LOUD SHIFTING
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 42
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From: Philly
LOUD SHIFTING
I have a '02 FLSTC with @26k on it. Since I bought it 3 months ago I've finished the stage one the previous owner started. As soon as I got the thing in the garage I change the oil in all 3 holes, I'm using Moble 1 Vtwin 20-50 in the engine and primary and HD trans lube in the tranny.
Now here is my question/problem. When shifting the shifting seems to be excessively loud. There is no grinding or difficulty shifting it's just loud. Is this normal or a sign of other problems? I've checked the fluid level in the primary and the tranny and there fine. I have also adjusted the clutch. Any ideas?
Now here is my question/problem. When shifting the shifting seems to be excessively loud. There is no grinding or difficulty shifting it's just loud. Is this normal or a sign of other problems? I've checked the fluid level in the primary and the tranny and there fine. I have also adjusted the clutch. Any ideas?
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 73
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From:
RE: LOUD SHIFTING
I just moved from a Yamaha RoyalStar to an'05 Heritage Softail. I rented one about 2 weeks before I bought mine. I asked the guy at the rental place if shifting was always that loud and "clunky" on Harleys. He said "that's the way they sound". My bike has the same "clunkiness" to it as the rental. So, yeah they all shift a bit loud. And as everyone I've talked to about various noises and such on a Harley... "you paid extra for all those noises" 
KB
KB
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 354
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From:
RE: LOUD SHIFTING
Yup - my '05 is the same. Shifts easy enough, but often (not always) with a helluva CLUNK. Seems much better before she gets properly warmed up, so maybe heavier grade oil might help? Like you, I'm going to put Syn3 in the engine and primary at the next service in a couple of weeks, but I'm reluctant to put 20/50 in the tranny.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 659
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From: South Jersey
RE: LOUD SHIFTING
I believe it is just the nature of the beast!!!! I have found that if I hold the cluch in for about 5-10 seconds before putting here in first there is no clunk, as for shifting thru the gears she clunks but shifts fine!!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,741
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
RE: LOUD SHIFTING
If I ever got on a HD that didn't "clunk" when shifting I'd get off... and find a "real" Harley. And pingj, if you'll switch to Mobil 1 75W90 Gear Oil, it will quiet down some, not much but some.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 21,949
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From: My house
RE: LOUD SHIFTING
ORIGINAL: CobraKid
I believe it is just the nature of the beast!!!! I have found that if I hold the cluch in for about 5-10 seconds before putting here in first there is no clunk, as for shifting thru the gears she clunks but shifts fine!!!!
I believe it is just the nature of the beast!!!! I have found that if I hold the cluch in for about 5-10 seconds before putting here in first there is no clunk, as for shifting thru the gears she clunks but shifts fine!!!!
John TN
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: LOUD SHIFTING
I actually LIKE the clunk, it lets you KNOW the shift was good!
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Jax, FL
RE: LOUD SHIFTING
Yea My 05 WideGlide with less than 800 miles clunks real loud
when I shift. It's my first Harley so I don't know if it's normal
or not? Hopefully at the 1000 mile service, with fresh oil and
perhaps a primary chain adjustment, it will quiet it down a bit.
I believe all the newness stretches out during the first 1K miles
so it will all need adjusting soon.
when I shift. It's my first Harley so I don't know if it's normal
or not? Hopefully at the 1000 mile service, with fresh oil and
perhaps a primary chain adjustment, it will quiet it down a bit.
I believe all the newness stretches out during the first 1K miles
so it will all need adjusting soon.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Cato, WI
RE: LOUD SHIFTING
Hey - I'm with John TN. I softened the shifts by installing a HB-125 Hyd Tensioner. Simple installation and good results. Still a clunk, but no longer the grind/clunk. A good clutch adjustment goes a long way in helping too.
Tom
Tom