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.

 

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

 

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.

 

Yea...but, that ain't in no "T". Take that clutch pack out and clean it [just like a 4-speed clutch] may want a Ramm Jett retainer too.. Clutch pack clean and dry... that 5-speed box may need a pawl adjustment also...or at minimum, springs..

 

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.

 

You are right, getting painfully obvious I need to quit the denial thing and go get glasses

 

Yer gonna hate that...when I finally did glasses I been miserable ever since...Maybe Rose Colored next time!!! 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....