Hello all,

I recently picked up a '95 Badboy and am experiencing some issue with it.
It has about 11K miles on it but in excellent conditions - previous owner didn't add anything to it so everything is stock. After a warm-up in garage, when I try shifting it down to 1st from neutral, it gives rapid rattling noise and rattling metal feel to my left foot(peg)... this actually happens at stop lights too (same, neutral to 1st gear). Do I step on the shift peg too soft maybe? Because when I step on it firmly, it happens less but just less.

Moreover, at stop lights, it also doesn't shift to 1st even though it gives a "soft" click like it's gears are not engaging, and sounds like it gets in between Neutral and 1st, and I need to step on it again hard to get the 1st gear.

I know it sounds like a stupid question...
I've ridden a few different bikes all EFI, but never experienced anything like this. Please advise:(!!

 

It is a Harley. If your clutch is adjusted right and you pull it all the way in. The bike should go into gear with a noticeable thunk. Do not ***** foot when you shift a Harley. Also it is a bad practice to stomp on the gear shift lever. Be firm but not abusive when shifting.

 

make sure your shift lever isn't hitting anything & preventing it from traveling all the way down.
Pull your primary chain inspection cover & check for proper tension. If it's too tight or too loose, it will not not shift properly.
Clutch adjustment is also very important. You should have 1/16th of an inch of free play, Barely any while the bike is in neutral.
Keep us posted!
Hatch.

 

I'm experiencing a rattling sound from the left side of my Ultra and I think it's coming from the muffler,actually the terminal part of it -cone shaped-is a little loose.

 

Sometimes when I pull out the enricher **** to warm it up and try to shift into gear with it idling high, I get a ratttle/grind, same as trying to downshift to 1st when rolling too fast. is that what you are hearing? Is it idling fast?

 

Thank you all for the quick replies and advices!
Oldairboater: I will make sure of firm grip and firm shift operation!
Hatchetman: I will follow your professional point-to-point advices. I don't have a tension gauge but will definitely check the other stuff you have pointed out on the weekend and will let you know. Is there any recommended method to check the tension without the tension gauge maybe?
Luisan: I don't think my problem belongs to the exhausts. They are tight on mine.
Brenn: It still happens even after idling is settled after a good warm up, but will pay more attention to that. Thanks.

Underdog

 

I forgot something. If your clutch is adjusted right. Wait a little after you pull in your clutch lever to let the transmission quit spinning. Brenn comment reminded me that there is always something spinning in a transmission even in neutral.

 

You should have around 5/8ths of an inch free play in the slack portion of the chain for proper tension.
Hatch.

 

Ok. I checked the clutch is adjusted right, and the firm grip/foot improved it. Thanks!

 

Thank you Hatchetman!