Clutch Springs Hand Clutch 1968→

Clutch springs for Bowden cable operated hand clutches are weaker and longer — therefore overall softer — than those for foot clutches.

As the (unofficially so-called) “mouse trap” clutch assist device was dropped on Big Twins in the late 1960s, Harley-Davidson created a problem of its own: lever effort at the left handlebar increased dramatically. To keep riders of the new Electra Glides from suffering constant tendonitis, softer clutch springs were installed and the friction surface area was increased by 25% at the same time. This brought the FLH clutch back up to the task of handling the engine’s horsepower.