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Hard shifting issue

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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 08:26 AM
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Default Hard shifting issue
I'm a new rider. I purchased a 08 fat boy a month ago. When I put the bike in 1st gear at an idle it is not smooth. It seems like there is a clanking sound. Is this normal?
 
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 08:59 AM
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I assume that this is your 1st Harley...welcome to the world of "clank" this is normal. When you change your tranny fluid try using Redline Shockproof, this will help a little.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 09:07 AM
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It can be normal.I would be sure primary adjuster is working correctly,loose primary chain can clunk extra hard.Also helps to work clutch in and out a few times while warming up to seperate the cluch plates.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 09:08 AM
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yep, its normal....no worries, your tranny won't fall out. just get on and ride!!!
 
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 09:09 AM
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yep,what he said. when my bike is cold it gives a pretty good clunk when going into first. but after riding and getting the tranny fluid slapped all around in there it gets better. swap the fluid to a quality syn. gear oil at the first service. that clunk is kind of a harley trade mark.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 11:16 AM
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Every harley I've ridden has done that, especially within the first few miles until everything has heated up...still does it after that, but not as hard of a clunk.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 11:45 AM
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A certian amount of "clunk" is normal with a HD. Try changing to Redline V Twin Transmission Oil it helped quiet my trans also sometimes if you go from neutral to second and then shift to first before moving it is less noisy.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 12:10 PM
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I have an 06 FatBoy and it has done that every time I fire it up after it has cooled down. Not as bad as when it was new but still there. If your not comfortable about the sound take it in to the dealer I'm sure they can help explain what is going on and put your mind to ease.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 12:37 PM
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Good info. Thanks for all th e response.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2009 | 06:47 AM
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I use Bel Ray for the trans and no wine or clank and I can find neutral. I use Motor Factory® Primary Case Lube in the primary. because Amsoil has gone up so much I just switched to Mobil 1 for vtwin and it works as good. I have 39,000 miles in about 2 years and it runs great and no debris in the oil changes.
http://www.belray.com/consumer/product.fsp?pid=13637
http://www.customchrome.com/dcm/cc/view.asp?mfoil.html
 
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