Sportster Tranny Problem

Ric27 · #1 07-01-2008, 12:49 PM

My 97 is doing weird thing. Just as I take off occasionally , maybe 1 out of 10 times it will do this little slip then jerk when it actually engages thing. It is like the bike was not quite in gear then it slips in. Very disconcerting. It also has developed a problem down shifting all the way into first. I will check it at a stop and it feels like it is in first and then I take off and I am in 2nd or sometimes even in third. I was thinking maybe the shifting forks inside the tranny?

I'm on board for a answer on this one. There are 2 of us on the sportster forum with the problem someone so else must have been through it.

Ric

kevinalimay@cox.net · #2 07-01-2008, 01:21 PM

&nbsp\\;Occasionally wouldn't be bent shift forks or damaged internal transmission parts, wheeew.
Occasionally usually indicates something out of adjustment.
Things that play ball with shifting:
1. primary chaincase fluid condition and level
2.primary chain and clutch adjustment
3. Final belt drive adjustment
4. clutch plates condition
5. Shifter pawl adjustment (your down shift and gear engagement hesitation gave me this opinion)
&nbsp\\;
&nbsp\\;I've bent some shift forks, it almost acts like you hit the rev limiter before it says screw you I'm out. If you have an OEM service manual general troubleshooting will cover items to inspect and or adjust. It also covers all the items mentioned above. XL 5 speed transmissions are rock solid, if it goes, it will definitely be a "that was expensive" moment.

oldgeezer · #3 07-01-2008, 01:32 PM

I'd drain the primary and refill with the exact correct&nbsp\\;amount.&nbsp\\;\\\\\\; If the primary is overfull, it will slip.

Ric27 · #4 07-01-2008, 01:46 PM

OK, I have the correct amout of fluid in the case. I just change it being very careful to drain all the old out and replace with the required amount. I just checked the primary chain adjustment. It was just beyond the max play allowed, just over 1 half in. I adjusted it down to 3/8" the short spec number. Will see is that does anything.

thanks guys. I'll keep you posted. &nbsp\\;