Shifter travel
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Saluda SC
Shifter travel
I have an 81 FXWG with forward controls. The bike runs good but I am having trouble getting the trans shift stroke shortened. I am running the cow pie tranny and I actually have to lift my foot off of the peg several inches to get the next gear. The shift lever on the bike looks like it is the for the ratchet trans. Will the wrong lever make that much difference or do I have a worn out cow pile? Also will I have to pull the inner primary cover to replace the lever?
Thanks,
Oldsarge29
Thanks,
Oldsarge29
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
if you have a way of putting the bike so the rear wheel is off the ground, than turn the rear wheel ( hand speed ) in the forward direction, then measure the distance of travel of the shifter upward from first to second - ( 3 hands and 4 eyes sometimes comes in handy hahahaha) this will help in an answer - also what is the center length of the shift lever, center of the hole to center of the hole - china shifters have grown in length for some reason and that will for sure make the mechanical advantage and operating length change -- jz
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,126
Likes: 51,456
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
You have the infamous maytag tranny with the very crappy linkage arm on the tranny itself . Check out J&P or one of the big aftermarket parts places like Custom Chrome for the upgrades all steel linkage arm , takes most the hassles out it for you .
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Saluda SC
I pulled the primary and all of the shifter linkage. I made new bushings and tightened everything up. There is almost no slop in the shift setup now. The foot shifter still has to move about 3 inches or so to get into the next gear. I jacked it up to allow me to turn the rear tire while shifting. Watching everything move as I shift, it just takes that much to get her to shift. Attached is the type shift lever and the actual foot shifter. Is this the correct type lever ? Correct type foot shifter or is the problem in the rotary top of the trans ?
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,126
Likes: 51,456
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
I pulled the primary and all of the shifter linkage. I made new bushings and tightened everything up. There is almost no slop in the shift setup now. The foot shifter still has to move about 3 inches or so to get into the next gear. I jacked it up to allow me to turn the rear tire while shifting. Watching everything move as I shift, it just takes that much to get her to shift. Attached is the type shift lever and the actual foot shifter. Is this the correct type lever ? Correct type foot shifter or is the problem in the rotary top of the trans ?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Every rotary top 4 speed I have ever had was like that...I replaced every part of the linkage on my 84 to no avail ....you picked your foot up off the peg, or you weren't shifting...finally fixed it with a baker trans...lol
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 4
You did a good fix on the lever. You may need a bushing on the pin of the front belcrank pin to take out more movement. A heel rest attached to the peg will allow you to rock your heel on the peg as you shift. I did the same fix as you did but I have foot boards and simply rock back on my heel to shift.
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
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Saluda SC
Thanks for the info. I will do some thinking and maybe a mod or 2 but I will shorten the travel somehow. I may try to run the shift rod straight to the transmission and see what that does.
