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2001 Dear VTwin Mama, Thursday, November 1 Dear VTwin Mama, At first I thought the device would look "weird" once it was installed on my bike, but it actually blends in quite nicely - I hardly even notice that it's there. The product claims to make pulling in the clutch 50% easier ...from my personal experience, I would say 30-40% easier is a more accurate estimate, but it's still a huge difference from what it was before. The only other aspect that I noticed after it was installed, was my "friction zone" did slightly change. I have to let out the clutch a tad bit more now, before that rear wheel engages. This took some time getting used to - about 2 weeks before I felt really comfortable again, but now I'm fine with it. I just see it as a "new" characteristic of my bike. As far as the ergonomic levers go...I can't really
comment on those, as I don't have them. I did look into them - a pair of
trigger levers by KurAkyn (around $32 a pair), but once I had the Power
Clutch installed, I felt I didn't need the levers. Hope this helps! Good
Luck! Linda in Riverside, IL Friday, November 2 Dear VTwin Mama, A quick search of the web found this link:
http://www.vabiker.net/lifestyle/tips.html Also found this link: I had it added to my 2001 HD Superglide very soon after purchasing the bike. I have small hands and the clutch was just too stiff, especially on long rides. It has been wonderful and I've had no problems with it. I also got some trigger levers, which are intended to help with the clutch and brake. I'm pretty comfortable now. Enjoy the riding and don't hesitate to try the Easy Boy. Diane Well, I don't exactly have huge hands either, and some of us women don't have the strength in our fingers either. Like opening one of those darn ole olive jars. YIKES! Well I have a grip from Iron Braid. They are braided leather and the PISTOL GRIP STYLE. And I LOVE em...Also I heard of this device that replaces your clutch lever and it actually works like a bow, for bow and arrow that is. You pull it so far then like this weight kicks in and it makes it like almost nothing to pull in. They sell it in JP Cycle catalog. Which is the bible so to speak at our house. But take it from one with hands that can't open the olive jars, the pistol grip style make a huge difference. They have this little place to grip onto with your pointer finger or whatever finger would make ya happy. Jo Ann in Kelly Lake, WI I have never tried any of the items you inquired about, but you might see if you can get someone to adjust the levers for you. My husband made some slight adjustments to mine which made them much easier to use. As for small hands? When I was going to the MSF course I needed some leather gloves, the only ones I could find were in the children's department and were labeled "Just like dad's". If the adjustments worked for me -- maybe they will work for you! Also...the handlebars can be adjusted as well! Ride Safe Bootygrandma (the nickname comes from her granddaughter who tried to call her "beautiful" grandma, but at 3 years old it came out Bootyful -- isn't that a precious story?!) Tuesday, November 6 Dear VTwin Mama, I'm still interested in the levers for added comfort. I
checked out the Iron Braid levers in either spoon or trigger and I figure
with a more comfortable reach along with the added leather I should be in
good shape. Thanks again to everyone, I hope this also helps a lot of
other women. I look at it this way, although motorcycles may still be
primarily a "man's game", with appropriate comfort and safety
modifications women can be major players too! Support by appropriate
riding partners is also extremely important. Thanks again, Ride Safe, Have
Fun! Lil' Hands (previously
wrote under the name Frustrated) Thanks everyone who took the time to share insights and opinions. You're making this website really ROCK! Love 'ya all. Mama Friday, November 9 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Bruce, Click here for Motorcycle Repair Manuals Wednesday, June 12 Dear VTwin Mama, Apparently the EZ Clutch (and other makes) make the clutch (and cable) have to be replaced more often, in some cases twice as often if a lot of around-town riding is done. For some people, replacing the clutch more often is a better deal than having a sore hand. It was something I was going to consider, but I took their advice and added the new levers from Custom Chrome. After riding them for some time now, I am thrilled. Yes, my clutch is a little stiff, but with the better reach, I have been able to build up strength slowly over time without the "strain" that I previously experienced. Not being spoiled by a softer clutch has also allowed me to ride my husband's Road King and Heritage with ease. J. Marie in Virginia Dear J. Marie, Thursday, September 19 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cate, Friday, January 10 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Joan, I called my local Suzuki dealer to answer your questions. They've never heard of an EZ Clutch for the Savage and the only thing they had available (that they thought might work) is another actuator arm that fits the Suzuki dirt bikes which would shorten up the distance for you to pull the lever in (but they're not real sure that there is enough room to install it). Mama Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Sharon, You have several options. First, I would check the AMP Power Clutch offered by J&P Cycles (big Harley aftermarket company). Use the link below and type in "Power Clutch" in their search engine in the upper left corner -- you'll find the chrome version and black version that fits all HD models from 1982-2003. Don't forget to sign up to receive their FREE 2003 catalog -- a handy reference for future questions and projects! Right now it's for Harley Davidson aftermarket stuff only, but readers with "metric" bikes will be glad to hear that they will be coming out with a catalog of non-HD bike parts in next few months (I'll let you know when).
Also highly recommended is the Easy Boy Lite Clutch from White Brothers -- just click here for their Dealer Locator page (they don't have an online catalog). We've also mentioned Custom Chrome before (they do aftermarket for Harleys) -- here is the link to their dealer list by state (and they also don't have an online catalog). Between these three possibilities, I'm sure you'll find something that meets your requirements! Mama Monday, March 17 For Sharon who is looking for a different clutch lever for smaller hands: I had the same problem when I purchased a 2002 HD Dyna Lowrider. My Harley Dealer suggested that I put an EZ Clutch on my bike with the levers that have a easy grip (knob, kind of like a pistol grip on the lever). The combination worked great, but be careful it's so EZ to use that I tend to do the "no, no" two fingers!!! In addition, when I traded the Harley for an Indian 2002 Spirit, the EZ Clutch and levers transferred to my new bike with no problems. Indian Lady (note from Mama: thanks for letting Sharon know what worked for you!) Tuesday, March 25 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Mopey, Because this is so crucial and is hampering your ability to ride, I'd contact your closest dealer's service department and ask to speak with someone. Describe the problem in exact detail and ask their opinion, with possible costs associated with what they think needs to be checked and/or replaced. That way you can prepare yourself. At the same time, if there were any recalls, they should (hopefully) have a clue. No, it's not always cheap, but then your life is at stake when you take this bike out, and that's worth more. Mama Tuesday, April 1 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Mary, Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Bitin' Squirrel, Tuesday, April 29 For Bitin' Squirrel who is trying to find a clutch lever solution for her smaller hands: I am 4 ft 9 in and have small hands and short fingers. Have you tried to adjust your clutch levers? My husband adjusted a knob on my lever where the clutch lever and the grip come together. This will make the lever let out at a short distance, I then don't have to stretch my fingers out so far. Good Luck! Ride safe! Shorty (note from Mama: a possible solution, but one to be undertaken with caution as you don't want to alter the engage/disengage point of the clutch lever too much. Maybe Bitin' can re-review this with the local dealer's help.) If you are considering the changing of bikes due to your problem with the clutch....I suggest you might reconsider on the Suzuki Savage. My last bike was a '96 Suzuki Savage, so I can personally tell you that it is one quick little piece of machinery. I did not have any problem keeping up with the bigger bikes. One time I was buying a different exhaust for my Savage when another customer made a not so nice comment about them. The salesman (who is a well versed mechanic as well) looked at him and said for him not to criticize the Savage. He continued that it may only be a one cylinder bike, but it is one hell of a cylinder, and is a lot more bike than most people think. Good luck in resolving your challenge. Bootygrandma aka Betty (note from Mama: it seems extreme to have to choose a bike based on the clutch lever, but then again, if no other solution presents itself . . .) For Bitin' Squirrel who is trying to find a clutch lever solution for her smaller hands: I'm not a member --
if this has anything to do with giving a response -- but I just came upon
the web site and thought I have some useful info. (note
from Mama: this is an open discussion forum and anybody can participate!)
