Im looking at an old Ironhead on Craigslist, and I have a question about the posting that you guys may be able to help me with. I'll just copy/paste what he said.

"However, I didn't fix the needed transmission adjustments before heading overseas. I rode it right before I left and the shifting mechanisms are way outside of the range of motion that they should be. It can be ridden around town in its current state but it's not ideal."

What kind of adjustment would he be talking about, or is this a way of saying the transmission is $&*#ed up?

Thanks

 

not a clue...forward controls on it would be my guess. If it was stock there is no transmission adjustment but with forwards there could be linkage involved.

s

 

Ok, makes sense, he emailed me and that's what it sounds like. He said it works, but its a bit of a pain in the butt to shift. It does have forwards on it.

Thanks for the reply.

 

The best way to check if forwards are the problem is to re-install the mid controls; i was amazed at how well my clutch and trans worked when i re-installed the mid's; i am keeping those parts.

If he still has the parts be sure he includes them in the sale; otherwise you need the parts catalog 99451-85A [and probably the service manual 99484-85]. Then search eBay and internet sellers for the parts you will need.

These manuals are widely available: local indie motorcycle shop, HD dealer, internet and eBay sellers, etc. Just search/ask using the part numbers.

It is far better to go to a lot of trouble if necessary to re-install mid's than to spend a lot of time, energy and $s messing unnecessarily with the clutch and trans.

 

My 82 had problems shifting and when i got into transmission it was the spring on the shifter pawl broke, wouldn't let shifter return to neutral. New spring and top hats and shifted like new again.