Shifting ?
Shifting ?
Does anybody ever get some slop shifting between first and second gear? I am assuming its because the bike is new and it may be because neutral is still a bit stiff to shift thru. Id say about 60% of the time it clicks in clean and other times no like there is slack or resistance on it. The rest of the gears shift fine. its a 13 FXDC by the way.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 334
Likes: 3
From: Honolulu
No not really slop? But bad clunking and slamming into gear. But that happens for all gears. Harley really sucks at making transmissions! I guess they can't figure out how to synchronize the gears properly!
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Scranton, Pa
Does anybody ever get some slop shifting between first and second gear? I am assuming its because the bike is new and it may be because neutral is still a bit stiff to shift thru. Id say about 60% of the time it clicks in clean and other times no like there is slack or resistance on it. The rest of the gears shift fine. its a 13 FXDC by the way.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
Harley does not "suck" at making transmissions whoever said that. HD trannys have had that signature sound since 1903.
LOLIF67 it's under warranty so first thing : next time it gets service make sure it has the right level of fluid. And try to notice weather or not the slop doesn't thin out once the components get up to temp. Kick that puppy up into 2nd you won't hurt it.
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Im not worried about it too much, it only happens sometimes feels like draggin a stik thru the mud with no definate click then it will be fine the next 10 times. could be the way im catching it with my foot and neutral is still kind of crisp. I will definately have the dealer check it out when its in for service. im just over 400miles right now, it just might go away by the 1000 mile service.
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
I just got a '13 Fat Bob and I am amazed at how smooth the transmission is. With my '10 FLHTC I was constantly fishing for neutral at stop lights during the first 1000 miles. After that it smoothed out but still had the signature clunk going through gears. With the Fat Bob I find neutral first try 90% if the time and there is very little clunk. I thought it improved manufacturing, but after reading this thread it sounds like maybe I got a bike where all the tolerances lined up just right.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
Mine did that before the clutch assembly was replaced and it does it now with a new clutch assembly. Sometimes it smoothly glides into gear like a metric but most of the time it just clunks...some difference between cold and operating temp, but not a whole lot. I just figured it was a HD thing...Every once in a while it clunks into neutral as well...with embarrassing results when I first started riding it...
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