98 Heritage shifting
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 3
From: Hesperia, California
98 Heritage shifting
I have a stock 98 Heritage and has a question regarding the shifting, actually, down shifting. When coming to a stop, it will not down shift into the lower gears until the bike slows to a certain speed. On my other bikes, you can pull in the clutch and down shift all the way to first if desired even while the bike is moving at a pretty good clip, but on the Heritage I can only down shift a gear or so at a time until the bike slows way down, then it will shift into the lower gears. Up shifting is fine, and no noises.
Just wondering if this is normal.
Just wondering if this is normal.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 659
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
My heritage is a 97 and it will shift hard and cluck loudly if i try what u are describing. There really is no good reason to be coasting with the clutch in at 45 in second gear is there? I only know because a few times i have down shifted too soon by accident.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 3
From: Hesperia, California
No, there really isn't. I suppose it's a habit from my off road riding, but having noticed it I was just wondering if it was an indication of something going wrong.
Are you sure your clutch is fully disengaging? You should be able to downshift regardless of speed.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
This is what I think as well. If the clutch stays engaged it would keep pressure on the gears making shifting a chore, and impossible when stopped. Can you shift the bike through all the gears when stopped if the motor is off? If so, then it is certainly clutch related.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
after thinking about it, I just DS as I slow down and I always go to 1st right before I stop.
I don't ever remember DS 1-2-3-4 times in a row at speed.
I do remember sometimes its harder to DS from say 3rd or 4th to 1st if I didn't DS after coming to a stop.
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I don't ever remember DS 1-2-3-4 times in a row at speed.
I do remember sometimes its harder to DS from say 3rd or 4th to 1st if I didn't DS after coming to a stop.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
clutch
I have a 98 Fatboy and it will downshift. I agree, sounds like you need to adjust your clutch. Be careful what you wish for, downshifting several gears and dropping the clutch can make you bike slide (don't ask how I know) especially if it is wet.