Today I was riding my 2008 street glide and downshifted to educate a sportster as I have done so many times before. This time however when I downshifted, 4th-3rd, the bike lost all pull. I thought I broke the belt but upon further inspection it turns out that I didn't. Now I can put it in 1st, let go of the clutch, and walk away. It goes nowhere. I hear some rattling in the primary that worsens when in gear. Trans still shifts through gears. Any ideas?

 

Time to open the primary

 

Yep, open it up and look.

 

So....does this mean the Sportster won? Let us know what you find is the problem.

 

The OP is giving the Sportster a head start

 

front pulley splines are most likely stripped out. gotta come apart and be sure to take a good look at the main drive gear splines too.

 

Believe it or not the weakest part of the link is the trans.. Take your primary chain off, put the trans in 1st and spin the clutch basket. It shouldn't move.

 

Educate a Sportster, well aren`t you smug.

Now it`s time for you to get educated...

The pulley nut is loose.