Alright, folks, gather ’round! Today, I’m gonna walk you through my little adventure with my 2009 Victory Vegas Low’s clutch. It’s been acting up, and I figured, “Hey, why not get my hands dirty and document the whole shebang?” So here we go!
Getting Started
First things first, I gathered my tools. Nothing fancy, just the basics: a socket set, wrenches, a screwdriver, some pliers, and, of course, a good ol’ shop manual. I also made sure I had plenty of shop towels because, let’s be honest, things can get messy.
I parked my bike on a level surface and secured it with some wheel chocks. Safety first, people! Then, I disconnected the negative battery cable. Don’t want any unexpected sparks flying around.
Diving In
Next, I removed the clutch cable from the lever. This was pretty straightforward, just loosening the adjuster and slipping the cable out. Then, I followed the cable down to the clutch cover on the side of the engine.
I carefully unbolted the clutch cover, keeping track of where each bolt went (they weren’t all the same size!). Once the cover was off, I could finally see the clutch itself.
The Nitty-Gritty
I inspected the clutch plates. They looked worn, which confirmed my suspicions. Time for some replacements! I carefully removed the pressure plate and the clutch springs. I made sure to keep everything organized so I could put it back together correctly.
Then, one by one, I pulled out the old friction plates and steel plates, noting their order. I soaked the new friction plates in some fresh oil for a while before installing them. This is important, folks! Don’t skip this step.
Putting It Back Together
Once the new plates were soaked, I installed them in the same order as the old ones, alternating between friction plates and steel plates. Then, I reinstalled the pressure plate and clutch springs, tightening the bolts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
With the clutch reassembled, I carefully reinstalled the clutch cover, making sure all the bolts were snug. Then, I reconnected the clutch cable to the lever and adjusted it until it felt just right.
The Moment of Truth
Finally, I reconnected the negative battery cable, took a deep breath, and fired up the engine. I slowly engaged the clutch lever a few times, and… it felt smooth as butter! Success!
Wrapping Up
So there you have it! My little clutch replacement adventure. It wasn’t too difficult, and it definitely saved me some money compared to taking it to a shop. Plus, I got the satisfaction of doing it myself. If you’re facing a similar issue with your Victory Vegas Low, don’t be afraid to give it a shot! Just take your time, follow the manual, and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
