Primary Chain Adjustment Question

[DozerBoy]

Before I swapped the clutch pack, my Uly would shift just fine when cold, but get stiff/notchy when hot.

It's not exhibited that behavior since I replaced the clutch pack.

Until I actually check the stack height of the clutch pack I pulled out, it's simply anecdotal evidence. YMMV and all that.

But do you really need another excuse to spend money on your bike? Upgrades, people! Upgrades!

[motoguy]

Thanks for the info. I'm trying to learn Buell world and how the different maintenance items affect each other.

[Cooter]

You are in luck. They need little to no maintenance compared with almost any other motorcycle. No radiator flush, no chain replacement or lube, no valve adjustment.... Go by the schedule in the owners manual and if it sits a ton keep in mind of the time as well.

[motoguy]

I checked my primary chain tension, ramp adjustment and cable adjustment. I adjusted the primary chain while running using the method mentioned above (which is very convenient, BTW). When too loose it was a "rattly" sound, when too tight it was "chunky" sound. I went to the middle between those sounds as suggested.

I may have adjusted my ball ramp too tight last time. This time I turned the adjuster out 1/2 turn instead of 1/4 turn. That gave a little more slop in the lever / cable, which I adjusted out with the cable adjuster.

Took it for a ride again and there was little to no change in the hard to find neutral and harsh shifting. No drag with clutch pulled in, engages smoothly and at a reasonable lever travel. I do believe I put a full quart in when I did the oil change last time. I'll check my level over the weekend, and perhaps change the oil to a different brand. Perhaps it's overfull or my transmission just doesn't like the oil I used.

[Barrett]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I may have adjusted my ball ramp too tight last time. This time I turned the adjuster out 1/2 turn instead of 1/4 turn. That gave a little more slop in the lever / cable, which I adjusted out with the cable adjuster.

As described...incorrect clutch pack and cable adjustment.

[motoguy]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I may have adjusted my ball ramp too tight last time. This time I turned the adjuster out 1/2 turn instead of 1/4 turn. That gave a little more slop in the lever / cable, which I adjusted out with the cable adjuster.

Incorrect adjustment procedure.

Sorry, I'm at work and I'm not familiar enough with Buell procedures to quote them from memory. Per page 1-25 of the 2007 Uly service manual, Adjustment process, Steps 4 & 5:

"4. See Figure 1-28. Remove spring (1) and lockplate (2).
Using a flat tip screwdriver, turn adjusting screw (3)
counterclockwise until it lightly bottoms.

5. Turn adjusting screw clockwise 1/4-1/2 turn. Install lock-
plate and spring on adjusting screw flats. If hex on lock-
plate does not align with recess in outer ramp, rotate
adjusting screw clockwise until it aligns."

That's what I did. Last time I stopped at 1/4 turn. This time I went to 1/2 turn.