Shifter getting stuck
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Stage I
Joined: Mar 2025
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Shifter getting stuck
How’s it going I’ve got a 96 softail.
was riding the other day and I was at a stop, I went into 1st to take off and when I clutched in my shifter wouldn’t go into 2nd gear. So I pulled over I couldn’t get into neutral so I rocked the bike back and fourth. I finally was able to take off and get into 3rd and 4th but it seemed like I had to force it almost. Later that day heading back home it was doing the same thing. I was trying to figure what was going on so I clutched in to go to second I gave it a little throttle and it was able to shift like butter. Same thing going to 3rd. It would continue to have the same issue if I didn’t give it a little throttle. Now I definitely wasn’t short shifting cause I tried it both going slow and fast. When I finally got home it still wouldn’t go to neutral unless I gave a little throttle Anyone have any idea would be helpful? Thanks
was riding the other day and I was at a stop, I went into 1st to take off and when I clutched in my shifter wouldn’t go into 2nd gear. So I pulled over I couldn’t get into neutral so I rocked the bike back and fourth. I finally was able to take off and get into 3rd and 4th but it seemed like I had to force it almost. Later that day heading back home it was doing the same thing. I was trying to figure what was going on so I clutched in to go to second I gave it a little throttle and it was able to shift like butter. Same thing going to 3rd. It would continue to have the same issue if I didn’t give it a little throttle. Now I definitely wasn’t short shifting cause I tried it both going slow and fast. When I finally got home it still wouldn’t go to neutral unless I gave a little throttle Anyone have any idea would be helpful? Thanks
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,014
Likes: 1,464
From: Black Hills of SD
I suggest getting the service manual out and going through the clutch adjustment procedure. But first, take a good look at the clutch cable and make sure it is not shredding at either end.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,211
From: San Diego, CA
IMHO.... As suggested;
1) check clutch cable for damage.
2) Check/re-adjust clutch per Factory Service manual.
3) If problem is not found/fixed, pull the trans cover and check shifter shaft, shifter pawl, and shifter pawl & shifter lever springs... If the springs and the shifter pawl/shaft/shift drum have no signs of damage, do a Shifter Pawl Eccentric Screw Adjustment, before replacing the trans cover. There are several videos on how to do that. It usually only affects finding neutral, but with a shifting problem, and with all springs/parts under the trans cover looking good, might as well check and adjust that while the trans cover is off, before opening up the primary.
4) If problem is still not found/fixed, pull outer primary cover off and inspect the clutch & compensator for damage.
Good luck with your diagnosis and keep us posted.
1) check clutch cable for damage.
2) Check/re-adjust clutch per Factory Service manual.
3) If problem is not found/fixed, pull the trans cover and check shifter shaft, shifter pawl, and shifter pawl & shifter lever springs... If the springs and the shifter pawl/shaft/shift drum have no signs of damage, do a Shifter Pawl Eccentric Screw Adjustment, before replacing the trans cover. There are several videos on how to do that. It usually only affects finding neutral, but with a shifting problem, and with all springs/parts under the trans cover looking good, might as well check and adjust that while the trans cover is off, before opening up the primary.
4) If problem is still not found/fixed, pull outer primary cover off and inspect the clutch & compensator for damage.
Good luck with your diagnosis and keep us posted.
Last edited by hattitude; Mar 5, 2025 at 06:46 PM.
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