In 2021, Harley-Davidson made a significant change to its touring lineup by replacing hydraulic clutches with cable clutches, a departure from the hydraulic system introduced in 2014 that persisted until 2020. As a Police Motor Officer and Instructor, I must admit, this change was met with some resistance on my end. In my view, a premium touring Harley should come equipped with a premium hydraulic clutch system straight from the factory. However, given the shift to cable clutches, I've devised a solution that promises improvement, which I'll detail below. (see video below)

Cable Clutch Vs. Hydraulic Clutch:

The cable clutch system chosen by Harley is notably inferior to the hydraulic counterpart. Drawing from my extensive experience training, competing, and instructing on police motorcycle courses, I've encountered firsthand the frustrations associated with cable clutches. They demand frequent adjustments, both internally and externally, and even among identical year and model bikes, the clutch engagement varies.

In stark contrast, the Harley hydraulic clutch system requires no manual tweaking. It ensures consistent performance across bikes of the same make and model, maintaining a uniform engagement point and offering a smoother, less fatiguing lever pull.

The Solution:

Given the shift to cable clutches, we can still optimize the setup. Harley incorporates a plastic adjuster along the cable line, essentially an automatic adjuster. However, this system lacks the flexibility for riders to fine-tune play or engagement preferences. Fortunately, I've discovered a solution in the form of the Fat Baggers EZ Clutch Adjustor Upgrade. This aftermarket product replaces the stock plastic adjuster with a more durable metal counterpart, enabling precise external adjustments for clutch lever positioning.

In the accompanying video, I'll guide you through the installation process of this upgrade, ensuring your Harley's clutch lever sits exactly where you desire. It's worth noting that internal clutch adjustments will still be necessary from time to time.

Upgrading My 2024 Harley To A Hydraulic Clutch:

While this upgrade improves the cable clutch system significantly, my long-term goal remains to convert my 2024 Harley Davidson Street Glide to a hydraulic clutch system. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for updates on this endeavor.

Moreover, some riders contend that they prefer a cable clutch system because it grants them the flexibility to adjust the lever to their liking. However, I find this argument less compelling, given that I personally utilize a PSR Adjustable Hydraulic Clutch Lever, which offers identical adjustments.