Confused over shift linkage...
Confused over shift linkage...
So I bought my 13 Super Glide with forward controls added by the dealer, and requested a primary that has no hole in it.
When I picked up the bike they had put a chrome button in the hole on the primary, and told me that they could not install a non hole primary because the shifter rod was still inside and could only be removed by also replacing the inner primary, then they could install it all back with a primary cover that has no hole in it.... So I ordered a inner primary which I will have to pay for along with the labor to install it.
Going through my box of parts I received back, I see what looks like a shifter rod.
What are these two parts I have here? Picture attached.
Are they trying to pull one over on me or is what they are saying true?
When I picked up the bike they had put a chrome button in the hole on the primary, and told me that they could not install a non hole primary because the shifter rod was still inside and could only be removed by also replacing the inner primary, then they could install it all back with a primary cover that has no hole in it.... So I ordered a inner primary which I will have to pay for along with the labor to install it.
Going through my box of parts I received back, I see what looks like a shifter rod.
What are these two parts I have here? Picture attached.
Are they trying to pull one over on me or is what they are saying true?
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 106
From: -)
That splined rod is what should have been sticking out the hole that the button now covers (your shift lever attached to the splines.) the other piece is the lever that attaches to the trans. Most forward controls use a longer lever in that position. I would pop the chrome button off and see what is behind it.
I took a small hand held mirror and a flashlight and looked between the engine and the inner primary and there is some type of plug sealing that hole on the inner primary.
I think they sealed the hole, put the old primary cover on so they would not have to buy me another primary without a hole in it and give me some excuse so they could save money. $349.95 plus tax, and get me to buy a inner primary.
I wonder why I am so mistrusting?
I am going to do a lot more research into this since I see no reason to have a primary with a chrome button covering the hole.
I think they sealed the hole, put the old primary cover on so they would not have to buy me another primary without a hole in it and give me some excuse so they could save money. $349.95 plus tax, and get me to buy a inner primary.
I wonder why I am so mistrusting?
I am going to do a lot more research into this since I see no reason to have a primary with a chrome button covering the hole.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,250
Likes: 36
From: Montana
what you are looking at is your mid control shifter shaft. I just replaced mine when it broke . when you do forward controls they take out the mid control shifter shaft. that is how I got my new parts. the dealer had some new take off parts from a forward control conversion.
Trending Topics
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
One chrome plug is cheaper than an outer primary cover. I assume a hole-less cover was part of the deal on buying the bike? The shift rod (inkage) assembly wouldnt come out in one piece without taking off the inner primary first. Its possible to cut the rod off between the inner cover and engine and remove it without removing the inner primary, it wouldn't surprise me if it was cut and that linkage in your picture didn't even come off your bike. Their obviously trying to save money on buying you a cover. Replacing the inner cover would be a waste of time and money when you can just plug it. Their using the rod for an excuse to not replace the outter cover
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 427
Likes: 6
From: Memphis, TN
I did a bit of research on this recently as I'm going to be putting forwards on my 2014 Street Bob.
What I found is that hole in the outer primary cover isn't really a hole at all. It's a tunnel that goes through the inner primary cover as well. There's a gasket that looks kinda like a washer that goes between the inner and outer primary covers. See figure two in the instruction sheet. That gasket is labeled (4) in the diagram.
If you replace the outer primary cover, you really ought to replace the inner cover as well so you don't have to plug an *actual* hole. There are two types of stock primary covers. One set has that tunnel cast into both the inner and outer covers (for mid controls). The other set has no tunnel at all (for forward controls). If I was at home right now, I could give you the stock part numbers from my parts catalog.
When I put forwards on my new bike, I'm just going to cut the splined shaft as described here so I don't have to remove both primary covers to get it out. I'll then use the little cap they include with the kit to cover the front side of that tunnel. At some point in the future I may replace both the inner and outer primary covers so I don't have to look at that cap any more.
What I found is that hole in the outer primary cover isn't really a hole at all. It's a tunnel that goes through the inner primary cover as well. There's a gasket that looks kinda like a washer that goes between the inner and outer primary covers. See figure two in the instruction sheet. That gasket is labeled (4) in the diagram.
If you replace the outer primary cover, you really ought to replace the inner cover as well so you don't have to plug an *actual* hole. There are two types of stock primary covers. One set has that tunnel cast into both the inner and outer covers (for mid controls). The other set has no tunnel at all (for forward controls). If I was at home right now, I could give you the stock part numbers from my parts catalog.
When I put forwards on my new bike, I'm just going to cut the splined shaft as described here so I don't have to remove both primary covers to get it out. I'll then use the little cap they include with the kit to cover the front side of that tunnel. At some point in the future I may replace both the inner and outer primary covers so I don't have to look at that cap any more.
Last edited by camden; Sep 23, 2013 at 11:30 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,757
Likes: 195
From: Boise, ID
I did a bit of research on this recently as I'm going to be putting forwards on my 2014 Street Bob.
What I found is that hole in the outer primary cover isn't really a hole at all. It's a tunnel that goes through the inner primary cover as well. There's a gasket that looks kinda like a washer that goes between the inner and outer primary covers. See figure two in the instruction sheet. That gasket is labeled (4) in the diagram.
If you replace the outer primary cover, you really ought to replace the inner cover as well so you don't have to plug an *actual* hole. There are two types of stock primary covers. One set has that tunnel cast into both the inner and outer covers (for mid controls). The other set has no tunnel at all (for forward controls). If I was at home right now, I could give you the stock part numbers from my parts catalog.
When I put forwards on my new bike, I'm just going to cut the splined shaft as described here so I don't have to remove both primary covers to get it out. I'll then use the little cap they include with the kit to cover the front side of that tunnel. At some point in the future I may replace both the inner and outer primary covers so I don't have to look at that cap any more.
What I found is that hole in the outer primary cover isn't really a hole at all. It's a tunnel that goes through the inner primary cover as well. There's a gasket that looks kinda like a washer that goes between the inner and outer primary covers. See figure two in the instruction sheet. That gasket is labeled (4) in the diagram.
If you replace the outer primary cover, you really ought to replace the inner cover as well so you don't have to plug an *actual* hole. There are two types of stock primary covers. One set has that tunnel cast into both the inner and outer covers (for mid controls). The other set has no tunnel at all (for forward controls). If I was at home right now, I could give you the stock part numbers from my parts catalog.
When I put forwards on my new bike, I'm just going to cut the splined shaft as described here so I don't have to remove both primary covers to get it out. I'll then use the little cap they include with the kit to cover the front side of that tunnel. At some point in the future I may replace both the inner and outer primary covers so I don't have to look at that cap any more.