I recently (about 1.5 years ago) rebuilt my transmission and put the gears, etc. from my 96 wide glide into a 95 wide glide transmission case (don't ask )

When I shifted through the gears on the bench (w/out using the linkage), it went through all 5 gears fairly decent. I thought, 'ok, I'll button it back up and get it ready to ride.' It shifted good until I tried to go from 3rd to 4th. It would eventually go, but it took a few tries for me to get it into 4th gear.

Fast forward to last week and I was having a helluva time trying to shift between 3rd and 4th (it didn't matter if I was up or down shifting), and it didn't do it on a regular basis, either. It would shift fine for 20 or so miles and then just start to act up (I'm assuming because the shifter drum found the spot where it didn't want to shift properly.) When I came to a complete stop, however, I was able to shift all the way down to first.

I know I'll have to adjust the linkage, and/or try to do something with the shifter drum at some point.

My question is this: should I be able to shift through all 5 gears with the engine off, just sitting in the garage? I didn't think so, but I guess I just want some confirmation here.

Thanks and sorry this is rather lengthy, but I guess it's relevant.

 

You won`t be able to shift through all 5 gears unless you rock the rear tire back and forth a bit.

Have you checked the adjustment of the shifter pawl?

 

yep ! try adjusting the shifter pawl. you could have some worn parts also.

 

Not yet. That was on my list of things to check.

Thanks, Dan.