Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Transmission question

Old May 17, 2008 | 09:26 AM
  #1  
JonnyDeluxe's Avatar
JonnyDeluxe
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Default Transmission question

I have an '05 Deluxe with 8800 miles - yesterday after about 100 miles I noticed it was getting difficult to get it into first gear. All the other gears shift fine, but I have to really push hard on the shifter to get into first when moving, and when shifting from neutral it grinds before it clunks into gear, and sometimes takes 3 or 4 tries to get in gear. After it cooled down for several hours I tried it again, but it acts the same when it's cold.

I bought the bike in December with 6800 miles, so don't know what all may have been done to it before, but up to now it's worked perfectly. Does anybody have any suggestions or ideas about what could be going on with it? Thanks very much!
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2008 | 10:53 AM
  #2  
wallyn's Avatar
wallyn
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 709
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: Transmission question

Check your clutch adjustment. With the bike off. Put the bike in first gear. Pull the clutch in. Try to roll the bike forward or backward. If it does not go freely the clutch is dragging to much and needs to be adjusted. The clutch cable will stretch over time and the play needs to be taken out.
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2008 | 11:14 AM
  #3  
In Memoriam Citoriplus's Avatar
In Memoriam Citoriplus
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
Default RE: Transmission question

Its far too soon for the clutch to be worn out unless something is very wrong. So if the adjustment seems OK pop off the inspection cover and check to make sure there is the right amount of oil in the primary. If the level is low you can get dragging and premature wear of the plates.
Good Luck and let us know what you find.
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2008 | 10:35 PM
  #4  
JonnyDeluxe's Avatar
JonnyDeluxe
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
Default RE: Transmission question

OK, I feel stupid now....I was getting ready to pull off the inspection cover, which got me at to right angle to see the thumb sized rock lodged under the shift linkage. Rock removed, problem resolved!!! Thanks for the suggestions though, I appreciate the help!
 
Reply
Old May 17, 2008 | 11:55 PM
  #5  
In Memoriam Citoriplus's Avatar
In Memoriam Citoriplus
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
Default RE: Transmission question

Now I know that some of the metric bike riders think a Harley tranny is more like a rock crusher than one of their "Swiss watch" things. But really we don't need people trying to help them prove their point, do we?
A rock in the linkage, well that's not something you hear about every day. At least I can't remember ever hearing about it before. Seen about everything from rocks towire fencing get caught up and jam in the running gear and suspension of offroad trucks and Jeeps, but rocks in the linkage of a Harley is definatly a new one on me.
 
Reply
Old May 18, 2008 | 07:09 AM
  #6  
tobyhd1's Avatar
tobyhd1
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: canton ny
Default RE: Transmission question

Well,at least it wasn`t a birds nest.Toby
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tehan2
General Harley Davidson Chat
6
Apr 7, 2012 08:20 PM
Scionic Wraith
Sportster Models
10
Apr 21, 2010 12:02 AM
jrd271
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
13
Jan 31, 2010 08:18 PM
keimigca
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
7
Jun 8, 2009 02:07 PM
mfiumano
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
3
Sep 17, 2006 01:07 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:49 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE