Dear all,

I have the following problem with my FXR Superglide 1340cc from 1994:

When I rode away from home the other day, I suddenly lost traction and a very disturbing rattling noise came from my engine / transmission.

I removed the primary case, chain w. clutch, housing to find out that when I turn the 'ingoing' shaft in my transmission, the front pulley / belt / rearwheel do not turn, and the rattling noise is there again.

This is the case in every gear I try. I opened the transmission cover, everything looks well inside (but I am not an expert...)

I suspect the connection between the front pulley and the outgoing shaft from the transmission is broken. I guess this is a spline, but I am not sure.

I am trying to remove the front pulley-nut (with a 50mm socket - we do not have that much inch sockets in the Netherlands) but, apparently due to the fact that something is broken, something inside is also rotating and the nut won't come loose.

There is also that metal plate w. to allen-screws, I don't understand what is does. Currently nothing since I removed the allen screws and the nut glides over it anyway --> this might be the cause of the problem?

Wow - a long story, in short, my questions are:
- How is the pulley attached to the outgoing shaft of the transmission?
- What is the function of this metal plate?
- Can this metal plate be the reason that my pulley doesn't rotate when I turn the ingoing axle of my transmission (in any given gear).
- The nut on the pulley 'glides over' this metal plate - can this be the reason that things broke down?
- If not, what else can be the reason for this (maybe inside the transmission?
- How can I remove the metal plate and the front pulley (I tried an air-gun), is it left or right turning? (I believe I should turn it counterclockwise to remove it).

I might not be able to explain everything perfectly, due to my lack of technical english (that's the disadvantage of being Dutch), but any indications, hints etc. are more than welcome!

Thanks in advance,

Fishhead 00

 

The pulley just slides over the shaft. The Lock plate is what prevents the large pulley nut from backing off or even falling off. Raise the rear wheel off the ground, leave the pulley on and belt on. Have the transmission in neutral and roll the rear tire. The pulley and belt should rotate at this point. If no rotation, make sure the rear brake is not locked up, wheel bearings are ok, and belt is not too tight.

I don't remember right off if the nut is counterclockwise or clockwise. Been awhile since I have been in a primary.

Once you get the pulley off....check the pulley splines. If the splines are nearly gone, replace it with a much better aftermarket version.

It is hard to tell what is wrong with the bike though, it doesn't really sound like transmission to me though. My experience, the transmission either shifts or does not shift.

 

The pulley nut is a left-hand thread. (clockwise to remove) The plate is a locking mechanism for that nut. With the 2 allen head screws removed, the plate will come off.

You should remove the top of the transmission and place it into 2 gears at once to lock the transmission for removal of that nut. If placing the transmission into 2 gears does not lock the pulley (and input shaft) you have serious transmission problems. And I regret to be the messenger, but it's likely you already have serious transmission problems, from your description of the symptoms.

The pulley is splined to the main drive gear, which is either driven by the counter-shaft or directly by the main input shaft, depending on the gear selection. The entire gear assembly can be removed and the pulley/main drive gear left in place.

The first photo shows it all but the main drive gear (top left) is shown backward in relation to the assembly. Second photo is like it sits in the case.

And your english is just fine

 

My wife and I visited The Netherlands in June. In our experience the Dutch are the best English speakers on the Continent! Best of luck fixing your bike.

 

Dear all,

Sorry for my late reply, unfortunately I have to share my attention between my Harley and other things (like work ). Anyway, thank you all very much for your help, I hope to be able to bring all your tips in action somewhere later this week, and hopefully I will be able to inform you later that the problem is solved!

Kind regards, Banjer!

Ps. Regarding my language - thanks, apparently you all understood me!
Ps.2 Regarding the owner manual, I have 2 (official and a Haynes), but both are relatively unclear in this point, basically saying 'just remove the sprocket'

 

Hello all of you,

It took some perseverence and help, but things worked out well:
- Got a proper socket (not so easy to find, but this one is used on large outboard-engines)
- with airgun on full power, clockwise
- One of my friends holding-back a gear with a large screwdriver.

Probably won't win the beauty-contest, but it worked. And indeed - the front pulley's teeth are completely wore-out, luckily, the teeth on the outgoing shaft of the gearbox are still OK!

Anybody a good suggestion for a new pulley & belt? (brand and place to buy? - if we ar allowed to discuss this on this forum?) I expect I won't ride it that often anymore (now it has 85.000 KM on it), so it doesn't have the best quality, just a good price / quality level.

Gr. Banjer.

 

Banjer,

Well done getting that thing off.

You're at the centre of the Universe for Harley parts in Europe! Zodiac are based in The Netherlands and you can compare their prices with your local Harley dealer. You shouldn't need to travel very far to get the right parts. You could import from the US, but shipping and import taxes will add extra cost, so I suggest you stay close to home.

At 85k km your bike has plenty of life left in it yet, so don't hide it away! Fit a new rear pulley as well as the front and a new belt and you are ready for anything.

 

Well said GR, well said !!

 

I very well know Zodiac - but they only sell via dealerships - but I can manage. With saying that I won't ride it that often anymore, I mean I don't ride it everyday in snowy / rainy wheather through the traffic-jam around Amsterdam anymore, like I did the last 10 years.. I have a Yamaha Fazer for that now. The Harley I keep for the sunny days...
So don't worry about that, he will still ride about ~ 2.000 miles a year at least - still more than the average Dutch bike...

 

You are likely to get a better price there as grbrown said. if you want to look at an on line parts place here in Canada to compare prices or e mail questions, do a google search for "Strictly v twin" in Pefferlaw Ontario Canada.
They ship parts, prices are pretty good & the parts are great quality!
My family lives in Wolvega Friesland, I have guzzled many European beers in my day!!
Hatch.