Tuesday, May 13 Dear VTwin Mama, If there is a shop near you that sells Harleys, Ducati's and AMP Clutches I was wondering if you could ask one of the shop staff to test an AMP Clutch on a Duke for me. Will be good for the shop also as then they can tell customers that the clutch will fit Duke's as well. The problem that I anticipate and that AMP does not mention is that Ducati's have much thinner clutch levers than Harleys! Any help that you can offer will be much appreciated. Thanks Mate. Regards Kevin and Terri in Australia Dear Kevin and Terri, Bottom line is that it would be chancy and pricey to order this product for the Duke and try to find a custom shop that could alter the lever to work for Terri. Hmmm. . . readers, any thoughts? Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, May 28 For Bruce who is trying to replace the clutch lever: In order to replace
the clutch lever and make it easy to do so you need to loosen the adjuster
on the clutch cable. This will provide the slack for you to gain enough
free play in order to remove the lever and do whatever you wish to do. Top Friday, May 30 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Debbie, Top Friday, June 6 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Cherokee Rebel, At the same time, noting which clutch lever assembly is on that bike, they might be able to identify an alternative system that would better meet your needs. I wouldn't hold my breath on this on though. If nothing pans out on that, keep your eye out on ASV Inventions. They have developed a clutch lever for dirt and motocross bikes that has a pivoting adjustment that allows for complete control of where the lever is positioned (a neat graphic on one of their pages shows it). A quick call to them revealed that they are currently working on developing a universal model for street bikes and John noted that this should be ready in a few months. Mama Share Your ThoughtsTop Wednesday, June 18 Dear VTwin Mama, Dear Diane, Top Thursday, July 3 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
HD1200, Wednesday, July 16 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Tina, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kris, There are clutch levers which are ergonomically easier to "work" and are made both for Harleys and metric bikes. Please read through my Working on the Bike -- Clutch Lever page for previous letters that review these products, as they may present the solution you are looking for. Mama Monday, July 28 For Kris whose clutch hand is cramping up big time: Assuming that a visit to the doctor is involved regardless of my comments, you might want to take a serious look at your riding position -- including back, shoulders, neck, wrists, arms, and elbows. I am *not* giving medical advice here - but *am* relating personal experience. I have had a running battle with several repetitive strain injuries for the last 10 years, and what I've learned the most about them is that they are heavily dependent upon posture and body position. I just spent two hours at a local shop this morning picking out new handlebars for my VStar 650 Classic with the help of a wonderful mechanic because I can't ride for more than about 3 hours without ending up in pain. In my case, it's a type of pain that I recognize and know exactly how to stop -- I have to change the angle that I'm sitting at and change the dynamics of the way I use the clutch. There are a number of professionals out there who can help, if they understand the ergonomics involved in riding, from a good family doctor to a chiropractor or sports therapist. One of the most wonderful things about motorcycles is that you can CHANGE them to fit your build and riding style! Good luck chasing down the problem! Kiara (note from Mama: thanks for the first-hand information that can help Kris look at this in a different light.) Tuesday, September 16 Dear
VTwin Mama and readers, Dear
Skeetes, Note from VTwin Mama about this letter: it was originally sent in to me on June 19th and I never doubted this writer's account. In subsequent emails to each other, we noted that she was in touch with the company to get an explanation. After three months of waiting, it never came (addendum: letter was received and answered). So now, in all fairness, I'm publishing this letter. We've heard a lot of good things about this product, but here is a cautionary tale that is worth reading if you are using the AMP Power Clutch. Let the buyer/installer beware. Dear
VTwin Mama, Last October of 2002 I bought a 2003 Dyna Low Rider. The clutch was even harder to pull than the Sportster. Once again, I had the AMP Power Clutch installed and the clutch on the Low Rider became extremely easy to pull in and hold. However, while riding last November the temperature dropped while I was out and the AMP Power Clutch started to jam and stick. I had to push the clutch lever out manually when shifting and it was a dangerous situation. When my husband and I arrived home, he inspected the it and found that it is lubricated with some sort of silicone lubricant which had hardened up from the cold. The temperature was in the low 40's when the AMP Power Clutch began to stick. He removed all of the hardened silicone lubricant (which was no longer acting as a lubricant) and sprayed the gears inside the AMP Power Clutch with WD40. After that the clutch worked beautifully until last week while riding in temperatures around the low 80's, the AMP Power Clutch got jammed, with no warning, at an intersection and