Downshifting problem - Help
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Houston Texas
Downshifting problem - Help
I have a 1997 Fatboy with about 50K miles on it. took it in to have the cam cover replaced as the chrome was flaking off and looked unsightly. I was also having trouble with the carborator as it was sluggish on starts. I just had the carbs tuned when I put the new Longshots on and lost all the efficiency I had gained. Turns out I need a $3 spring to fix it but they had to order the part.
Anyway on my way home the bike is having trouble shifting into first. This mainly occurs in city traffic with quick lights. I have seen this before but just occasionally. Now it is happening on all quick stops.I dont like starting in 2nd gear at a light.
If I slowly downshift I can get through all the gears. Last night and again this morning I had problems with the higher gears. I got stuck in 3rd and 4th. The shifting does not have the same feel or sound (clunk) when I kick it into gear. Sometimes it is almost silent.
In the past I have also had problems with upshifting to third causing a false neutral. This generally occurs when I upshift without really kicking it up hard.
Anyway I could use a wrench's assessment and a thought about how much this will cost me. I am not a wrench myself and am spending a fair amount at the stealer right now to get this bike running in top shape. I have to bring the bike back in this week to get the spring installed and carb retuned so I will want them to fix this as well. Dont like being in a situation where I may not have power to accelerate from a dead stop.
Anyway on my way home the bike is having trouble shifting into first. This mainly occurs in city traffic with quick lights. I have seen this before but just occasionally. Now it is happening on all quick stops.I dont like starting in 2nd gear at a light.
If I slowly downshift I can get through all the gears. Last night and again this morning I had problems with the higher gears. I got stuck in 3rd and 4th. The shifting does not have the same feel or sound (clunk) when I kick it into gear. Sometimes it is almost silent.
In the past I have also had problems with upshifting to third causing a false neutral. This generally occurs when I upshift without really kicking it up hard.
Anyway I could use a wrench's assessment and a thought about how much this will cost me. I am not a wrench myself and am spending a fair amount at the stealer right now to get this bike running in top shape. I have to bring the bike back in this week to get the spring installed and carb retuned so I will want them to fix this as well. Dont like being in a situation where I may not have power to accelerate from a dead stop.
R.I.P. BROTHER
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,076
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From: Colorado Springs
There is a little arm/lever that comes up outta the tranny behind the primary cover. The lever that your shift rod attaches top going from your foot lever back....Check to see if the bolt holding that lever to shaft has came loose or if the shaft itself is stripped due to being loose.
Short of that you may have some internal issues as the cam cover in no way effects your trannies ability to shift.
Assuming there is a proper amount of fluid in tha tranny?
Short of that you may have some internal issues as the cam cover in no way effects your trannies ability to shift.
Assuming there is a proper amount of fluid in tha tranny?
Last edited by Chazmanian; Jul 12, 2009 at 01:59 PM.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Mount Laurel, N.J.
Don't know how you ride but does your foot stay in contact with the shifter? I found that after buying a new set of boots, the shifter wouldn't return all the way due to the foot position. Jes' sayin'
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From: Houston Texas
I have both the front and heal shifter on my bike. I usually ride with my heal in contact with the heal shifter. My heal does not rest on top of it though. When shifting I use the toe side and move my foot forward.
R.I.P. BROTHER
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,076
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From: Colorado Springs
I'm talking about the lever attached to the shaft coming out of the tranny behind the primary that you cant really see just standing there looking at the shifter. That splined shaft is attached to the lever.
The bolt you cant really see or even reach down and touch with your hand comes loose. Take a ratchet with a 1/4 allen on a 5" extension. Check that bolt. Get a mirror and a flashlight and have yer' old lady shift the bike whilst you peer down there(Its really hard to see) and determine if your shaft is stripped after tightening down that bolt with much determination. Meaning get it really tight.
I think you looked at the wrong chit Mang.
Get back out in the garage and report back on that bolt!!
Dont give in so easy Buddy! Its a 13 year old Harley. It wants to bond with you. Go get dirty!!
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From: Houston Texas
OK got my hands dirty! 
I see the bolt you explained and it is tight. When looking at it with a mirror, I can shift it in and out of gear and do not see any slippage where the bolt is attached. What next.
I see the bolt you explained and it is tight. When looking at it with a mirror, I can shift it in and out of gear and do not see any slippage where the bolt is attached. What next.
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R.I.P. BROTHER
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 6
From: Colorado Springs
If it isnt yer' shaft hanging up and sticking in its carrier due to a worn out bushing or just being rusty n' dirty its more than likely beyond you at this point unless you wanna become a tranny guy.
A tranny guy adept at replacing shift pawl springs or worse.....
Check that shift mechanism!.