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Mar 14, 2017 | 10:27 PM

Swann88

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 11

Likes: 1

From: Arizona

A problem?

Not sure if this is normal or not but wanted a second opinion.

Issue that I have noticed occurs after I have been cruising on the highway at around 70 mph for an extended period of time, usually 20 mins or so. After I accelerate from a stop and start up shifting it seems as if shifting from 1-2 is not as smooth as when I first leave the house. Doesn't happen every time but it is noticeable. There is about 5k miles on new engine and 28k on chassis.

History of bike

currently running 20-50 Mobil 1 full synthetic.

Purchased new with 14 miles

Installed Vance and Hines Short shots with VO2 intake and Fuelpak FP3 at around 5k miles.

At around 23k miles noticed a engine knock which was determined to be a bad rod bearing by a local harley dealer in which the engine/transmission was replaced under warranty

After engine/transmission was replaced found a missing intake manifold bolt, missing
bolts on cylinder heads, rear axle nut left loose and left side foot peg bracket loose.

Needless to say I took sportster back to dealer to get all these problems corrected but have over questioned myself about what is normal or not since then.

Any ideas?

Mar 15, 2017 | 08:21 AM

tmultra

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,287

Likes: 592

From: USA

I've had three Harley's and I think they shift slightly harder than metrics. So my opinion I don't think you have anything to worry about

Mar 15, 2017 | 08:44 AM

2005 XL1200C

Advanced

Joined: Nov 2016

Posts: 58

Likes: 5

From: Canal Fulton, Ohio

I bought a 05 XL1200C last year, before last year I rode metrics for over twenty years. I have noticed my Harley shifts smooth when first started but the clank is still there . After the motor and tranny combo are warmed up the bike clanks a little more . Being used to metrics and this being my first harley( I will never walk that path again) I am not used to the clank and the feeling when warm , as long as i check the fluids and service her ( yes the bike is a her , they are fickle is not treated correctly) when needed , and no metal shavings in the oil from the wet clutch or motor. I am good, essentially

Mar 15, 2017 | 08:56 AM

cvaria

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 12,367

Likes: 2,215

From: Tallahassee, Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swann88

( 2014 Sportster 48)
if you don't already have one, grab a service manual. also review your motorcycle owners manual (MOM). view here: https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....397639!!0!6694

all you mentioned are things we all have to watch.

going over the the bike and checking the torque on all critical fasteners is a good practice.
Don't trust any dealer or shop to do things 100% perfect, they are human and make mistakes. we all do.
Clutch needs to be adjusted every now and then, regular maintenance
exhaust nuts don't want to be on the bike and will try to escape. have to be checked.
using different types of trans fluid can help with your funky shifting but, i'd start with a simple clutch adjustment. -

having issues? ask your MOM

Last edited by cvaria; Mar 15, 2017 at 09:44 AM.

Mar 15, 2017 | 09:10 AM

Ratwerke

Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 691

Likes: 143

From: N.W. Arkansas

^^^^^^^^^^^^ This!
Manual and Delboy.

Mar 15, 2017 | 09:13 AM

Swann88

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 11

Likes: 1

From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ratwerke

^^^^^^^^^^^^ This!
Manual and Delboy.

? Is there something missing?

Mar 15, 2017 | 09:23 AM

Ratwerke

Road Captain

Joined: Sep 2015

Posts: 691

Likes: 143

From: N.W. Arkansas

^^^ Just strongly agreeing with Cvaria post.
He won't steer you wrong.

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Mar 15, 2017 | 09:39 AM

Swann88

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Mar 2017

Posts: 11

Likes: 1

From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvaria

going over the the bike and checking the torque on all critical fasteners is a good practice.
Don't trust any dealer or shop to do things 100% perfect, they are human and make mistakes. we all do.
Clutch needs to be adjusted every now and then, regular maintenance
exhaust nuts don't want to be on the bike and will try to escape. have to be checked. using different types of trans fluid can help with your funky shifting but, i'd start with a simple clutch adjustment. -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=invnrw3nj3U

having issues? ask your MOM

Thank you for the response and tips. One of the first things I picked up after my purchase was a factory service manual which does have invaluable information and good diagrams.

While I do agree with your statement that we all make mistakes, I do hold a dealership to a higher quality standard than others. The faults I found after my engine replacement (missing bolts, loose axle nut) were a result of sloppy workmanship as these problems were found days later after picking my bike up from the service department. If proper torque was checked on these fasteners, like you stated is a good practice, I don't believe there would have been an issue. But everybody does have off days.

Thank you for the video on the clutch adjustment it is a very helpful video. My other question for you would be do you think a primary chain running on the loose side of adjustment cause a harsher shift? I checked adjustment at 1K miles after replacement and have put 4K miles on since.

Last edited by Swann88; Mar 15, 2017 at 09:41 AM.