caused me to have an accident. When I went to ease my hand off the clutch, nothing happened, it just stayed pulled in. I attempted to release it with my left hand and it suddenly popped out causing my bike to buck so hard that the front wheel went off the ground causing the bike to come down on it's right side and slide with me under it. Fortunately, I only received some "road rash" to the right arm, but the damage to my bike exceeds $1,300! I would not recommend the AMP Power Clutch to anyone! The first time it failed I believed it was because of cold weather, but it shouldn't fail for any reason. The first time it failed I had over 1,700 miles on the bike and the Power Clutch. The second time, this past Sunday, June 15,2003, I had over 4,500 miles on my bike and Power Clutch. It also happened during different seasons of the year, so I can't blame it on the outside temperature. I have removed the AMP Power Clutch from my bike and will never ride with it again. Yes, it did make a big difference in pulling in and holding the clutch at traffic lights, but I no longer have faith in it not to fail again. I had the AMP Power Clutch installed on both of my Harley's at an aftermarket bike shop because my local Harley-Davidson dealer would no longer install the AMP Power Clutch because they had too many complaints about it sticking and jamming. I should have listened to them but I didn't, instead I researched it on the net and read message boards, etc. just like this one and because of that believed it was a quality part that was reliable and performed well. NOT SO!! I am fortunate that only my right arm was injured (which is bad enough since I am a breast cancer survivor with lymphedema in my right arm) and that I wasn't killed. When the AMP Power Clutch jammed and then suddenly popped out causing me to go down with the bike on my right side, I wound up on the ground looking right at the tire of a car! Please consider very carefully before buying and installing the AMP Power Clutch. Incidentally, after the Power Clutch stuck the first time, after cleaning out the hardened on silicone lubricant and spraying the gears with WD40, my husband religiously checked the Power Clutch and lubricated it. In fact, he had just lubricated it the morning of the accident. I must say that the accident I sustained on June 15, 2003 has taken away a lot of my confidence in my riding. Even though I know that a mechanical failure caused the accident, I am now much more aware of how truly dangerous riding a motorcycle can be. I rode my Low Rider yesterday for about 20 miles. I was extremely anxious but determined to ride. I will be back riding on a regular basis within the week (weather permitting). I have over 10,000 miles of riding under my belt and I'm not about to stop now. Barbara R. Dear
Barbara, I am glad that you sustained such a relatively small injury in lieu of what could have happened and realize that rebuilding your confidence in riding overall is going to take time. I hope these last three months have been going better for you. Your courage is an inspiration to us all and I applaud your willingness to share the experience so that others can learn from it. Anyone now exploring my Working on the Bike: Clutch Levers section will have access to your information and be able to make their own determination. Thank you. Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, My question is, the clutch doesn't allow much room for 'riding the clutch'....I mean, it's either fully engaged or it's not. My fiancι (who's ridden motorcycles all his life) adjusted the clutch cable some and it is a little better, but I'm still unsure of myself on 'starts'. Wondered if any other Buell Blast riders out there had the same problem and what did they do to remedy it? My fiancι agrees that it's quite a tricky clutch...which is kind of scary considering this is supposed to be a 'beginner' motorcycle. Nancy Dear
Nancy, I know we have a number of regular readers at this site that ride the Buell Blast, but I don't recall that this point was mentioned -- or solved. Hmmmm . . . anyone? Mama Thursday, September 25 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kevin, Note from VTwin Mama: I incorrectly reported that Barbara's problems with the installation of an AMP Power Clutch never received correspondence from AMP regarding the problems. Barbara is focused on battling recurrent breast cancer and hence the delay in getting this information. Letter from AMP: Hi, Barbara. Here's what's been found. After examination, it appears the activation arm was pulled and released while not installed. That can be determined by the unique misalignment of the gear mechanism that occurs when this is happens. That is why the warning label is affixed to the unit - to prevent this from happening. The binding that you describe is consistent with this misalignment. Once that mechanism is out of alignment, random binding can take place. The cold weather problem you experienced is a new one for AMP. There is no record of this kind (temperature related) of binding with a non-damaged unit, and it may be that it, too, was the product of the misalignment. After careful scrutiny of your unit, AMP is confident that the binding you experienced is consistent with the lever having been activated or snapped when the unit was not installed. We appreciate your cooperating with AMP in giving AMP the opportunity to examine the unit. We also are fully aware that this is the second unit you purchased. Consequently AMP, as a good will