Downshifting/battery Issues with 2018 Fat Boy
Downshifting/battery Issues with 2018 Fat Boy
For the last few months, I have a hard time downshifting while coasting to a red light. I squeeze the clutch and nothing catches when I push down. I have to come to a stop, then slowly let the clutch out slowly for each gear, it finally catches and then I repeat 3 or 4 times to get to neutral. Is this the cold? It is in the 20s and 30s here. Also, I see why they put a built-in battery tender on these, mine doesnt start unless I charge it beforehand. Is the stock battery just crap? Seems to be fine on warmer days.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 290
Likes: 67
From: Fairfax, Va
Though the colder weather means it will take the oil in the trans a little longer to reach operating temperature it should eventually get there, or very close. I wouldn't expect it to be hard to shift after, say, 15 ish minutes of riding.
How many miles on the bike? Clutch ever been adjusted?
How many miles on the bike? Clutch ever been adjusted?
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,340
Likes: 3,251
From: Chicagoland
For the last few months, I have a hard time downshifting while coasting to a red light. I squeeze the clutch and nothing catches when I push down. I have to come to a stop, then slowly let the clutch out slowly for each gear, it finally catches and then I repeat 3 or 4 times to get to neutral. Is this the cold? It is in the 20s and 30s here. Also, I see why they put a built-in battery tender on these, mine doesnt start unless I charge it beforehand. Is the stock battery just crap? Seems to be fine on warmer days.
For your battery issue that shouldnt be the case unless sitting for extended periods. Either the battery is beyond useful life or the system isnt charging correctly.
It has 3,800 miles, doubt the clutch was ever adjusted, I've owned it 7 months. I guess the warm weather will tell me whats up. Hopefully soon, getting tired of my Eskimo suit...
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 290
Likes: 67
From: Fairfax, Va
With only 3800 on it there shouldn't a clutch issue, but I don't suppose you know the bike's history prior to your ownership.
Ditto for the battery. Could simply be marginal from extended periods of disuse prior to your ownership, or could just just be a weak one from manufacturing. My 2018 still has the original battery and has not had a problem.
Then again, I don't ride it in cold weather, so it hasn't been started in months. Mine is typically on the tender for 2 weeks, then off for 2.
Good for you getting for out there. We're not far away, but too bloody cold for me regardless of what I'm wearing. lol
Ditto for the battery. Could simply be marginal from extended periods of disuse prior to your ownership, or could just just be a weak one from manufacturing. My 2018 still has the original battery and has not had a problem.
Then again, I don't ride it in cold weather, so it hasn't been started in months. Mine is typically on the tender for 2 weeks, then off for 2.
Good for you getting for out there. We're not far away, but too bloody cold for me regardless of what I'm wearing. lol
It warmed up this week, my garage is probably in the high 50s, and the bike started and shifted fine this morning. So I guess my battery and clutch just need a little help during the cold winters.
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