gear case?
 

Hi all,

I'm new to HDF with a great older bike 1976 Sportster XLH. Last ride I heard a pop/ping noise when shifting down into second. Yesterday when shifting down into second I felt something drop to the bottom of the case and bounce around in there making a clunking. The noise stopped as I slowed to a stop with the clutch in, however pulling in the clutch did not stop the noise right a way. I was able to drive two miles back to my garage easing into second and either staying there or moving up and skipping second on the way down all together.Thing isthe bike moves through all thegears no slipping or skidding of the clutch, but shifting down into second makes something jump around in there like its come loose.

I took off the primary cover to check the front chain and clutch, everything looks fine, I had to put a new gasket there anyway. Where should I look next? Are the gears accessible from the front cover side or is it easier to gofrom the right side of the case?Thanks for any ideas and help.

RE: gear case?
 

The tranny "goodies" are only accessible from the left side. Pull the primary cover off, pull the clutch assembly. On the right side, pull the sprocket cover, sprocket, etc. Back on the left side, pull the bolts holding the "trapdoor" to the cases. Slide the gear assembly out.

First things first, though. Since you had to ask this, you must not have a service manual. Get one. Without it, I can pretty much guarantee you'll screw something up trying to do tranny work.