Hello everyone. I have a 2005 Fatboy with 7000 miles on it. My problem is when it is cold and I start it up and go for a ride, the very first time I shift from 1st to 2nd it is extreamly hard to shift into 2nd gear. Almost like the lever is stuck in 1st. After that the bike shifts thru all the gears ( even 1st to 2nd ) as it should....Its just that first time. I have tried 3 different tranny oils, checked the primary chain, the linkage is fine and the clutch is adjusted properly. Also want to add that before starting it up, I can shift it from neutral to 2nd easily with my fingers.Could it be the clutch plates are sticking on that very first shift? Thanks

 

What are the historical storage conditions for this motorcycle?
Reason: internal condensation on primary side can cause odd things to happen.

 

I purchased the bike last year from the original owner. He had documentation of about 10 oil changes for the 17 years and 6000 miles he owned it. It was stored in his garage.

 

Sounds to me like you have a initial "sticky" clutch plate drag behavior. Once you shift several times the clutch plates get some oil and loosen up. I run a basic ATF trans fluid in my primary as i had "cant find neutral" issues. The ATF helped and my shifting is very smooth. Lastly make sure your shifter moves smooth. Dirt can cause the plastic shifter shaft bushings to partially sieze and cause sticky shifting issues.