Sticky Shift Lever
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Sticky Shift Lever
While riding my 2012 Fat Bob yesterday I had intermittent issues when shifting. It mostly happened when downshifting while coming to a stop, but occasionally happened when shifting into a higher gear as well. For example, when coming to a stop, I would be able to shift from 4th to 3rd, but then not be able to shift from 3rd to 2nd, or 2nd to 1st. The shifter lever just wouldnt depress the second or third time in a series of successive down shifts. After a while, I found that if I slipped my toe under the shifter and raised it very slightly between each down shift, I could continue to progress through the gears.
I don't think the problem is with the clutch. It was more like the shifter was not returning to its normal position between each shift.
The bike is only a few months old (less than 3000 miles). Any thoughts on what to check?
I don't think the problem is with the clutch. It was more like the shifter was not returning to its normal position between each shift.
The bike is only a few months old (less than 3000 miles). Any thoughts on what to check?
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Bike has forward controls. Checked the shift lever and it was good and tight on the splined shaft, no slipping.
I know warranty should cover it, but wanted to make sure there wasn't a simple fix before taking it to the dealer.
Thanks for the quick reply.
I know warranty should cover it, but wanted to make sure there wasn't a simple fix before taking it to the dealer.
Thanks for the quick reply.
Last edited by HAP76; Jul 18, 2012 at 05:14 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 52,957
Likes: 44,476
From: SW OH.
Just for the heck of it check the rear shift arm that your linkage bolts to,it's also a splined shaft. Probably wouldn't hurt to spray a little lube on all the pivot points,good luck.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
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From: Out on Deranged
These babies have very high torque clutch and tranny assemblies. If you are stopped you will always have trouble shifting down multiple gears. It is much better for the bike that you become used to downshifting in range of every gear, this is also safer for you as you never know when you might need to get the fk out of the way for some reason, it won't be time to start messing with your gears if a darelect car or truck is heading up your *** right?
If you are in a position where you have forgotten to downshift ( which should not happen) just slightly let the clutch out enough to feel it bite, then pull it back in a nd you will be good to downshift at least one gear - repeat as necessary. If the engine is stopped just grab the handlebars and gently rock the bike back and forth while applying pressure to the shifter. You should never have to force it.
If you are in a position where you have forgotten to downshift ( which should not happen) just slightly let the clutch out enough to feel it bite, then pull it back in a nd you will be good to downshift at least one gear - repeat as necessary. If the engine is stopped just grab the handlebars and gently rock the bike back and forth while applying pressure to the shifter. You should never have to force it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 52,957
Likes: 44,476
From: SW OH.
These babies have very high torque clutch and tranny assemblies. If you are stopped you will always have trouble shifting down multiple gears. It is much better for the bike that you become used to downshifting in range of every gear, this is also safer for you as you never know when you might need to get the fk out of the way for some reason, it won't be time to start messing with your gears if a darelect car or truck is heading up your *** right?
If you are in a position where you have forgotten to downshift ( which should not happen) just slightly let the clutch out enough to feel it bite, then pull it back in a nd you will be good to downshift at least one gear - repeat as necessary. If the engine is stopped just grab the handlebars and gently rock the bike back and forth while applying pressure to the shifter. You should never have to force it.
If you are in a position where you have forgotten to downshift ( which should not happen) just slightly let the clutch out enough to feel it bite, then pull it back in a nd you will be good to downshift at least one gear - repeat as necessary. If the engine is stopped just grab the handlebars and gently rock the bike back and forth while applying pressure to the shifter. You should never have to force it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
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From: Out on Deranged
could be that, but he also said when he comes to a stop bro, you ever tried bringing your bike to a stop in fourth and try to get it down to neutral? It dudn't work right? That's what I'm saying, I hope he doesn't have a problem either, guess we will wait for his response.......
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 894
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From: Canton, Oh
I think Maddghost nailed it
I think I have noticed this on mine when I get lazy/stupid whatever & don't downshift before coming to a stop. If you try to downshift while stopped, it doesnt work, feels like it is in a dead area, then if you put a little pressure on the driveline, it will downshift all the way to 1st.
I think I have noticed this on mine when I get lazy/stupid whatever & don't downshift before coming to a stop. If you try to downshift while stopped, it doesnt work, feels like it is in a dead area, then if you put a little pressure on the driveline, it will downshift all the way to 1st.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 816
Likes: 4
From: Stone Harbor, NJ
While riding my 2012 Fat Bob yesterday I had intermittent issues when shifting. It mostly happened when downshifting while coming to a stop, but occasionally happened when shifting into a higher gear as well. For example, when coming to a stop, I would be able to shift from 4th to 3rd, but then not be able to shift from 3rd to 2nd, or 2nd to 1st. The shifter lever just wouldnt depress the second or third time in a series of successive down shifts. After a while, I found that if I slipped my toe under the shifter and raised it very slightly between each down shift, I could continue to progress through the gears.
I don't think the problem is with the clutch. It was more like the shifter was not returning to its normal position between each shift.
The bike is only a few months old (less than 3000 miles). Any thoughts on what to check?
I don't think the problem is with the clutch. It was more like the shifter was not returning to its normal position between each shift.
The bike is only a few months old (less than 3000 miles). Any thoughts on what to check?
I have had the exact same problem, with my '10 WG. I would bet you dollars to doughnuts the problem is that he shifter arm is literally too tight on the pivot. The tip off, is that it isn't returning to the right position after down shifting. If it was just the "you can't stop in 4th gear and then down shift to first with the clutch in, the shifter would still return to the right place.
The shift arm just needs to be reams out a little (there is more than likely some corrosion in there) and greased. That' what fixed the problem for me.
USMAMule
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 15
From: Peach Bottom, PA
I have had the exact same problem, with my '10 WG. I would bet you dollars to doughnuts the problem is that he shifter arm is literally too tight on the pivot. The tip off, is that it isn't returning to the right position after down shifting. If it was just the "you can't stop in 4th gear and then down shift to first with the clutch in, the shifter would still return to the right place.
The shift arm just needs to be reams out a little (there is more than likely some corrosion in there) and greased. That' what fixed the problem for me.
USMAMule
The shift arm just needs to be reams out a little (there is more than likely some corrosion in there) and greased. That' what fixed the problem for me.
USMAMule