2018+ Softail Models Breakout

Having to press shift lever twice when downshifting?

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Old Jul 19, 2021 | 11:18 AM
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eljacinto's Avatar
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Default Having to press shift lever twice when downshifting?

I just picked up a new Sport Glide, and I'm noticing something that I don't recall being a thing on my last bike (Rocker C that I last rode 6 years ago).

When I go to shift down through multiple gears (usually as I approach a traffic light), I will have to step on the shift lever twice for each downshift after the first. For example:

One step to get down to third
Step down for second, nothing happens
Step down to second
Step down for first, nothing happens
Step down to first

It seems to happen regardless of whether I hold the clutch in the whole time or release and pull it back in a couple seconds later.

Is this a normal thing for newer models? Or is there something I need to get fixed?
 
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Old Jul 19, 2021 | 11:26 AM
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Somethings wrong with the bike or your technique. Both are repairable.
 
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Old Jul 19, 2021 | 11:34 AM
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Doesn’t seem normal
 
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Old Jul 19, 2021 | 01:20 PM
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Not normal at least not on my 2020 Fat Bob. I did however raise my shifter a bit to allow better up shifts and it gives more of a throw from downshifts. Previous owner had it a bit low for my taste.
 
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Old Jul 19, 2021 | 01:38 PM
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My ‘19 Heritage has never done that. Possibly something out of adjustment in the shift mechanism?
 
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Old Jul 20, 2021 | 07:37 AM
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If its not your technique (Doesnt sound like it), you have a warranty, time to use it...
 
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Old Jul 22, 2021 | 10:54 AM
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Is your transmission oil low? I found when I had low gear oil, it didn't want to shift down all the time.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2021 | 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by eljacinto
I just picked up a new Sport Glide, and I'm noticing something that I don't recall being a thing on my last bike (Rocker C that I last rode 6 years ago).

When I go to shift down through multiple gears (usually as I approach a traffic light), I will have to step on the shift lever twice for each downshift after the first. For example:

One step to get down to third
Step down for second, nothing happens
Step down to second
Step down for first, nothing happens
Step down to first

It seems to happen regardless of whether I hold the clutch in the whole time or release and pull it back in a couple seconds later.

Is this a normal thing for newer models? Or is there something I need to get fixed?
I know it seems rudimentary, but I would check your shift lever angle. When I first got my sled, I had adjusted mine so far forward that I simply couldn't downshift reliably without it hitting the inside primary cover every now and then. Try moving it up a notch or two, and extending the linkage for the correct angle. Play around with it to ensure nothing is touching and impeding the shift.

If that's not it, check your fluid levels in your trans and/or primary, but I bet it's just a simple adjustment to fix.

If all else fails, you've got a warranty for a reason.
 
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Old Jul 28, 2021 | 10:13 PM
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Not sure if you got this sorted or not, but I had the same issue with my low rider s straight out of the dealership. After playing around with all kids of adjustments the dealer had a look at it under warranty and it was an issue with the shifter paw or something along those lines. Had it replaced and has been all good now. Was definitely a faulty part that was the issue for me at least.
 
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Old Jul 29, 2021 | 02:33 AM
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I had the same problem on my old FLSB.
It's a gearbox problem, a very simple thing to fix.
My Italian dealer communicated in the USA how to solve the problem, because nobody knew what to do.
You have to file a little bit the gear selector because it gets stuck on the selector drum.
It is not necessary to disassemble the gearbox but the trap door at the top and you get to the "selector" from there.

sorry my english
 
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