Yesterday when I shifted from 3rd to 2nd my rear wheel locked up. As soon as I shifted I had not release the clutch when it happened, I was just preparing to stop for a red light.

As of now I have the clutch removed but have not yet pulled the transmission, tonight I will do that. I did pull the rear break caliper just to be sure the problem was not there. Tried rocking it back and forth but can not shift and can't get the rear wheel to turn.

I am thinking maybe the shift fork bent or broke and I am in 2nd and 3rd gear, just guessing at this point?

1988 Sportster Hugger - 883 evo engine

 

Not to revive an old thread, but what was the cause? I had almost the exact same thing happen to me 2 nights ago; almost laid my 89 883 down.
Was crusing in gear 4 (top gear) at about 45 mph when rear wheel locked completely. After skidding to stop, was able to easily walk bike in neutral. When I tried to put her in gear again, all I heard was grinding.
Thanks, brother