Just as the title says on my 73 FLH. The bike always shifted a little hard, especially into 2nd gear. It has gotten a little harder. Now it lurches when shifting into gear and sometimes when changing gears. What is the most likely cause and the fix? Thanks.

 

Others will chime in but dragging clutch usually is out of adjustment or sticking clutch discs.

 

You haven't said anything about the history of the bike but from what you said you should look at clutch pushrod adjustment, dirty/worn clutch pack, cable adjustment (free play), and lastly the fingers on the clutch hub could be grooved to the point that the discs no longer slide easily and be causing the problem.

You get all that done properly and you still have to bang it into gear, then its time to take a look at the tranny

 

Almost always clutch...Learn from a Veteran, how to adjust Properly, once Clean and dry...

 

If after checking all the above and making adjustments it makes no difference, add a "clutch tamer" - even the cheap plastic ones make an improvement as my last shovel used to crunch/lurch, and after installing the tamer there was a world of difference.

 

That's because its a massive, rumbling, ball of horsepower that you cant hold back with just a handbrake...

 

Actually, a Ram Jet Retainer is all that is necessary...the "Tamer" is a Different system...veryy pricy, and Not any better than just a good ole Ram Jet... For me anyway. After Clean and Dry!!!

 

Maybe that is what I used? A $5 plastic disc with holes and three springs to hold it in place? I have seen the pricy ones, but was under the impression they were all called 'tamers'?

 

Thanks all for the replies and advice. Never worked on the clutch before, so I'll read up on the processes you recommend in the service manual.

 

I always say...If we do Not watch our Terminology...No One will know what we are Talking about!!! That's the only reason I try to be Specific... Not to Bust anyones *****!!!