1982 FLT Shifting issue
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 36
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From: El Paso, TX
1982 FLT Shifting issue
I am helping a freind fix his dad's 1982 FLT. It has been in storage for many years and we rebuilt the carb and it runs now but it is very hard to shift. The shift linkage seems very loose and has tons of slop. As we let the bike warm up it seemed like it got better. Finding neutral is very hard to do with the bike running. Would bent shift forks cause this? I am thinking about changing the fluid and adjusting the clutch pack to see if that helps. I am hoping we can fix this for cheap. Thanks for the help in advance.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 439
From: va
If your auto oiler for the primary chain has been blocked (as a lot have been) change your oil first before adjusting the clutch , change the oil and run a couple of hundred mi for it to really get worked into the clutches and if still drags the adjust the clutch . With you being in Texas the old guy might have a thick oil in the case try something like Lucas 75/80 hypoid lubricant that's about the same viscosity as 40wt motor oil with winter coming on you could go with a lighter oil --- 10/30wt motor oil
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
The later 4 speed trans had a funky maytag ratchet top with an extra aluminum arm linkage that wore out, made them hard to shift, sloppy and forget finding neutral. Chances are that's the problem not shifting forks and they sell an aftermarket all steel unit that cures all that for you. Look there before you tear anything apart.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,610
Likes: 3,377
From: Cental, MI
The later 4 speed trans had a funky maytag ratchet top with an extra aluminum arm linkage that wore out, made them hard to shift, sloppy and forget finding neutral. Chances are that's the problem not shifting forks and they sell an aftermarket all steel unit that cures all that for you. Look there before you tear anything apart.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 645
Likes: 216
From: Minneapolis
Take the clutch apart, clean it well and make sure it disengages properly when you put it back together. That is most likely the issue with finding neutral. The ramjet as mentioned will also help. Check the outer plate that holds in the springs, if it its bent the discs will release crooked. Make sure that the shaft in the clutch release cover, they can egg shape out and make it tough to adjust the clutch properly. I would isolate the primary and run ATF in the primary. I have an 82 FLT that I ride many thousands of miles a year, and am speaking from first hand experience. The shift linkage is loose and sloppy, that's how they are.
Last edited by mrlexus; Sep 26, 2016 at 10:09 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,610
Likes: 3,377
From: Cental, MI
Mine is Not an '82, it is an '83 FLHT 
Same critter pretty much, and My shifter is Not very Sloppy compared to the CowPie 4-speed that TwiZted speaks of...That linkage needs attention....
Last edited by Racepres; Sep 27, 2016 at 10:50 AM.
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