My 80 FLT has started having a shifting problem -- need help. One day the bike will shift fine next day it will go into 1st just fine but the linkage feels limp when you try to pull up for the next gear. It feels like there is no more gears to go into, you know how the shifter feels if you pull up and you are in top gear? That's how it feels. Put it on the lift and shake and operate the linkeage and it will go back to working!! Anyone have a good idea before I take stuff about that I should leave alone LOL???
Thanks

 

prob. a broken centering spring in the ratchet asy. about the only thing you can do is remove the ratchet top, and take a look. It should be easy to spot once you get the transmission to cover off, something is worn or broken in there, take care that you don't drop the "top hats" Harley calls them finger rollers, when you remove the cover.
it's a real easy job after you get the oil bag out of the way.

 

Thanks , I was thinking in the same direction but it helps to get a second opinion -- thanks again

 

That 80 FLT should have a 5 speed trans (no ratchet top ) Check the shifter arm that is attached to the shaft that comes through the left side of the trany This unit has a habit of coming loose and causing shifting grief (if your lucky ) there usually is an allen screw clamping this shift arm to the shaft Spray WD 40 on the allen screw back off on the allen CCW then retighten Obviously if its already tight then you have to open the top cover Best of luck

 

shoot, I missed the "T" in FLT most common thing with them is again the centering spring but it's a little harder to get to, I think the first thing I would try is adjusting the pawl center. remove the top cover and see if the ratchet pawl is centered on the cam pins, if not make the adjustment as needed. let us know

 

I didnt think they come out with a 5speed till 83?

 

dont know about the FLT, but my FXRS came with a 5 speed, and its an 82

 

Got it fixed -- linkage was out of adjustment and the forward arm was hitting the case. Thanks for all the replies and yes the 5 speed came out in 80 as did the rubber mounted enginge -- all on the FLT but it only lasted 3 years.