2018+ Softail Models Breakout

Ghost shifting from stop light

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Old Oct 15, 2023 | 11:00 PM
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Default Ghost shifting from stop light

Anyone ever experience leaving a light in 1st, shifting into 2nd, 3rd or even trying 4th and it shifting with a “clunk” but not engaging any of the gears on a new M8 trans? I had to go back down into 1st after rolling to a slow and then it found all gears like it never happened. This is the second time it’s happened in the past few hundred miles. I don’t hear grinding or floating metal in the trans, and it has no problems shifting any other times besides the two times it’s done this. My guess is it’s the transmission cam or pawl gear. Any opinions or insight you guys have would be appreciated before I tear into it this week.
thanks.
 
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Old Oct 16, 2023 | 06:16 AM
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I think I would try adjusting the clutch and/or clutch cable before tearing into anything.
 
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Old Oct 16, 2023 | 08:16 AM
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Default Yep

Originally Posted by Tha_Big_Ohh
Anyone ever experience leaving a light in 1st, shifting into 2nd, 3rd or even trying 4th and it shifting with a “clunk” but not engaging any of the gears on a new M8 trans? I had to go back down into 1st after rolling to a slow and then it found all gears like it never happened. This is the second time it’s happened in the past few hundred miles. I don’t hear grinding or floating metal in the trans, and it has no problems shifting any other times besides the two times it’s done this. My guess is it’s the transmission cam or pawl gear. Any opinions or insight you guys have would be appreciated before I tear into it this week.
thanks.
my 2018 FXLR Low Rider does this. Only have 5700 miles on her. But yes, several times.
 
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Old Oct 16, 2023 | 09:29 AM
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First thing to check is the shift lever and linkage. Make sure it is free to move and springs back to the center position. Lube the helm joint rod ends on the shift linkage. Make sure your boot isn't rubbing on the lever preventing it from returning to the center position.
 
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Old Oct 16, 2023 | 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Tozco
First thing to check is the shift lever and linkage. Make sure it is free to move and springs back to the center position. Lube the helm joint rod ends on the shift linkage. Make sure your boot isn't rubbing on the lever preventing it from returning to the center position.
thanks, I plan to start at the lever and linkage and work my way back to the trans probably tomorrow afternoon.
 
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Old Oct 16, 2023 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by GalvTexGuy
I think I would try adjusting the clutch and/or clutch cable before tearing into anything.
thanks, I’ll do an adjustment on it tomorrow before troubleshooting.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2023 | 05:01 AM
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i have on rare occasions, had this as well as numerous other bikes do it...mostly when a different footwear was being worn,

adjust your bike to what you normally wear, or be mind full of foot wear height and style. you may have to engage the gear more by foot movement of a thinner shoe is worn
 
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Old Oct 17, 2023 | 06:43 AM
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Bet it just gets worse.
Myself and another guy here had to have the transmissions (under warranty) rebuilt. The gears were OK it was the shift drum, shift forks, bearings etc.
 
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Old Oct 17, 2023 | 10:52 AM
  #9  
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Default Exact same problem

Here's my thread on this same issue. Just keep riding it... a lot! It will go away after 1,500-2,000 miles or so. I almost got rid of the bike it bothered me so much. It eventually improved after all the parts wore in.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/milwa...eet-bob-2.html
 

Last edited by M1chael; Oct 17, 2023 at 10:55 AM.
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Old Oct 17, 2023 | 11:44 AM
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M1chael why the confusing information?
From your thread/post, pg.5.
"Today they pulled apart the Gear Shifter Assembly to do the following repairs: (a) replace the shifting mechanism, (b) replace the inner bearing race, (c) replace the vehicle speed sensor (why???), (d) replae the shift shaft seal, (e) replace the shift lever sleeve, (f) replace the drain plug, (g) replace all associated gaskets/o-rings."
 
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