Neydtstock/Getty Images

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Given the importance of your Harley-Davidson’s clutch — it allows you to engage and disengage the engine’s power — riding with a faulty one could be quite dangerous. After all, a damaged clutch could lead to unpredictable power delivery. Luckily, it’s easy to tell if it’s time to replace your bike’s clutch. If you’re a cautious rider, you’ll want to change your clutch every 20,000 to 60,000 miles. However, this is not fixed, as this system can fail before then, and you’ll probably notice it needs replacement due to a burning smell, strange noises, or clutch slippage.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are quite expensive because they’re premium bikes with high-end parts. This means that a full clutch replacement isn’t exactly pocket change, so you don’t want to pay more than you need to. We’ve explored various HD-specific forums, riding groups, and Reddit to see what owners had to say about their experiences. According to several Harley-Davidson owners, you can expect to pay from $600 to over $1,100 for a clutch replacement. However, numerous variables come into play, and you’ll want to visit a Harley-Davidson service center near you to get a quote. On a Reddit thread, one owner posted, “So today I called one of the Harley dealers in my area asking for the install for longer clutch and brake cables… The guy said it would take up to 8 hours for them to do this task and would be around $1100 to install.”

misran milaham/Shutterstock

It’s easy to assume that replacing the clutch of your Harley-Davidson is all about swapping out the worn-out plates and calling it a day. But there’s more to it than that, since owners point out that when you take your bike for a clutch replacement service, mechanics will often recommend changing other parts, too. And it’s not because they’re upselling you; skipping them can negatively impact your new clutch pack. When it comes to clutch replacement, the total bill usually reflects several things: the price of the clutch pack itself, the labor required, and the cost of other parts.

Several owners suggest that a standard Harley clutch pack can typically run anywhere from $150 to $300, depending on whether you buy a premium aftermarket or OEM kit. And if you also want to add a new gasket, as well as replacing the steel plates, this costs an additional $5-$20 on Amazon. If the hub bearing, diaphragm spring, and basket need replacing, these parts will probably push the total past $500, not including labor. Harley owners report labor costs as between $100 and $450, with one posting on a Harley-Davidson forum pointing out that the length of the job depends on the mechanic’s experience and whether the parts are available.

H_Ko/Shutterstock

As seen above, the bulk of the cost of a Harley-Davidson clutch replacement is attributable to the labor. So, if you want to save hundreds of dollars in labor, you’ll want to go the DIY route. After all, plenty of Harley owners claim that clutch replacement is among the DIY auto projects that can save you a trip to the mechanic. You’ll need the correct tools and a clean working space, and you’ll also want to do a bit of research to understand the whole procedure and know whether your bike needs any special equipment.

If you plan to do your own clutch upkeep, before you get started, purchase a factory service manual for your model, which will include the clutch specs. Next, determine whether you need to replace only the plates or the whole assembly. You’ll also want to check if the clutch slipping is a result of incorrect adjustment, rather than worn-out or warped plates that will need replacing. From there, you’ll need to drain the primary fluid and remove the cover to access the clutch assembly. Next, loosen the clutch cable, and remove the spring retainer, pressure plate, and diaphragm spring from the hub. Experts recommend inspecting primary components such as the basket, hub, and springs to prevent premature failure of the new clutch. Once you’re done, install the new pressure plates and springs, ensuring the torque valves are set accurately and the adjustments are correctly dialed per the service manual.