gesture, is sending to you a new unit. Properly installed, it should give you the same trouble free service as did the first unit you purchased. Thank you again for your cooperation. Your unit should arrive later this week. Pierre Pfeffer Barbara's letter back to AMP: Pierre, Thank you for the time and effort you and your company took in trying to find out what caused the failure of my EZ Pull. You are correct when you state that the activation arm was pulled and released while not installed, however, after the accident on 6/15/03, I removed the EZ Pull from my bike and took it back to the motorcycle shop from which it was purchased. The owner of the shop pulled the activation arm while inspecting it. At that time, I told him that he wasn't supposed to do that. I am not complaining to you about the failure of the EZ Pull because I want to gain something. I am doing it because I think it is important for you to know what happened. The bottom line is that the EZ Pull activation arm was not pulled and released before it was installed on my bike. I know this because I was there during the installation of the EZ Pull, standing right next to the mechanic watching him install it on my bike. I was also there in the same shop after it failed on 6/15/03, when I brought it back. As I stated before, the owner of the shop pulled and released the activation arm AFTER it had been removed from my bike. I guess my point is that I still don't know why it failed. The reasons you have given me are not what caused the failure. I have researched the AMP EZ Pull in several motorcycle newsgroups on the internet and one thing I have read repeatedly is that the EZ Pull should be repacked with lithium grease about every six months. Your company does not provide any literature about maintenance on this product. The people posting in these newsgroups are telling others to repack with lithium grease because of their clutches sticking. I only read up on this after my accident because I was curious to know what experience others had with the EZ Pull. I wish I had read the newsgroups before I put it on my bike. The fact that the EZ Pull performed for several months without failure indicates that the gears must have been in alignment. If they were not, it would have failed much sooner. As far as the cold weather riding goes, as stated in my first email, the lithium grease hardened up inside the unit after riding in temperatures in the low 40's at 50 mph speeds. Perhaps this has not been brought to your attention because so few people ride in temperatures that cold. The failure of the EZ Pull and the subsequent accident that it caused has left me with a permanently swollen right arm and hand. In September of 2001 I had 16 lymph nodes removed from under my right arm during breast cancer surgery. In April of this year, I developed an infection in my right arm after having dental work done. The loss of the lymph nodes left me with no defense system in my right arm and a high risk of infection. Also the possibility of lymph fluid becoming trapped in the arm, which builds up protein, which subsequently causes fibrosis and a high risk of infection. I had a very mild stage one case at the time of the accident. After the accident, the lymphedema moved up to Stage two of three stages. My arm is rock hard, very swollen, and sometimes very painful. I have had to purchase a lymphedema pump, at the cost of $4,500, in order to try to remove some of the lymph fluid from my arm. I must use this pump everyday for the rest of my life. My health insurance did not cover the cost of the pump and only a limited amount of visits to the physical therapist. My point is that I had a manageable case of lymphedema before the accident. The swelling was minimal and it did not require a pump. Since the accident, my arm has become somewhat grotesque in size and at times quite painful. I might have developed Stage 2 Lymphedema later on in life for some other reason, or I might not have - that I'll never know. What I do know is that I did develop a more severe case of lymphedema as the result of the clutch failure on my bike and the subsequent accident that ensued because of it. I will live with this arm the way it is for the rest of my life. Your explanation is not acceptable to me. The activation arm was never pulled and released before it was installed on my bike. I rode with the EZ Pull on my bike for 3,400 miles before the accident on 6/15/03. I think you need to take a harder look at the EZ Pull I returned to you and see if you can determine what is really wrong with it. I will await your reply. Sincerely, Barbara R. Tuesday, September 30 For Nancy who is battling a crappy clutch on her Buell Blast: When I heard the Blast had a grabby clutch, that clinched it for me. I knew it would be good training. The Blast is so light and easy to maneuver. So I have to pay attention and I've learned a lot about working the clutch from practicing on the Blast. The Bonneville's friction zone is also really narrow, but it's smoother. I got back on the Bonneville today. Grin. Sarah (note from Mama: good point about learning from something that is less than perfect ) Wednesday, October 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, I must say, after reading Barbara's letter I am now more than a little concerned. I have written to AMP for a better explanation of the maintenance she mentioned. I did not know, and they do not state this should be done. Maybe this is part of the problem, it shouldn't be done. I also wanted the