79 FXS Shifting problems
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 13
Likes: 8
From: Florida
79 FXS Shifting problems
I recently picked up a 79 FXS 1200. I'm having trouble with it shifting from neutral to first and down shifting (mostly from 3rd to 2nd). This problem mostly happens when the bike is good warmed up say after 40 minutes of riding. I only have a mile and a half commute to work and don't usually have any problems with it going to and from work. I talked to someone at a local shop who basically said the cheap fix is to change the fluid and worst case is to adjust the shift forks in the tranny. I've change the fluid. Now its full of 85W 140 and it has helped A LOT. But it hasn't actually solved the problems. I'm wondering what else can be done before digging into the tranny. I've seen tons of videos on YouTube of things to try. I just thought I'd check here first. FYI, the motor was rebuilt @ 2200 miles ago and the tranny got new seals some time between then and when I got the bike. No idea how many miles are on the tranny. The speedo was replaced when the motor was done.
Thanks, Brently
Thanks, Brently
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
two different 4 speeds could be in it - oil does for a short while help - but it tells me two different things
ratchet top trans the shift springs are weak - its worn out to the point the heat that comes with driving it causes this issue -
turtle top trans - linkage is always suspect - or the trans is very loose and will need an overhaul
ratchet top trans the shift springs are weak - its worn out to the point the heat that comes with driving it causes this issue -
turtle top trans - linkage is always suspect - or the trans is very loose and will need an overhaul
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,462
Likes: 57,017
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
Yup, Oops.. I have more than a Couple '79's here in the shop...all CowPies.. ... But, I'm afraid I have never had a Ratchet Top act like that... Unless it was in extremely poor shape..
Edit; Or non O.E. Shifter linkage...
Edit; Or non O.E. Shifter linkage...
Last edited by Racepres; May 23, 2020 at 07:55 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 692
From: magnolia tx
I have the same bike but a 78, I ran into that problem, I removed just the top cover on the tranny and found one of the screws for the shift forks had backed out and was interfering with the shifting, put some locktight and tightened it down good to go
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 13
Likes: 8
From: Florida
I had to order some new tools to be able to get the tranny out. My plan is to pull the top cover off and replace all of the shift springs as johnjzjz suggested. I also got some shims to adjust the shift forks if needed. It would be awesome if I only had a screw loose. Well, if the bike only has a I screw loose. I certainly do!
Last edited by Brently; May 24, 2020 at 09:05 AM.