AIM strongly recommend VP Performance Kits to upgrade '98 and later Harley-Davidson stock clutch for any performance engines, even a Screamin Eagle Stage 1 Kit (Exhaust pipe, Air cleaner, EFI tuner). Because as you know Harley-Davidson has reduced clutch lever effort from 2006 Big Twin model by reducing clutch spring pressure about 10%. Even though clutch performance is 10% less than before, the current engine size has been increase to 96ci. That means clutch performance may not be enough when you do any engine performance modifications.
VP Performance Kits are the best product to upgrade Harley-Davidson stock clutch and eliminate unnecessary heavy clutch pull (not like a regular heavy duty spring), but add up to 40% additional pressure to clutch as engine RPM increases (Centrifugal Force) to make very strong clutch clamping force. VP Performance Kit is including VP92T and Clutch spring.
Note: In the Chart, The clutch will not slip when there is your engine torque curve below the clutch pressure curve. These pressure and handling torque in the chart are calculated with stock primary and final gear ratio. These numbers will be change by primary and final gear ratio.
One of the less desirable byproducts of increased power is the need for a clutch spring upgrade, and the additional lever effort it requires. By adding the Variable Pressure Clutch (VPC) devise, clutch plate holding pressure is reduced at lower RPM’s, and increased as RPM rises, reducing the chance of clutch slippage as power builds. The VPC system reduces initial pressure and uses weights. And if that isn’t enough, put the squeeze on your clutch pack with the S&S Variable Pressure Plate. The weighted clutch fingers use centrifugal force to increase the pressure on the plates. The faster you spin your engine, the stronger your clutch engagement, all without increasing the clutch lever pull at idle. 380 lbs pressure, 25% stronger. AIM is the distributor for Tak's Performance Products (TPP), manufacturer of the Variable Pressure Clutch (VPC). The VPC is a replacement pressure plate actuator that uses centrifugal force to put pressure to the clutch plates to keep them from slipping. The faster the clutch spins, the greater the pressure on the clutch plates. And if that isn’t enough, put the squeeze on your clutch pack with the S&S Variable Pressure Plate. The weighted clutch fingers use centrifugal force to increase the pressure on the plates. The faster you spin your engine, the stronger your clutch engagement, all without increasing the clutch lever pull at idle. 380 lbs pressure, 25% stronger. The Variable Pressure Clutch (VPC) by Tak's Performance Parts uses a system that reduces spring pressure at idle, and as the centrifugal force increases in line with rising engine rpm it provides the clutch with the required pressure to match engine torque.
Note: VP Performance Kits and VP Charger Kits ---Requires removing the outer primary cover to change the diaphragm spring. Non-stock derby covers (including any special or '03 anniversary cover) and 3 holes derby covers may require a derby cover spacer. Clutch pull becomes heavier as RPM increases. Will fit models equipped with H-D hydraulic clutch.
1. Turn cable adjuster until there is a large amount of free play at the clutch hand lever. | 2. Remove derby cover. |
3. Loosen lock nut on the clutch adjuster screw. | 4. Adjust clutch adjuster screw. To take up all free play, turn screw inward (clockwise) until gently seated. Activate the clutch lever to verify the balls of Ball & Ramp (in right side transmission) are seated in the ramps. Back out adjuster screw (counterclockwise) 3/4 to 1 turn. Tighten lock nut while holding adjuster screw with an Allen wrench. |
5. Loosen the spring retainer evenly a little at a time using a 10 mm socket wrench. | 6. Pull the spring retainer and remove it. |
7. Bend the 6 base plate tabs slightly outward. | 8. Showing bented base plate. |
9. Install base plate. Starting with widest tab on the base plate insert it inside the diaphragm spring. | 10. Ensure that it is seated all the way in. |
11. Install the VP clutch. if you install it from one of the bottom levers first then it will go in easily. | 12. Use the provided bolts and tighten evenly with a 5 mm Allen wrench. Ensure the diaphragm spring is not out of position and start tightening the bolts. Finally, tighten to a torque of 90-110 in-lbs (10.2-12.4 Nm). |
13. Adjust the clutch cable. Ensure free play of 1/8' or more at the clutch lever pivot between the clutch holder and lever without pulling the cable. | 14. Install derby cover gasket (Parts#AIM003-001) and derby cover. Tighten bolts to 84-108in-lbs (9.5-12.2 Nm). |
Tech Note: You can use 18 mm spark plug socket to tighten lock nu t. | Tech Note: Adjusting adjuster screw with using 18 mm spark plug socket. |