75 Ironhead - Bike dies when shifting into first gear

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Jan 27, 2012 | 11:57 AM

bmassarani

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 46

Likes: 0

From: Phoenixville, PA

75 Ironhead - Bike dies when shifting into first gear

It took me a while, but I finally got my Ironhead back up and running (or at least idling). Now when I try to take her out she dies, right as I shift down to first gear.

Anybody know why this is happening?

I'm sure it's not connected to the problem, but I did just replace the petcock, fuel line, and carb.

Thanks,

Bashar

Jan 27, 2012 | 12:25 PM

IronMick

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 3,179

Likes: 118

From: London, ON Canada

Is the clutch perhaps not disengaging when you pull in the clutch lever, causing it to stall? It is common for clutch plates to bind after the bike has sat unused for an extended time. One solution may be to start it on the run and ride it around the block a few times. The plates may then become unstuck.

Wait for some other responses before proceeding as i am not experienced at this myself.

Jan 27, 2012 | 03:57 PM

j1mmy

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 4,598

Likes: 14

From: navarre ohio

you shouldn't have a clutch safety switch, i don't think there is even a neutral light so it isn't a electrical problem.. all that is left is sticking clutch..does the bike rev up in neutral? the clutch is probably sticking. try to roll the bike with the engine off,in gear with the clutch pulled.. when you put it in gear, pull the clutch, rev the engine, as the rpms drop then drop it in gear..

Jan 28, 2012 | 09:25 PM

piniongear

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 3,035

Likes: 17

From: Houston Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmassarani

All that is happening is the bike has not been ridden for a while. Correct?
The clutch plates have stuck together.
Here is what you do to fix that......

Crank up the bike.
I would let it warm up for 2 minutes.

Then roll it down the driveway and hop aboard.
While the bike is still rolling, pull in the clutch and put it into first gear.

The bike is going to go CLUNK! and most likely will take off.
That is OK and does no damage to the engine or gears.

Just ride it around the block and shift a few gears then come back home.
The clutch will now work correctly and the next time you start the bike, it may go CLUNK when you put it in first gear, but it won't kill the engine.

This is a Sportster and this is how a Sportster is.
pg

Jan 30, 2012 | 01:49 PM

carlgrover

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 8,852

Likes: 2,493

From: Decatur, Alabama

I was going to say basically what's been said above except that I've always held the front brake tight, revved her up, said a quick Hail Mary, then hit the shifter.

After you get back from your victory ride and the clutch is all nice and goosey, adjust it and change the primary oil. Then ride it at least once a week.