Getting into first on my 5 speed

dirty1east · #1 11-16-2009, 08:25 PM

Whether I'm at a stop or rolling to one at low speeds, my 88" does not like to go into first gear. I did a cable adjustment and made sure I had approx 1/8" or so in play, lubed the cable, and cleaned out the clutch perch and lever to no avail. I have no problems going through the gears up or down; it's always first gear. The fluid level in the tranny is spot on too. Thoughts?

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dawg · #2 11-16-2009, 08:43 PM

Did you adjust the clutch at the basket too? What are you running for fluid in the tranny and primary?

dirty1east · #3 11-18-2009, 04:40 PM

Tanny I'm using MoCo factory stuff and MoCo 20/50 dino in the primary.
I didn't adjust the clutch at the basket. I thought that was only necessary on new bikes/cables cause of cable stretch?

dirty1east · #4 11-19-2009, 07:20 PM

I just went and did the primary adjustment along with the cable. I can get it into Neutral and all other gears easily but it does not want to go into first. I used the MoCo method and a method recommended on here in the "clutch adjustment" "search" to no avail. The clutch cable is at its max. It's an original FXD cable on mini apes that came with the Street Bob. Does HD use a different length clutch cable for the Bob's than the standard?

clicker01 · #5 11-19-2009, 11:08 PM

Probably not your clutch, since all other gears are okay, but you should check your shift rod adjustment.

Old Gunny · #6 11-20-2009, 09:30 AM

20-50 oil is about 90 weight when related to gear oil. Can be too thick for easy shifting.

Primary needs a light oil suitable for clutch paks. Some lubrication of chaines and sprokets and a lot of cooling.

I just cut straight to it and use Amsoil ATF.

Same as I put into my, 1 ton 4 wheel drive, Dodge pickup.

More than likely other, "Primary" oils are really ATF kind of oils.

dirty1east · #7 11-21-2009, 08:56 AM

I'll dump the 20-50 and get some tranny stuff then.
I hadn't thought of adjusting the shift rod either. I'll give those a shot.

dirty1east · #8 11-21-2009, 06:21 PM

I am going to attempt to redeem myself here; I figured out where the problem was. It was a mere one spline on the shift lever. I don't know who assembled the bike or who the last person to mess with the shifter was but it was positioned so that when dropping into first, the lever came into contact with the foot peg bolt on the mid controls. It was enough to interfere with the range of motion of the shifter and once corrected, pretty much eliminated the problem. It's still a "Harley" clutch but at least I'm not feverishly trying to get into first a stop lights.
Thanks for the reply's, they are always appreciated.