company to address whether these things wear out and need replaced. I truly feel I would have to have a hydraulic clutch installed if the AMP was not on my bike or I would not be able to ride. These are quite expensive. I know any mechanical part can fail. I wonder if Barbara felt anything sticking or not quite right in between these two incidents. I hope others write in on this issue so as to determine if this is possibly an isolated incident. I never had any problems clutching the Sportster, I wish the clutch on the Low Rider was the same without the AMP assist on it at all. I also wonder if you have any suggestions regarding the handle bars on my '02 Low Rider. I experience shoulder fatigue. I've been told this goes along with the left arm problem I'm having. I remember reading something on your website or maybe in your Newsletter about this. The Sportster had buck horn bars, again no problem there. I don't want to put them on the Low Rider because I actually like the way the bike handles in curves better with the factory bars. I know they put buck horns on Low Riders until 1999. Thank You. Nancy F. Dear
Nancy, As to your handle bars and the accompanying shoulder fatigue, my guess is the current handlebar configuration (which determines then where the clutch and front brake controls are positioned relative to your body) are forcing you to reach or stretch in some manner that is not natural. If you still have the Sporty, sit on both bikes and pay strict attention to the difference in your arm position. If not, my suggestion is this: sit on your bike and place your hands in an imaginary position that allows your hands and shoulders to be comfortable. Have someone measure the difference between where your hands are now on the current controls and where you prefer them to be. There are several measurements to take, so read up on what the "measurements" that define a handlebar actually mean by reading this informative article from J&P Cycle. With this information, you are now ready to explore your options. Perhaps it's just a matter of repositioning the current handlebar a bit lower or higher. Just loosen the clamping bar that secures your handlebar, reposition, and re-clamp. Or, if you need to get the current handlebar just an inch or so closer to you, then adding a pull back riser is going to do the trick, and is an easy to install solution from many aftermarket product vendors. If the current handlebar sets the controls too far apart for comfort (and maybe also places the controls farther away then you like), then a new handlebar is called for. Again, by taking the measurements, you'll be able to go to your local dealer or search the aftermarket vendors for new handlebars with confidence because the "raw" bars will be defined by those measurement numbers you recorded. The article also talks about the possibility of having to replace the connecting cables to the clutch and brake levers, so keep this in mind. See if your current cables have enough "extra" to them to reach the new control positions and address the issue at the same time. Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Joan, And congrats on the "new" bike! Mama Friday, December 12 From Joan who wants to add an AMP EZ clutch thingy on an HD Dyna SuperGlide: The company who made it (AMP) said it would require moving the signals and they may hit the tank!!! I don't follow this -- does it come under the bar and maybe stick out enough to hit the tank in a short turn? Also, I don't want the signals out of reach! The other kind goes inside the bike and cannot be used with mid placed controls and I am so short I had to get mid range controls. I still have my Savage -- just moving up to a V-Twin soon! Thanks, Joan (note from Mama: ok, at this point I'm all for going to the dealer's service department and let them point out on an actual bike what is going to happen. This should not too hard as they are well versed in the AMP product. Call ahead and explain your dilemma. Don't take no for an answer. They are there to SERVE YOU. Only other thing I can think of is to search for a discussion forum specific to your bike model and pose the question. Someone there should have a clue, as I am . . . well, in this instance . . . clueless.) Friday, December 19 She can reposition her turn signals to the forks or triple tree w/ a kit HD offers for this. We did it on my wife's Sportster as the signals were REALLY close to the tank (well, before we went with the buckhorn bars, anyway). The AMP goes underneath the clutch bracket where the turn signal normally mounts and results in the turn signal being lower and more inboard (closer to the tank). From her last letter, it sounds like she is concerned w/ the SWITCH being moved, which it isn't. Just the blinker lights themselves. Relocating them cuts down on glare at night if she decides on a windshield, to boot. Win-win! I don't understand, though, why control placement will affect whether she can use a White Brothers EZ Clutch, though... Dave Williams (note from Mama: yup, I'm still scratching my head, but thanks for some clarifying notes on movement of other. . . thingys! Or is that thingies?!) Thursday, February 19 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Linda, Sunday, March 28 For Lil' Hands and every woman looking for a clutch lever solution: I found this site by accident, but read the problem. I have an Easy Boy on my Roadking. I did it because of hand surgery I had last year. It works, but keeping your adjustments are a pain. Harley sells a hydraulic clutch, lots more money. Really effortless Good luck No Name (note from Mama: hmmm . . . so many things on a bike that need constant attention and adjustment, but thanks for sharing that the Easy Boy made sense in your situation!) Thursday, April 1 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Sherri, Wednesday, April 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Tina, Thursday, May 13 Dear
