Weird Shifting habits of an 1989 FXSTS
 

I bought this bike used (I'm probably the 3rd or 4th owner). Since purchase, I have never been able to enter neutral from 2nd gear. I have to shift down to 1st then up to neutral from there. Sometimes I also have to let the clutch out a little to get it in to neutral from 1st. It seems to shift better right after clutch adjustments, but still has an aversion to entering neutral from 2nd. it's a pain in the but to do the "shifter dance" (as I call it), every time I come to a light, or come to the gate on base. Any advice from the pros? I know she's 20 years old, but I wouldnt mind working that bug out if I can without breaking the bank.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/attac...3&d=1234477837
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At times, uur '90 flhtcu is similar. I have read synthetic in the transmission will help and I think it has a warning in the service manual that too much oil in the primary makes finding neutral more difficult. Ours is usually more diffilcult when I have to get to the bathroom really bad.

i have never shifted to N from 2nd gear on my 85. i think they're built like that. my 4 speed shovel goes into N from 2nd very easily.

I had a 1988 FXSTS and it always did have a few little shifting quirks. It only had 12000 miles on it when I got it so I know it wasn't worn out. Synthetic oil in the trans will help some but its really just the nature of the beast. After all like you said she's a twenty year old Harley!

Guys, thanks for the quick replies. I'll try the synthetic oil bit, and adjust the clutch again (it's been a while now).

Don't get excited...... the 5 speed was not designed or intended to go into neutral fron 2nd gear. Yes, ocassionally they will, but it's accidental. 4 speeds will, and a lot of other bike manfacturers 5 speeds will, but not the Harley.

I second t150vej, the 5 speed doesn't work that way. I also have an 89 FXSTS and I have always went to first then N. YMMV, JMHO, etc.

Bob

same here, ive never shifted from 2nd to neutral, i have thought about it more than a few times but have never tried it.

I gave up trying to hit the 2>N shift long ago. On every non-HD bike I've ridden (a few dozen) you can do this. It's handy for pulling in to the driveway or reaching a destination. Or maybe it's just a habit I picked up from my Dad. At night, he'd routinely get up to 40-ish, hit the 2>N shift, kill the bike and coast the last block home as to not wake the Misses.

My 90' with 5 speed does the same thing. Keeping the clutch adjusted helps, but it's just the nature of the trans me thinks.
It's the only trans I've had shift problems with though as the shift linkage stroke is very long it seems.