Harley Easy Pull Clutch Upgrade Benefits and 520 Sprocket Conversions

Understanding the Harley Easy Pull Clutch

The Harley Easy Pull clutch, also sometimes referred to as the Harley clutch kit, is an aftermarket clutch option for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. It is designed to reduce the amount of effort and pressure required to operate the clutch lever, making it easier on the hands during repeated use. This clutch can be a great upgrade for riders looking for smoother clutch control.

How the Harley Easy Pull Clutch Works

The Easy Pull clutch uses reinforced friction plates and upgraded clutch springs to reduce the tension needed to disengage the clutch. The stock Harley clutch can require significant grip strength and pressure to pull in the lever, leading to hand fatigue on longer rides. This aftermarket clutch allows easier lever pull thanks to the following design factors:

• Reinforced clutch plates - Thicker friction plates that are more durable under pressure.
• Upgraded clutch springs - Stronger springs that reduce pull pressure requirements.
• Lighter clutch lever - Aluminum construction minimizes weight.

Together, these design elements allow clutch lever pull that requires up to 40% less force. This leads to reduced hand and wrist fatigue compared to the stock Harley clutch set up.

Benefits of the Harley Easy Pull Clutch

Installing the Easy Pull clutch offers several advantages for Harley riders who want smoother, less tiring clutch control:

• Easier clutch pull at stops – Less grip pressure needed from a complete stop.
• Reduced clutch hand strain – Minimizes wrist and hand fatigue on long rides.
• Smoother clutch modulation – More control for partial/slipping clutch operation.
• Increased rider comfort – More comfortable ride thanks to easy clutch lever pressure.

The reduction in lever pressure makes the bike easier to operate, especially in traffic situations with lots of starting and stopping. Riders who suffer hand cramps or pain from clutching will benefit the most from installing this upgrade.

Considerations for the Harley Easy Pull Clutch

While the Easy Pull clutch has many benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind with this clutch kit:

• Higher initial cost – The clutch plates and springs cost more than stock components.
• Professional installation recommended – While an experienced home mechanic could potentially install it, the clutch is a complex system and best left to Harley certified mechanics.
• May need tuning – Depending on the bike, a fuel system tuning module might be needed to work properly with the new clutch.
• Friction plate maintenance – The reinforced clutch plates will still require periodic maintenance and replacement as they wear.

Despite the increased initial price, the upgrade pays for itself in reduced hand fatigue and easier riding. Proper installation and break-in help ensure maximum performance and reliability.

520 Motorcycle Sprocket Conversion

When upgrading or replacing the sprockets on a motorcycle, riders sometimes choose to switch to a 520 conversion rather than staying with the factory 530 size. But what is a 520 sprocket, and what are the tradeoffs?

Understanding 520 vs 530 Chains

Motorcycle drive chains have links measured by the pitch between pins - either 520 or 530 size. 520 chains have less space between pins, meaning the chain has more pivot points in a given length. Some benefits of 520 chains and sprockets include:

• More flexible - The narrower pitch allows tighter angles and more slack.
• Less driveline lash - Reduced slop and snatchiness from lower chain inertia.
• High RPM capability - The 520 holds up better at high speeds.

However, 520 chains typically wear faster and require more maintenance to prevent binding and kinking under torque compared to wider 530 chains. Most sportbikes come stock with 530 size chains and sprockets nowadays.

Advantages of 520 Conversion

When sportbike riders convert their bikes from 530 to the narrower 520 size, it’s typically for these reasons:

• Increased ground clearance - Getting chain and sprockets closer to swingarm pivot.
• Move center of gravity down - Lowering bike height and center of gravity.
• Curb chain guide growth - Allow for elongated chain guide slots.

Pro Superbike and road racers sometimes run 520 conversions strictly for the increased cornering clearance. Lowering the bike also changes weight distribution and handling. The conversion cost is relatively low if only replacing front and rear sprockets and chain.

Disadvantages of 520 Conversion

While popular in racing circles, the 520 conversion also has some notable downsides to consider:

• Increased chain wear - The narrower 520 chain wears faster under high power.
• Tighter manufacturing tolerances - Susceptible to binding without frequent adjustments.
• Noisier chain operation - Increased chatter at high lean angles.
• Reduced low RPM power - Less stable revving below 7,000 rpm.

The 520 setup also requires using lighter weight oils, more frequent adjustments, master link clip safety wiring, and increased slide wear. Converting to 520 chains and sprockets makes the most sense for experienced riders prioritizing clearance over longevity.

FAQs

Does installing the Easy Pull clutch affect motorcycle performance?

No, the Easy Pull clutch does not add horsepower or directly improve performance. It simply reduces the hand strength needed to pull in the clutch lever. The clutch friction zone and engagement operate the same, just with less lever pressure.

What's the easiest way to convert to 520 sprockets?

The simplest method is to swap the front and rear sprockets only, and get a new 520 pitch chain sized to work with the new sprockets. No further disassembly is needed beyond normal chain and sprocket replacement.

Do I need to tune my motorcycle if I convert to a 520 chain?

Not necessarily. As long as the final drive ratio stays similar and the chain slack is set correctly, no fueling adjustments are typically needed. However, raced bikes may benefit from tuning to account for the lower rotating weight.

Will narrower 520 chains work with wider factory swingarms?

Yes, 520 chains and sprockets will still fit most stock swingarms designed for 530 chain. But occasionally swingarm grind tabs may need grinding for maximum lean angle. Also, chain guides likely require slot elongation.