My bike (1993 Dyna Glide) developed a severe drivetrain problem. It suddenly refused to shift at a stop sign and began to make a loud grinding sound while attempting to shift. Previous to this stop the bike had been running well all morning. I trailered the bike back home and made the following test:
With the bike on a lift I could spin the rear wheel by hand in both neutral and with first gear engaged. It made no difference if the clutch was engaged or disengaged. Grinding sounds were also present. The clutch appears to be functioning correctly. The transmission shifts easily between first, neutral and second. I pulled the primary cover and can see the clutch diaphragm releasing the clutch plates. I had no shifting problems prior to this. My clutch was correctly adjusted. Can anybody help me determine what could be the reason for this breakdown? All help appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

 

Main gear and bearing issue maybe

 

It sounds like the front pulley nut has come loose. This was a common problem with the early belt drive machines.

The motor company came out with upgraded components during the `94 model year.

If that turns out to be the problem, don`t replace your old parts with `93 parts, make sure you get the updated components.

 

Could be as Dan suggested or the pulley splines could be stripped out. Pull the clutch,chain and motor sprocket. Then pull the inner primary cover. Should be pretty obvious at that point.

 

Thanks for your helpful advice Dan.

Pulled everything off, the pulley nut was dangling and the pulley/spline teeth completely stripped. Some damage to the mating area on the inner primary as well.

 

That may not be the worst of it...

The splines on the main drive gear are probably shot.