Hey guys, I'm almost done with the break-in period of my new 48. Something I've noticed is sometimes it will shift smoothly into gear and then the next time I have to stop and run through the gears again, the shifter seems "jerky" and sometimes it doesn't feel like it's even going into gear but it does.

Is this normal for a Sportster or Harleys in general?

I know my manual ATVs would do this at times but not nearly as much as the Sportster.

Addition: Also I noticed the last time I rode, it wouldn't downshift a couple times without me letting out the clutch first.

 

Shifting and transmission clunk will improve over time, but I do hope you are not rolling to a stop and shifting down 4 sitting still.

 

Nope, I'm rolling while trying to shift down.

 

With the clutch, primary tension adjustments, and fluid checks on the 1st service, this may improve.
That being said, they are fairly stiff from everyone I've talked with, including mine. It took about 2k miles for me to get neutral w/ foot only.

 

Geez. Thankfully neutral has been pretty easy on mine. Only other issue I have had is of course the ecu cover coming un-clipped during riding. I have already read about this and plan to get it fixed during first service.

 

I've been using Red Line 75W90 gear oil in my trans for some time and it improved clutch lock up plus shifting. I plan to continue using it.

 

I've never had anything as serious as what you are explaining. I would be sure to mention this to the tech at your 1k maintenance for sure.