clutch. That can be adjusted. Not sure if there is any adjustments to make on these hydraulic clutches.

 

That release point has been pretty consistent with HD hydraulic clutches for as long as I remember and no you cannot adjust a hydraulic clutch. The problem is not really with the hydraulic clutch but rather with the fact that most of us got used to have a cable clutch and had the release point much closer to the grip and when getting a bike with a hydraulic clutch and a release point that is further out we aren't comfortable with it. I rode so long with my 2012 CVO with hydraulic clutch and that became the new norm and I actually liked it, especially when running through the gears and didn't need to pull the clutch in that far when shifting. When I bought my 18' Fat Bob with cable clutch I adjusted it further out to be where it was with my hydraulic clutch. To me it would be easy to just buy the adjustable levers and be done with it. The MoCo probably just made a slight design change to one or 2 of the parts on the 19's that moved the release point closer to the grip and changing those parts on the 18 & older would be more expensive and more time consuming.

 

Just go to the Softbrake website, it's a super easy change to a modified lever that moves the friction zone closer to the grip.

 

Funny when I picked up my 18 I did not think twice about the the clutch lever and where it releases. On my 17 I hated it, I put the Oberon clutch lever on. Build date is 6/18, I wonder if I have the 19 clutch set up?

 

I’ve never heard the term “judder” what does the spring look like? Thanks.

 

That’s what the MOCO calls it. Do you remember the old rivet plates in the clutch packs? Same concept just without the rivets. They put a thicker one in starting in the ‘19 models to help with a lot of consumer complaints about how the clutch lever felt.

 

I’ll have to find a parts break down pic tomorrow at work and post it.

 

I would love to see this. I know a lot of people that would upgrade.

 

I took this screen shot this morning. This is right from the Technical Training slideshow that I had to watch per the MOCO.

 

Good info. Thanks for posting that.

 

So the two questions I would ask....
1. Is it possible to retrofit the part to 17-18 models?
2. How much is the part? Installed?

Thanks for putting this info out.

 

- Yes, I believe it will fit all M8 equipped touring bikes.
- No idea on cost because no one had ever asked. Lol.
- Installation will depend on either your mechanical ability or what the hourly rate at your preferred shop is. The outer primary cover will have to be removed to gain enough room

 

I see on another forum that you can retrofit the new spring on the 17 0r 18,its about $12 you will have to pull your derby cover to get to clutch basket an replace,I already changed my Clutch Lever to a Soft Brake Lever Cost me $50 but I am good to go now.Changing the spring would be the cheapest fix now.

 

Unless you have to pay to have it done and you can't do it just by removing the derby cover. You will have to remove the outer primary cover.

 

crazy4ink, thanks for the pic. I will try this on my wife's 18 street glide special very soon.
Any chance you have the part number?
Thanks for the info.

 

No I don’t but I will see what I can find for you.

 

I have a '19 and the friction zone and clutch release point are both terrible. I haven't ridden an '18 so can't say whether there was an improvement but it's much harder to do slow speed maneuvers on this bike compared to my '13 Street Glide.

Already stalled twice doing a full lock u-turn because of the release point on the clutch and the narrow band of the friction point.

I've already ordered adjustable levers to remedy this.

 

Some of the low speed issues could also be the M8 versus the Twinkie. M8s like to have more throttle input than Twinkies.

 

I posted this mod on HDF. I put in the new damper seat and it works very well. The clutch engagement/disengagement is now about middle of the lever pull.

Whole job took about 1.5 hours. Pretty easy and well worth it...

2017/18 bikes came with damper seat part number: 37000036. 2019 bikes came with a new damper seat part number : 37000295 ($12.60).

Does not actually widen the friction zone as far as I can tell but, since it's closer to the grip, it feels easier to control...

 

So will this jutter change work on a 15 RGS?

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I’m not sure. I can look tomorrow and see. I can’t remember if a 15 has the slip assist clutch system or the transitional clutch plate spring, or if the parts would be interchangeable.

 

I ordered two of these today. I will post some pics or video of how to do it if anyone would like to see.

 

Pics and/or video would be great.??

 

OK, I will do a little how to for those that may want to do it. Still waiting on parts but I will try to do it sometime next week or so.

 

Very cool of you to do this, I for one am very interested! Thanks!