2016 FLHXS w/ 18k miles

I have noticed sometimes (I'd say about 30%) of the time, when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear it seems to be a somewhat rough transition. What I mean is just a rough shift, almost like feeling some type of vibration in the shift shaft.

Yesterday I actually happened to really get stuck in neutral when going from 1st to 2nd and it really took a few attempts to get back into gear.

I'd like to add I really only notice this when getting on it, not just putting around.

Bike is Stage 1 - pipes, tuner, air cleaner - nothing else modded performance-wise. Running Amsoil all 3 holes, freshly changed a couple of months ago.

Any recommendations?

 

Check your shift linkage , any play in it , might just need to be re adjusted . If the heim joints have to much play or are too loose , you'll have to replace them , you can replace them with better ones from any parts store , just need the proper sizes . Also , check the front and rear shift levers and make sure they're not stripped or loose . The front shift shaft and spacer should be greased as well . Make sure the rear heal shifter , if your using it , isn't hitting the floorboard as you shift , may need to be readjusted .

If all that checks out , maybe the clutch needs to be adjusted or clutch cable replaced .

Hope it's not serious and you get it fixed , good luck !

 

Have you tried bleeding the clutch?

 

Are you using a heel shifter?

 

The entire shift linkage system is brand new, I replaced everything about a year ago. WIth that I upgraded to a Roland Sands heim joint connection arm. All of it is tight, loc-tited, nothing is stripped. I also put anti-seize on the shifter shaft.

Did an entire clutch fluid flush beginning of this season.

Nope, deleted it. I felt it was always in my way.

 

One thing I did notice when inspecting everything, the connecting arm that comes up from the transmission is nice and tight to the splines of the shaft - but that actually shaft has some play (I'd say about a 1/4" of an inch) in and out of the transmission. I can wiggle it back and forth with my hands. Is this normal? I can post a video if that's easier....

 

Too tight hemi joints if you have that set up is worst then too loose. Harleys' have a very slight angle that locks the drive dogs in. It will also pull shift in if linkage is not tight from aftermarket China hemi joints. Also, I assume your oil is not too thick since who knows what substitutes are.

 

If the shifter shaft is sliding in and out of the tranny about 1/4 inch, you got a problem. Sounds like the snap ring on the shifter shaft has popped loose and the arm has moved out some.

 

Max, I might have over-exaggerated it's more like a 1/8 inch. Here is a video...is this normal?

https://streamable.com/u9pqd2

 

It look more like about 1/16 inch or less. My 17 RK looks the same. maybe the slightest bit less.

New shift arm in the front? Could it be limiting travel?