Well, it finally happened. I was doing a little winter riding to keep everything in good condition and avoid going crazy from being inside, so I took my sporty out. On the way home some guy, (or gal), in a truck decided to make a super quick lane change into the right lane in the middle of town and didn't see me, (no surprise there, probably texting), and slammed into my bike. I was able to stay on top until I was off the road before spilling on the left side and landing in a big patch of snow and ice off the side of the road. I was unhurt, aside from a sore knee, but I dinged my bike up a bit.

Fortunately, because I got off the road and spilled on ice, no paint got scratched anywhere, not even on my pegs. I have wide and low drag bars on my bike, (32''), and they were bent pretty good on the left side, but I've already replaced them. But my bigger concern is the shifter shaft coming out of my primary case. The shift lever is undamaged, but the assembly has bent about an 1/8 of an inch inward bringing the foot peg awful close to the primary cover. I can still shift up and down no problem, as I rode my sorry a$$ home after the spill. (Oh the guy who hit me didn't stop) But since everything shifted, and I didn't bust any forks or shift springs I was pretty happy. I didn't even break a seal on the cover, which seems to be trouble spot for even undamaged bikes.

However, me being a little OCD about my bike being perfect all the time, has anybody had any luck getting the shifter shaft bent back? I could replaced the shaft, as I am a competent mechanic with every tool I'd need but I just don't really feel like yanking a bold rated to 240 ft-lbs just for the hell of it, so I was interested if anybody every bent their shaft back successfully? Or, if I have to pull the cover, could I just loosen the left-hand threaded clutch nut and wiggle that half of the assembly out enough to reach the shifter shaft? I know the chain has a little give so I thought MAYBE I don't have to pull that damn sprocket nut off on the primary drive.

Any ideas??

 

You have to replace the actual shaft. DO NOT try bending or heating with that on the bike, you will cause more damage tham you are trying to fix.

I had a similar issue on my 06 sporty. I replaced the shaft. I'll look for some pics so you can see.

 

Sounds like you got out without too much damage to bike & body. Buy some lottery tickets this week.

Did the putz who ran you off the road stop and try to help you?

 

Geez, wheres that shiny penny in your pocket. SOOOOOOOO glad youre ok! The shaft, leave that to a pro, its job, dont bend it. I hope you got their info as it could be expensive

 

It was a hit and run, OP did you file a police report? OP, I would park near the area where the crash occurred around the same time, day of the week. You are likely to see the suspect vehicle driving by the area again. Follow it and get on the phone with the local police.

 

Glad to hear you are ok.

 

 

 

glad to hear you are ok, my first new Harley was a 09 orange nightster, and my laydown was my foot sliping in yard where I parked. wasn't moving but but I think my pride was hurt more than anything.

 

Been there, done that. Thank goodness that's what I considered a drop.