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4/6/2023

2014+ Chieftain Clutch Lever Inspection and Adjustment

Indian Chieftain Clutch Lever Inspection and Adjust…
Adjust…

Required Tools and Supplies
Adjustable Wrench
Moly Assembly Grease or All-Purpose
Grease
10mm Socket
Ratchet
Shop Rags

Flathead Screwdriver or Pick
14mm Crowfoot Wrench
13mm and 14mm Wrenches
Torque Wrench
Safety Glasses & Nitrile
Gloves

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 Chieftain, 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 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 slide away the rubber protector
boot.
4. Remove the lower cable E-clip with a flat-head screwdriver.
5. Using a 10mm socket, remove the cable guide fastener and set the guide aside.
6. Next, use an adjustable wrench with a shop rag to rotate the clutch shaft arm until the tension
has been released from the cable. Rotate the cable barrel out of the clutch shaft arm and release the
clutch shaft.
7. Pull the cable down and out of the mounting boss.
8. On the left handlebar, unscrew the bottom hinge nut with a 10mm socket.
9. Then push the pivot pin upward and remove from the handlebar.
10. Remove the clutch lever and rotate the cable barrel out of the lever.
11. Remove any old grease and dirt from the lever, housing and cable ends.
12. Lubricate the clutch lever and pivot screw with moly assembly grease or all-purpose grease.
13. Also apply a thin coating of all-purpose grease to both clutch cable ends. DO NOT lubricate
between the cable and sheath.
14. Reinstall the clutch cable into the lever housing.
15. Install the clutch lever into the handlebar and align the pivot pin hole.
16. Reinstall the pivot pin fully.
17. Then reinstall the nut. Torque to 35 to 62 in-lbs (4-7 Nm).

18. Clean any residual grease off the handlebar.
19. Rotate the clutch shaft arm and reconnect the clutch cable into the lower cable housing.
20. Reinstall the lower cable guide fastener. Torque to 84 in-lbs (9 Nm).
21. Then reinstall the E-clip and slide the rubber protector boot back into place.
22. Ensure the cable is properly routed in the mounting boss and cable bracket.
23. 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).
24. If adjustment is needed, the clutch cable adjuster nut is located along the lower left frame. While
holding the clutch cable, slide the rubber protector boot away from the lock nut.
25. Loosen the lock nut with a 14mm wrench.
26. 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.
27. While holding the adjuster, tighten the lock nut securely with a 14mm crowfoot wrench. Torque
to 48 in-lbs (5.4 Nm).
28. Then re-secure the protector boot over the adjuster.
29. 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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Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
© 2022 Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
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