She doesn't like to downshift into first
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
Just curious, do you know what type of oil was put in the tranny when it was changed?
If not, I'd suggest that you drain the tranny and put the H-D transmission oil in it.
Should cost less than $10 and then at least you'd know that you have the proper oil in it.
I'm old fashioned and I don't buy into this "3 hole" oil garbage.
I use motor oil in the motor, primary oil in the primary, and transmission oin in the transmission.
I only use H-D transmission oil in all of our bikes, except for one that has the Baker DD6, because they recommend Redline Shockproof in their products.
Not too many years ago when the synthetic oils came along, every H-D mechanic and/or service manager I talked with said no way in h**l should put that stuff in my motor.
Now that they sell it for $10 bucks a quart, it's the best thing since sliced bread!.
If not, I'd suggest that you drain the tranny and put the H-D transmission oil in it.
Should cost less than $10 and then at least you'd know that you have the proper oil in it.
I'm old fashioned and I don't buy into this "3 hole" oil garbage.
I use motor oil in the motor, primary oil in the primary, and transmission oin in the transmission.
I only use H-D transmission oil in all of our bikes, except for one that has the Baker DD6, because they recommend Redline Shockproof in their products.
Not too many years ago when the synthetic oils came along, every H-D mechanic and/or service manager I talked with said no way in h**l should put that stuff in my motor.
Now that they sell it for $10 bucks a quart, it's the best thing since sliced bread!.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 344
Likes: 1
From: Washington
Someone said to check your clutch adjustment, I suggest this also. Even though it may feel fine that is what will change the most when it warms up. On mine the previous owner screwed up and locked the jam nut on the wrong side of the cable so it slowly adjusted itself enough that it would get hard to shift (especially neutral and first) after it warmed up. Once I pulled out the manual and adjusted it correctly the world was good again.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,586
Likes: 6,435
From: Honah Lee
I was just looking for the simple operator error. Being a 30 year mechanic all you need is a good Harley service manual. It's probably not the oil since it does it hot, not cold. There is no adjustment for transmission except shifter position and that is for your foot. If it not an out of adjustment clutch or warped steel disk in the clutch, it's probably from a bent shift dog or shift ratchet in the transmission. These things are pretty tough but shifting hard how you described in first post while not moving will bend them if gears are not aligned. Those big square dogs are what must be in alignment since all the gears are always in mesh. It's not borken gear teeth.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 14, 2018 at 11:23 AM.
Bent forks,worn dog teeth, shifter pawl adjustment are all unlikely if it only does it when it is hot. I would looking seriously at the clutch. Clutch plates can get sticky in heat. Make sure there is not to much fluid in the primary. Make sure you are not running motor oil in the primary it has detergents in it which can also lead to sticky clutch plates. Food for thought.
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 77
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From: Ohio
Just picked it up 2 weeks ago so can"t say just happened or not. Also a mechanic of 34yrs. Makes no sense to me but Harleys and Chevy's are two totally different beasts! When it's cold all is good, when it's hot (No first gear) unless you give it time and pray as you shift it.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 344
Likes: 1
From: Washington
Just picked it up 2 weeks ago so can"t say just happened or not. Also a mechanic of 34yrs. Makes no sense to me but Harleys and Chevy's are two totally different beasts! When it's cold all is good, when it's hot (No first gear) unless you give it time and pray as you shift it.
BTW, there are two parts for the adjustment. One is at the clutch itself to adjust how tight it is. The other is the cable to adjust how fast it engages when you pull the lever. Either one could be out of adjustment enough to cause this.
Last edited by PosterPerfectPhoto; Aug 15, 2012 at 03:52 PM.