Clutch Parts Flathead 750cc/45”

Clutches for 750 cc sidevalves

The first clutches of the 45 models were derived from the clutches of the F and J models and the single cylinders and, like these, were assembled, pressed, riveted and welded from many individual parts in many work steps.

In 1941 - with the threat of war looming - materials became scarce and expensive, and skilled personnel increasingly rare. Harley-Davidson radically simplified the design of the clutches at that time. As it was expensive and time-consuming to mill or punch grooves in clutch hubs, from 1941 the clutch hub was reduced to a simple turned part with holes, the friction plates no longer engaged in the clutch basket, but sat with 10 holes on corresponding stud bolts that were riveted into the hub. At 3 " (78 mm), the bolt circle is larger than on the 4-speed models. The steel plates engage in the clutch basket. This has also been simplified: the drivers are steel blocks riveted into the outer shell.

What do I have to consider?

Even if they look very similar, the clutch plates of the 4-speed models do not fit. They have a smaller bolt circle. Only the springs are the same. All matching parts, if available, can be found here.