Threadlock Blue for shifter linkage?

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Jul 21, 2011 | 02:59 PM

OldAggie

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 9

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From: Texas

Threadlock Blue for shifter linkage?

While I was riding last night, my shifter rod detached from the transmission shifter lever. I managed to pull off the road and screw it back in and make it home, but now what? Should I just use some blue threadlock and call it fixed, or is there anything else I should check/replace?

Also does anyone have any suggestions for how to reach the bolt on the end of the shifter rod? The lever is pretty well tucked up between my left tailpipe and the frame, and I'm having a hard time getting a wrench in there...

Thanks in advance!

Jul 21, 2011 | 07:27 PM

Sharknose

Elite HDF Member

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 3,927

Likes: 5

From: Midwest

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldAggie

While you're working on it, replace the POS stock rod ends on the linkage with heim joints available at any auto parts store. Those things wear out, and they go suddenly, so it's best to get rid of them.

Do a search on "shift linkage" and you'll get all kinds of threads on the subject.

Jul 22, 2011 | 08:55 AM

OldAggie

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 9

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From: Texas

Thanks for the tip! I'll just replace the joints so I don't have to worry about it.

Jul 23, 2011 | 12:22 AM

Cep10SG

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 267

Likes: 4

From: Jacksonville, NC

also check your heel/toe shifter. i lost my heel shifter while i was visiting friends in another state. dam thing vibrated off while i was on the highway. i was lucky enough to call a dealer not too far and they fixed it just before closing. oh, the bike was less than 5 months old..... good thing it was covered and it also wasn't the first time they saw that.

Jul 23, 2011 | 05:05 AM

kpolak

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 222

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From: Michigan

I lost mine yesterday too. Tied it up with zip ties and wire from a retread tire found on the side of the road. Lasted 3+ hours for the full trip home.

I have the Kury Forward controls. Never realy noticed how sloppy the ball joints are.

Jul 23, 2011 | 06:14 AM

rocstar50

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 217

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From: Ireland

I replaced the stock joints with heim joints too. Easy job and I used the blue threadlock for extra security.

Jul 25, 2011 | 11:13 AM

OldAggie

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 9

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From: Texas

I reattached the ball joint screw so I can keep riding until I get the heims. But it looks like the rubber boots that were originally on the ball joints are cracking and falling off. I'll replace the joints asap. I love the look of some of those shiny new chrome shifter rods, but my '98 needs a long, bent rod to get around the tailpipe. I guess I'll just have to use the stock rod with the new joints.

Also, if anyone else has this issue with the crossover pipe getting in the way, here's how I got the wrench to work: There's a small gap between the ignition/tailpipe/frame directly above the transmission lever, not enough room to turn the wrench, but you can reach the bolt for that joint through there. Then downshift to move the lever forward and tighten the bolt (slightly), remove the wrench, upshift, engage the wrench, downshift, repeat, etc. Takes a while, but I still think it was easier than removing the tailpipe.