Shifting issue
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 173
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From: Pennsylvania
Shifting issue
My 1986 FXSTC seems to have a bit of a shifting issue. When going from 2nd to 1st gear, the shift has started to lag. Instead of clicking in nice and abruptly, it's almost like there is a slight delay and then it goes in. Does anyone have an idea on what to look at for this? Thanks.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Brighton, MI
Check your shifter linkage for wear, loose bolt, or something coming apart.
Especially where the linkage/shaft arm clamps on to any splined shaft. If the clamping bolt on the splined shaft is loose, it's going to wear down the splines on the shaft creating even bigger problems for you.
Time to get on your knees with a flashlight and start going over all of your linkage.
If that does not reveal the problem, the next thing I would look at is the shift pawl adjustment. Lots of links for "how to" on that one using that search term.
Especially where the linkage/shaft arm clamps on to any splined shaft. If the clamping bolt on the splined shaft is loose, it's going to wear down the splines on the shaft creating even bigger problems for you.
Time to get on your knees with a flashlight and start going over all of your linkage.
If that does not reveal the problem, the next thing I would look at is the shift pawl adjustment. Lots of links for "how to" on that one using that search term.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Florida's gorgeous East coast
Like Yankee Dog said. The Transmission Shifter Rod is notorious for working loose. Doesn't take much "slop" to affect shifting integrity. When properly tightened, there should be zero side-to-side play in the rod. The good news is that it's an easy fix.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2017
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From: Pennsylvania
Thanks for the replies. Just to make sure, everything you're saying to check is outside the transmission, correct? As in, the shifter linkage your foot presses down on and that no cases need to be opened i.e. the clutch needing to be adjusted?
Last edited by Dirty Dancer; Sep 3, 2022 at 02:41 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Florida's gorgeous East coast
That's correct. That's what I am referring to. It's the first thing to look at when there's a "shifting problem". Could very well be in the clutch adjustment, or any number of other things going on. This is just the easiest thing to examine right now. According to the parts book for my 1985 FXRS, The Motor Company uses the term "shifter lever" on at least 2 different parts. There's a part labeled "shifter lever" that lives inside the transmission, it's totally separate from the part labeled "shifter lever" outside the transmission that you shift with your foot. I'm referring to the part labeled "transmission shift rod" (HD # 33715-85). It is outside the transmission and fits over the splined end of the "shifter lever" I referred to that is inside the tranny. Like Yankee Dog and I said above...it sounds like the issue might be somewhere in your shift linkage, outside the transmission. If so...it's a pretty easy fix. Hope this helps. Find a parts manual or online source to see how all this goes together and it will make more sense.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,062
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From: Haslet Texas
It is quite common for the stock shifter linkage connectors to go bad.
Your best bet is to replace the stock ends of your shifter linkage with heim joints.
Your best bet is to replace the stock ends of your shifter linkage with heim joints.
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If you allow a little bit of slop in the linkage joints they will eventually add up and create a LOT of play/slop at the foot lever. From that point they will get weak quickly. I learned this lesson on my shovel.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NC USA
If you look, you'll see the center spherical portion is wider than the outer part. So you can use a different length bolt, washers, whatever it takes and tighten the center portion firmly against the bolt head / lever and there will not be any "side to side" play. 