Question about new (to me) softail
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 68
Likes: 2
Question about new (to me) softail
So I am the proud new owner of a 1996 FXSTSB and I had a question. I went for a ride today and found that once or twice when shifting up through the gears it would catch in neutral not only between 1st and second, but between second and third, and once between third and fourth. While I'm sure this is not normal, I'm at a loss as to what the cause could be and if I need to worry about it. 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,591
Likes: 6,435
From: Honah Lee
Since you are new at it and I assume as pretty as it is it's well maintained. I think you are saying as you up-shift and let the clutch out its in neutral. My guess is that it's possible due to your in-experience and you are just not shifting hard enough. Harleys are sort of like outboards. When you shift you stab it pretty good. If you catch a gear and let the clutch out and gas and hear a slight clunk as the gear jumps all way in you are not shifting quite hard enough. You are shifting so easy you are not getting the dog to drop in the side of the gears. (all the grears are spinning, its when the square dogs drop in that determines gear and drive. There is a round cylinder that has grooves that drive the shift forks. There is only one true neutral position in the cam slot between 1 and 2. After you practice awhile depending on you leg length the shift rode is adjustable for length to better position the shift lever. Get you some practice before you start adjust things. I am 6'3" and just looking at you shifter, for me I would need to lengthen the rod driving the shifter forward and down. Yours is so high I would need to lift my leg to get it to shift rather then my ankle pivoting as a lever on the peg.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Oct 16, 2011 at 07:22 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 68
Likes: 2
Thats what I'm saying, as I up shift past 2nd and into 3rd occasionally I'll find that the bike is not in gear. My experience before this lies in sportsters, and although I'm used to slamming my '07 Nightser into grear (and all the wonderful noises, ticks, pings, and taps that come with sporty's 
) I never encountered this issue with them. I may not however be shifting hard enough on the times that this has occurred, however I just wanted to make sure that the problem was me and not some well known issue with the tranny's on these bikes. I guess the simple way to say it would be that I didn't know that it was possible to be between gears.
And thanks for the compliments. The pictures really don't do it justice. It IS as well maintained as it looks and it's tough to believe, but the bike is literally in showroom condition.
) I never encountered this issue with them. I may not however be shifting hard enough on the times that this has occurred, however I just wanted to make sure that the problem was me and not some well known issue with the tranny's on these bikes. I guess the simple way to say it would be that I didn't know that it was possible to be between gears.And thanks for the compliments. The pictures really don't do it justice. It IS as well maintained as it looks and it's tough to believe, but the bike is literally in showroom condition.
Last edited by silverado_mick; Oct 16, 2011 at 07:27 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Red Bank, NJ
Sorry I'm at a loss addressing your question but that was one of the most beautiful bikes HD ever had in the showroom, a shame they don't offer a springer like that today - best of luck with it, have the dealer check it out if you don;t get answer here....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,591
Likes: 6,435
From: Honah Lee
Still working on post three, not sure if you caught it all. Was trying to find a better picture of my shifter position. Only have an older one since my signature picture has 3" fwd controls now but even my old setup is way fwd down then yours
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 11:25 AM.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 68
Likes: 2
Thanks man I see what you are saying. If it keeps happenning I'll make some adjustments and see what happens. I'm sure once I get used to the differences it'll be fine. It's just good to know that it's not a mechnical issue that I need to worry about. Thanks again for the help.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 3
From: Central Jersey
Idk what's wrong with your bike, but hot damn that's a gorgeous Bad Boy.. I would love one of those..but i dont know anything about the EVO engines.. it'd be sacrilegious of me to say i'd throw a carb'd TC88, or maybe something S&S in there..