VTwin Mama: Dear
Lucy, Dear
VTwin Mama, I noticed that there was a question and answer to having the Easy Clutch installed, but it doesn't apply to older model motorcycles. I was wondering if there was a way of changing the perch to the clutch lever for my motorcycle since I have smaller hands. I asked at a Honda bike shop if there were other perches that I could use but was told that everything is stock and all the same height. I think that since the clutch is a bit of a hassle for me to reach, I am not utilizing it as much as I would like to slow down (and I know that's a big part of riding). Any suggestions? Lil Me Dear
Lil Me, If your Honda dealer is not coming up with solutions (and I'm assuming they checked all the aftermarket catalogs as well as stock stuff, but if not, get the FREE metric versions of J&P Cycles and Dennis Kirk catalogs to check for possibilities), the only suggestion I could add is that you could talk with a qualified, certified welder. Remove the lever in question and have him/her torch that sucker and bend the lever portion inwards to your specifications, heeding his/her warnings on stressing it to far (and thereby rendering it less than serviceable and safe). Hope these ideas make a difference for you! Mama Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Rhonda, Thursday, June 10 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
CT, Monday, June 14 Hi
VTwin Mama, Anyway - I had the same problem with the tight clutch as Rhonda. My hubby went by the dealer and they suggested putting some graphite in the clutch. Since the bike didn't have 500 miles on it yet, it was in need of being used and my puny hands don't have much strength (I'm 46, 5'6", and a desk jockey by trade). It has worked out for me. A couple of sprinkles and nearly 100 miles later and it's MUCH better. I'm also working my hands with a spring tension grip or a tennis ball in the car during commutes. Great web site! If it wasn't for this site, I might not have had the guts to get where I am today. Keep up the good work, Mama! Cathy in TN Dear
Cathy, Wednesday, July 7 Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Tina, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Kim, Clutch and brake lever systems
continue to bite for smaller hands. Yes, there are more ergonomically
correct levers (see my Clutch
Lever Page) but they are designed to make the pull easier, not
necessarily place the actual lever curve closer to the grip. You could
check with ASV
Inventions to see where they are at on designing their innovative
adjustable levers for your model bike, or they may have a universal
fitting one by now. Sunday, October 31 Dear
VTwin Mama, But
we have done a lot of modifications on Dear
Gayle, Dear
VTwin Mama, Dear
Alma, As this mostly revolves around undoing the current clutch system, you would do best to get a service/maintenance manual for your specific bike (I have listings for Internet sites that sell these on my Education Center page) so that you can see what's involved with maintaining and changing your current, standard clutch system. With this knowledge, you should be more easily able to see how the new piece would fit into place. Worse come to worse, call your local dealer's service department for a cost estimate to install it . . . shouldn't be too much as it's typically a 15 minute procedure for those in the know. Mama Friday, December 17 For Alma about installing the Easy Boy clutch: I read Alma's post about the White Bros. Easy Boy clutch with interest...you go, girl! If you can install this thing, hooray for you! I'm impressed...I had one installed on my 2004 Heritage Softail, and I love it, no more hand cramps riding in traffic. However, I am not a gear-head, and wouldn't even dream of doing anything that involves opening up the tranny and messing around in there. Just in the "for what it's worth" department, I had the dealer install mine, and with the actual price of the parts, plus the labor, it came to a little over $100. I had some other work done at the same time, so that may
not be a fair reflection of the actual labor costs. It may be that
Alma finds for that small investment, it's worth it in the aggravation
department to not have to do it yourself. If she can, then that's
fabulous. I try to do as much little stuff as I can with my limited
mechanical abilities, but even when I do something minor like changing the
oil on my '76 Shovel it's a wonderful feeling to "do it myself".
I hope she can do it herself as well, but if not, the local H-D service
people could do it and it's not a big price when considering the
alternative (doing it yourself and messing something up if you haven't
done it before). Not knowing Alma's mechanical aptitude, I apologize
if she's offended, but I'm a firm believer in paying for work to have it
done the right way the first time. At any rate, she'll love the Easy
Boy, and I would highly recommend this little doo-dad for anyone,
regardless of gender, if you're sick of the cramp in your left hand after
a few dozen stop and goes in traffic. |
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