New HD owner

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 17, 2007 | 06:38 PM

nate3432

Thread Starter

Stage I

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

New HD owner

I just purchased my first bike, a HD sportster 1200c 105th anniv edition, i have a question about the clutch, it shifts fine when i go up through the gears, but shifting back down seems to be a problem sometimes, when i push the clutch in and shift down the gear doesnt catch, it takes me pushing it a few times. the bike only has 100 miles on it.any suggestions

Sep 17, 2007 | 06:42 PM

kawsakimx6

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 1,338

Likes: 0

From: NC....Charlotte

RE: New HD owner

welcome to HD friend

Sep 17, 2007 | 07:14 PM

GPHDXLC

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 4,599

Likes: 421

From: Lansing mi

RE: New HD owner

Welcome

My 2000 1200-C sometimes shifts down a bit hard too. I have over 9.300 miles on it, and I dont think to much about the shifting. Maybe yours shifts down harder then my bike, so could be you do have a problem. I take it you have a warranty so you may need to take it to the H.D.dealer.
Maybe someone on hear can help you out...good luck...

Sep 17, 2007 | 07:17 PM

bmkshort

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 215

Likes: 0

From: P-town, VA

RE: New HD owner

There's something definetly not right. Take it in for warranty service.

Sep 17, 2007 | 07:45 PM

Thumper26

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 3,146

Likes: 50

From: A barrier island in NJ

RE: New HD owner

Before I can say there's something wrong, a little more info is needed:

1.At what speeds are you downshifting fromwhich gear to which gear? (i.e., 5th-4th, 4th-3rd, 3rd-2nd, 2nd-1st and/or 5th-3rd, 4th-2nd.In other words are you attempting to downshift through multiple gears at one time [if so,from which gears to which gear and at what speed?], or one gear at a time?)

2.Do you hold the clutch in before downshifting? If so, how long?

3. Do you release (engage) theclutch between downshifts?

Sep 17, 2007 | 10:00 PM

Crossbones

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 853

Likes: 0

From:

RE: New HD owner

welcome to the family, there's plenty here to keep you busy now. i would have to agree with what Thumper is suggesting. the possibilty of downshifting at too high of a speed for the respective gear or shifting thru several gears. try going thru them slowly to see if that makes any difference, and let us know how it turns out. enjoy the ride...

Sep 17, 2007 | 10:19 PM

Teek

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 1,754

Likes: 2

From: Fort Worth, TX

RE: New HD owner

Congratulations on your new bike! I finally got mine today, in fact! It's an '07, though. Only put about 40 miles on it, but I got it in my grubby paws at closing time. No issues with shifting so far...It clunks into gear just fine, as long as I do my part. Something definitely doesn't sound right, though. Um....I just had a thought...when I first started riding, and while stopping from 5th gear, I wasn't always in 1st when I came to a complete stop. Then when trying to downshift into 1st while stopped the gears wouldn't catch unless I rocked the bike back and forth a little. You aren't trying to downshift while stopped are you? Just trying to eliminate the obvious first. If you are having trouble kicking down through the gearswhile moving, then there might be a problem somewhere.

Teek