2001 softail isn't shifting gears
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Stage IV
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
2001 softail isn't shifting gears
I am having trouble going through the gears. i can usually get neutral, first and second but the shift lever doesn't seem to be "coming back". it stays down or up
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
Sounds like a broken shift pawl return spring inside the transmission. This is from the Evo section, but contains more information.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...wl-spring.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...wl-spring.html
Last edited by Uncle G.; May 10, 2018 at 10:43 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 25
Likes: 6
From: Superior, Wi.
Disconnect Shifter Rod 31 by removing acorn nut 13. Verify free movement of Shift Lever. If it doesn't move freely you need to take apart..clean...lube., 29 and the shaft that
runs trough them. This may not be your bike but you will figure it out. Same thing happened to my bike also.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....TER%20ASSEMBLY
If that doesn't do it. Then its probably in the transmission. Good Luck!
runs trough them. This may not be your bike but you will figure it out. Same thing happened to my bike also.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....TER%20ASSEMBLY
If that doesn't do it. Then its probably in the transmission. Good Luck!
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Thanks for everyone's help. I will start by cleaning the linkage. Can it have anything to do with the lubricant? I changed it at the end of last season with the syn 3 engine oil. The problem started before that, but seemed better initially. i didn't have a lot of time to ride before I put the bike away for the winter. I had the dealer store it over the winter and it worked fine when I brought it home. Then I went to go for a ride the night before last and it started acting up. I never noticed the lever hanging up like that before though.
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Stage IV
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
I found this very helpful channel on you tube that seems to offer the same advice as everyone who replied to this post. Another thing I learned about while searching the web, was that the entire linkage needs to be periodically adjusted and/or tightened up. I feel a bit intimidated by the details. Would centering the pawl be something best left to the dealership or reputable mechanic? Thanks again for everyone's help. it is greatly appreciated.
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Stage IV
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Once again, I would like to thank everyone for their help. The problem was corrosion on the shift linkage. I replaced the bushings and coated the shaft with anti-seize. I am very thankful that it wan't a bigger issue. My bike is up and running just fine. I wish the weather would improve the same way. Thanks again for everyone's help. I learned a great deal.
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