Shifter done stopped shiftin'
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 42
Likes: 22
From: AZ, USA
Shifter done stopped shiftin'
I was riding home last night when my trans seemed to slip out of second gear.
The shifter was still in the proper position on the gate, and there were no catastrophic noises or clunks.
When i start it up, it just goes through all the gears but does not connect. 4 neutrals.
When I pulled the primary cover off, I didn’t see anything too obvious. The chain was a little loose but not slapping on the cover.
I’m thinking I need to pull this trans and see what’s up.
Anyone experience this?
Would this be the time to throw in a 4-speed (more money and work than I want to deal with, and I like original).
TIA.
The shifter was still in the proper position on the gate, and there were no catastrophic noises or clunks.
When i start it up, it just goes through all the gears but does not connect. 4 neutrals.
When I pulled the primary cover off, I didn’t see anything too obvious. The chain was a little loose but not slapping on the cover.
I’m thinking I need to pull this trans and see what’s up.
Anyone experience this?
Would this be the time to throw in a 4-speed (more money and work than I want to deal with, and I like original).
TIA.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,562
Likes: 7,915
From: Long Island, New York
Two things to check. With the primary cover off, bike running, is the chain spinning and the clutch hub? If you raise the rear wheel off the ground, can you spin the rear wheel with the transmission in gear?
Motor sprocket coming off is what you are checking with the first. Breaking the shear keys on the rear sprocket is what you are looking for second.
if all is well there, remove the battery box and the top cover of the transmission. This should allow you to see the rest without removing the transmission from the bike.
I have had them go bad, but at least one gear could be found. Losing all three at once makes me think something else is in play, good luck.
Motor sprocket coming off is what you are checking with the first. Breaking the shear keys on the rear sprocket is what you are looking for second.
if all is well there, remove the battery box and the top cover of the transmission. This should allow you to see the rest without removing the transmission from the bike.
I have had them go bad, but at least one gear could be found. Losing all three at once makes me think something else is in play, good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,562
Likes: 7,915
From: Long Island, New York
Honestly that is an easy fix and 1000% better than having to go inside the transmission.
Did the keys shear or were there no keys at all?
Did the keys shear or were there no keys at all?
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 42
Likes: 22
From: AZ, USA
I could have gotten away with just getting the keys and a lock tab, but I went ahead and got a new sprocket and nut as well (why not? cheap and still available), as the trauma chingered both up just enough to warrant it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,562
Likes: 7,915
From: Long Island, New York
Army surplus sprockets can still be found on the Bay for cheap money. They have the best gasket for trying to keep some of the oil in the transmission.
Original Harley Davidson 45 WLA Countershaft Sprocket 17 Tooth NOS 2035-41 | eBay
When the seal goes bad on mine, I just change out the sprocket to another WWII piece. Changing the seals does not work well, good luck
Original Harley Davidson 45 WLA Countershaft Sprocket 17 Tooth NOS 2035-41 | eBay
When the seal goes bad on mine, I just change out the sprocket to another WWII piece. Changing the seals does not work well, good luck
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 42
Likes: 22
From: AZ, USA
Yes, got all the stuff coming from 45 restorations.
My sprocket is actually OK, but it chingered the seal slightly, and for the price of a new sprocket, it makes sense to just get it while I still can.
My sprocket is actually OK, but it chingered the seal slightly, and for the price of a new sprocket, it makes sense to just get it while I still can.