Issues with downshifting
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 859
Likes: 416
From: In the mountains
Thank You, will be helpful to others when the dealer says "they all do it".
They didn't, no. They greased the faulty one and it was fine for a couple of days then the new one came in.
Sure thing. Trying to be a somewhat productive member of the forum!
Sure thing. Trying to be a somewhat productive member of the forum!
Stage I
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
I have the same bike (830ish mi on it) and recently was having the EXACT same issue! I originally thought it had to do w/ me adjusting the shifter lever down, as it was too tall to shift comfortably. But after monkeying around with it, ensuring there was enough play in the linkage, and confirming that it was binding before the transmission lever (by unbolting the linkage rod, the transmission lever sprung back as intended) I couldn't figure out the cause! I'm due for my 1000mi service (and my stage 2 build) next week and was going to mention it to my dealer then.
Then I read your solution. Thank you! When I unbolted the linkage rod, I noticed that the heim joints seems unusually stiff. I found some white lithium grease at work, sprayed the joints, worked it in, and VOILA! Smooth shifting again! I will note that my bike is in need of a bath, lots of time on wet or raining road where I'm at lately. So I wonder how much the road grime played in my issue.
Then I read your solution. Thank you! When I unbolted the linkage rod, I noticed that the heim joints seems unusually stiff. I found some white lithium grease at work, sprayed the joints, worked it in, and VOILA! Smooth shifting again! I will note that my bike is in need of a bath, lots of time on wet or raining road where I'm at lately. So I wonder how much the road grime played in my issue.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 2,554
From: UK
I have the same bike (830ish mi on it) and recently was having the EXACT same issue! I originally thought it had to do w/ me adjusting the shifter lever down, as it was too tall to shift comfortably. But after monkeying around with it, ensuring there was enough play in the linkage, and confirming that it was binding before the transmission lever (by unbolting the linkage rod, the transmission lever sprung back as intended) I couldn't figure out the cause! I'm due for my 1000mi service (and my stage 2 build) next week and was going to mention it to my dealer then.
Then I read your solution. Thank you! When I unbolted the linkage rod, I noticed that the heim joints seems unusually stiff. I found some white lithium grease at work, sprayed the joints, worked it in, and VOILA! Smooth shifting again! I will note that my bike is in need of a bath, lots of time on wet or raining road where I'm at lately. So I wonder how much the road grime played in my issue.
Then I read your solution. Thank you! When I unbolted the linkage rod, I noticed that the heim joints seems unusually stiff. I found some white lithium grease at work, sprayed the joints, worked it in, and VOILA! Smooth shifting again! I will note that my bike is in need of a bath, lots of time on wet or raining road where I'm at lately. So I wonder how much the road grime played in my issue.
https://wd40.co.uk/product/high-perf...tfe-lubricant/
Stage III
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, West Virginia
Hello, a new member.
My brother in law has a 2006 heritage soft tail classic. Has a 5 speed tranny with 22,000 miles. Never wet, nor in the dark, nor winter and shed kept.
He is not familiar with forums, so asked me to find out the problem.
Problem: He was riding a few days ago, stopped for light, shifter not going all the way down, he believes he had 4th and 5th, with no noise. Was able to limp home.
I wonder if shifter. has lost its alignment, if so how to check?
TY
My brother in law has a 2006 heritage soft tail classic. Has a 5 speed tranny with 22,000 miles. Never wet, nor in the dark, nor winter and shed kept.
He is not familiar with forums, so asked me to find out the problem.
Problem: He was riding a few days ago, stopped for light, shifter not going all the way down, he believes he had 4th and 5th, with no noise. Was able to limp home.
I wonder if shifter. has lost its alignment, if so how to check?
TY
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,893
Likes: 8,002
From: poway
@Joey1981biker Since the bike isn't a 18+ softail, Start your own thread in either the softail general or Drivetrain section ..
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/prima...ine-clutch-54/
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/prima...ine-clutch-54/
Last edited by Max Headflow; Oct 19, 2022 at 01:16 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cwsharp
Touring Models
69
Aug 22, 2022 11:54 PM