Shifting problems
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
Start with the easiest first. This sounds like the shift lever where it goes through the boss in the frame at the front of the bike. Easy to get to, cheap to take care of. THEN start adjusting the clutch, changing fluids (good idea anyway), etc.
C#
C#
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
Agree with the fluids, do all 3 while your at it then you know what you have. When changing the fluid do not put a drop in more then it is supposed to have or you will have the same problem. I would also back it out of the lever and adjust at the tranny then fine tune it with the one on your bars. Good luck
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: St Louis, MO
I guess I didnt word that real well, but thats what I did was adjusted the clutch at the primary first. I loosened the cable, then I ran the clutch adjustment nut in at the primary until it seated, then backed it off 1/4 turn... then went and tightened the cable back up. I am going to go ahead and change all the fluids tho like several suggest, so I know what I got in there, then I will adjust the clutch pack again and see where that gets me and go from there. Ill keep you updated... it will be this weekend at the earliest, maybe later depending on weather... I dont like wrenching in the freezing cold! 
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 574
Likes: 3
From: AB Canada
Hello all! Im hoping someone can give me some advice here. Ive recently upgraded from a Sportster to a 99 Fatboy and I love it! The only thing is that it shifts extremely hard and I have to think something is wrong. Also, I absolutely cannot get it into nuetral with the motor running. I have to kill the motor and then shift into nuetral. Ive already adjusted the clutch with the cable adjuster all the way loosened up, then tightened it back up so there is about 1/16" gap between the cable sleeve and the clutch lever. I even tightened it even more so there was no gap to see if that helped, but still the same. Any suggestions on what my problem might be?
Thanks!
Thanks!
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: RI
Wondering if your shifting into netural problem has been resolved. I have a 2010 fatboy lo...and Love it... have over 20K miles and have this same issue. After riding 100 miles or riding less than that on an extremely hot day, I cannot get it to shift into netural so I can idle. The bike runs HOT... Been told that the clutch need to be adjusted, did that, still have the same issue. Any advice?
Last edited by BLNDY; Feb 23, 2012 at 12:54 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
I guess I didnt word that real well, but thats what I did was adjusted the clutch at the primary first. I loosened the cable, then I ran the clutch adjustment nut in at the primary until it seated, then backed it off 1/4 turn... then went and tightened the cable back up. I am going to go ahead and change all the fluids tho like several suggest, so I know what I got in there, then I will adjust the clutch pack again and see where that gets me and go from there. Ill keep you updated... it will be this weekend at the earliest, maybe later depending on weather... I dont like wrenching in the freezing cold!
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
Good Luck with the new bike.
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: St Louis, MO
Wondering if your shifting into netural problem has been resolved. I have a 2010 fatboy lo...and Love it... have over 20K miles and have this same issue. After riding 100 miles or riding less than that on an extremely hot day, I cannot get it to shift into netural so I can idle. The bike runs HOT... Been told that the clutch need to be adjusted, did that, still have the same issue. Any advice?