while getting off the freeway, i down-shifted and eventually came into first. as i took off, everything was fine until i went to shift to 2nd, and nothing. couldnt pull the shifter up. it seems to be "willing" to shift down if there was a gear i could go to, but not a chance of coming up, even into neutral.

i was able to get where i was going in 1st gear no problem.

now comes the fun part of fixing the issue. what are some likely culprits? i have the primary cover off and was told to check the shift pawl. seems like i will have to remove the clutch to do so? yes? no?

TIA for help

 

First thing you need to do is post what year and model bike you are talking about.

 

whoops...i forgot that when i retyped everything out.

1999 Sportster 1200C

 

I have the same issue on my 87 sportster 883. Was told to do a shifter pawl adjustment, but having difficulty getting to the part.shops won’t touch my bike they got rid of the tools for these years.

 

Start a new thread, this one has been dead for 12 years.

Give bike info and exactly what the issue is.

 

FWIW, my '87 1340 5 speed did the same thing several times when it was low miles. Always in 2nd but identical symptoms. It'd usually correct itself after a few tries, but had to pull over and shut off a few times to get it free. I never did know what caused it. Seemed to correct itself over time, though I did do a pawl adjustment some months later (wasn't off much) and found the lever on the trans loose, probably from banging on it in a panic. Don't recall it ever doing it again. Totally rebuilt the trans (bearings, lock rings and seals) 10 years later and found absolutely nothing wrong.

You'd likely get more and better ideas in the Sportster section...