So I've had my 2008 street bob since middle april. only have put about 1,000 miles on it, no close calls or major bumps or anything like that and all of the sudden today first gear is having trouble engaging. I had to put some decent weight into getting it to engage at a stop light. It was sitting for about 2 days since I was carting my 4 year old around. Gears 2-6 work just fine with no slipping or anything. Matter of fact when 1st gear is engaged it doesn't slip or anything either. HELP! Thanks.

 

Check the linkage 1st..make sure everything is tight and adjusted properly.

 

Clutch adjustment?

 

I'm gonna run out and double check the clutch and linkage, but at first inspection it was all good.

 

Mine was sloppy when I 1st got the bike..Shift lever was loose at the tranny shaft,

 

I'm pretty mechanically challenged, however I know the basics. I'm gonna take a look and see what I can figure out. ANY suggestions from you guys are more than welcomed.

 

So I just rode my bike and first gear is still having this same problem. I tightened the linkage and that didn't help it, and anything else I'm uncomfortable doing because I'm not sure what I'm doing down there. Does anyone have any idea what would cause this? This time when I went into 2nd gear it shifted hard, but after that it was smooth in all gears (except 1st)

 

If your stopped in neutral and it's also hard to get it into second gear, it may just need a clutch adjustment.

Clutch Pack Adjustment

Clutch Cable Adjustment

 

I was thinking clutch adjustment too, but I don't stop in neutral when I'm in traffic, it's downshifting from 2nd to first or neutral to first. Still could be clutch adjustment though.

 

Only time I shift to 1st is when I am stopped.