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I am at about 13,500 miles now. My next oil change is due in 1500 miles and I am wondering if I would be wise to replace the clutch then and is an upgrade to a heavy duty Kevlar clutch a good idea. It looks like a fairly simple DIY job. Any input would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
Kurt
Just my opinion based on personal experience - don't know why you would want / need to replace the clutch especially with such low mileage. I've had many Harleys and put 100s of thousands miles on them with the stock oem clutch and never replaced one. Unless you have built the motor to higher hp and torque and the clutch is slipping I don't think you need to replace it and even if you did not sure what benefit if any you would get.
Unless it was abused your clutch is fine. These bikes have an oil bathed clutch. They last a good long time. My Electra Glide has 64,000 miles on the stock clutch. But the wife here had hers slipping in fifth gear. Roll it on hard and the RPM with rev up but the bike would basically stay the same. She does have a set of cams and a tune so about 20 hp over stock. I just replaced hers with an extra plate design Kevlar clutch. Even so she had 37,000 miles on the stock unit. If yours is adjusted properly and not slipping I would not replace it. Should have a lot of life left in it.
My 01 Road Glide made 100 hp with stock clutches and spring,that bike had 60,000 miles on it when i traded it in and never had any slippage.The wife's 93 Low Rider has 74,000 on it with stock clutches and its fine as well.
Even if the stock HD clutch is abused (see video below) I see no reason to replace it. They are extremely durable. The TG below is over 60k miles on the stock clutch and works as well today as when new.
[video=youtube;3Z4HN6Lv3ko]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z4HN6Lv3ko[/video]
Kevin
I guess I now have $200 for other goodies. Thanks everyone.
Harley has made a good clutch set up since the Shovelhead days
Not unusual for these clutches to go 100K plus miles JMO