| Required Tools and Supplies | |
| Shop Rags | Ratchet |
| Flathead Screwdriver or Pick | 13mm and 14mm Wrenches |
| Adjustable Wrench | Torque Wrench |
| 10mm Socket | Safety Glasses |
| 14mm Crowfoot Wrench | Nitrile Gloves |
| Moly Assembly Grease or All-Purpose Grease | |
To learn more about tools, read the Tools and Fasteners Guide.
Always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves when servicing your Indian Motorcycle. To properly maintain and adjust the clutch lever on your Indian Vintage or model year 2020 and older Chief, follow these steps:
1. Park the motorcycle on a flat, level surface and allow the vehicle to cool completely.
2. Inspect the entire length of the clutch cable for any damage to the external casing. Also inspect any exposed cable wire for fraying, kinks or corrosion. Replace any cables that are damaged, sticky or sluggish.
3. Move down to the cable connection near the primary cover and remove the lower cable E-clip with a flat-head screwdriver.
4. Then remove the cable guide fastener with a 10mm socket and set the guide aside.
5. Next, use an adjustable wrench with a shop rag to rotate the clutch shaft arm until the tension has been released from the cable.
6. Rotate the cable barrel out of the clutch shaft arm and release the clutch shaft. Pull the cable down and out of the mounting boss.
7. On the left handlebar, unscrew the bottom hinge nut with a 10mm socket.
8. Then push the pivot pin upward and remove from the handlebar.
9. Remove the clutch lever and rotate the cable barrel out of the lever.
10. Remove any old grease and dirt from the lever, housing and cable ends.
11. Lubricate the clutch lever and pivot screw with moly assembly grease or all-purpose grease.
12. Also apply a thin coating of all-purpose grease to both clutch cable ends. DO NOT lubricate between the cable and sheath.
13. Reinstall the clutch cable into the lever housing.
14. Install the clutch lever into the handlebar and align the pivot pin hole.
15. Reinstall the pivot pin fully.
16. Then reinstall the nut. Torque to 35 to 62 in-lbs (4 to 7 Nm).
17. Clean any residual grease off the handlebar.
18. Rotate the clutch shaft arm and reconnect the clutch cable into the lower cable housing.
19. Reinstall the lower cable guide fastener. Torque to 84 in-lbs (9 Nm).
20. Then reinstall the E-clip and ensure the cable is properly routed in the mounting boss and cable bracket.
21. Next, measure the clutch lever free play between the clutch lever and the clutch lever mounting bracket. The free play should be 0.5 to 1.55 mm (0.02 – 0.059 inches).
22. If adjustment is needed, the clutch cable adjuster nut is located along the lower left frame. While holding the clutch cable, slide the rubber protective boot away from the lock nut.
23. Loosen the lock nut with a 14mm wrench.
24. While holding the cable, turn the cable adjuster inward or outward with a 13mm wrench until the clutch lever free play is set to specification.
25. While holding the adjuster, tighten the lock nut securely with a 14mm crowfoot wrench. Torque to 48 in-lbs (5.4 Nm).
26. Then re-secure the protective boot over the adjuster.
27. Finish by verifying proper operation of the clutch. Ensure the engine does not start with the clutch lever released and the bike in gear. Repeat this procedure as needed.
For more information, see your authorized Indian Motorcycle Dealer. Find a dealer near you with the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.
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