Hippo's VPC Page

Words and Pictures by Hippo.


The following tips are intended to supplement the VPC installation instructions included with your VPC.

Note that while the VPC can be installed thru the derby cover, the pictures that follow are taken with 
the outer primary cover off for clarity.
The VPC requires a stock plain derby cover for internal clearance. Some of the various special edition 
derby covers that are on the 03 bikes may not offer sufficient clearance.

You can e-mail me at HippoVPC@gmail.com with any questions.


Once you remove the derby cover you will see the clutch assembly.

The 6 gold colored bolts with 10 mm head are removed in a crosswise pattern. 
This will free the diaphragm spring retainer ring.
It will be lightly caught between the diaphragm spring and the outer primary. 
Grab it on the top edge and remove it thru the derby hole with a downward rolling motion. 
The diaphragm spring will remain loose on the clutch assembly.



It will look like this.


The pressure plate that is behind the diaphragm spring looks like this. 
Note that it is slightly concave, it has a center hub and a outer lip to center the diaphragm. 
The diaphragm will remain as in the previous image but this will give you a good view of it.


Your VPC comes with a base plate that acts as a bearing surface for the weight levers.


Before you slip the base plate behind the diaphragm the instructions call for bending it slightly.
 Doesn't take very much, should look like this.


The idea is that the shape of the base plate should conform to the concave shape of the pressure 
plate as much as possible.
The base plate has to be positioned in such a way that it is fully engaged over the center hub of the 
pressure plate.


Note that one petal of the base plate is wider.
It is intended to fit between any two standoffs in order to position it radially.


Since you are working thru the derby hole and have slipped the base plate behind the diaphragm 
it will again look like this.
Except that now the base plate should be properly positioned behind the diaphragm.

The diaphragm needs to fit properly inside the outer lip on the pressure plate.


All that needs to be done now is to install the VPC itself in place of the OEM retainer ring with 
the provided bolts and washers.

You may choose to use blue Loctite, good idea. The VPC bolts require a 5 mm Allen socket and 
should be torqued to 110 inch pounds.

The installation is now complete and looks like this.



The instructions call for adjusting the clutch cable and pushrod and lubrication of the cable.
This is done to factory spec.

It is intended so you realize the full benefit of the VPC. 
The VPC can not compensate for mechanical problems in the cable mechanism.
If the bike is new, or it is very well maintained where it is known for a fact that the cluch adjustment 
is to spec and the cable properly lubed, then this step can be skipped.

Adjusting the clutch pushrod is awkward wether with or without the VPC. 
One thing that greatly facilitates the operation is if you make yourself a socket like this.


And enjoy the best clutch action you ever experienced on a Harley, and with less effort.


Any comments? Please let Hippo know: e-mail


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