Help!! Bike won't move
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 20
From: NE Pennsylvania
Help!! Bike won't move
I last rode my bike to work last Wednesday and everything was fine. This morning I planned to ride to work as well, but ran into a problem. I started the bike and let it run with the enrichener pulled all the way out while I put on my gloves, helmet and glasses. I pulled in the clutch, pressed the shifter down into first gear and heard the typical thump followed by a ratcheting sound. When I released the clutch lever the bike didn't move and I heard a "whirring" sound.
I slowed the idle a bit, popped it into neutral, back into first and tried again - same result. I shut the bike off, restarted the engine and tried yet again - no movement. I also tried moving up to second gear, same thing. I had no time to mess around with it so I pushed it back into the shed, parked it and took the truck to work.
Any thoughts on what may have failed? The "N" indicator goes on and off when I shift into first or second, but the bike doesn't move at all. Could this be a failed clutch? Thanks for any suggestions.
I slowed the idle a bit, popped it into neutral, back into first and tried again - same result. I shut the bike off, restarted the engine and tried yet again - no movement. I also tried moving up to second gear, same thing. I had no time to mess around with it so I pushed it back into the shed, parked it and took the truck to work.
Any thoughts on what may have failed? The "N" indicator goes on and off when I shift into first or second, but the bike doesn't move at all. Could this be a failed clutch? Thanks for any suggestions.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 20
From: NE Pennsylvania
Hey cHarley,
Are you speaking of the main drive belt? If so, I think it's fine but I'll check it anyway. Is it possible the clutch plates gave out? It sounds like something's spinning in the primary but no power is making it to the rear wheel.
Are you speaking of the main drive belt? If so, I think it's fine but I'll check it anyway. Is it possible the clutch plates gave out? It sounds like something's spinning in the primary but no power is making it to the rear wheel.
Last edited by gilmour68; Oct 30, 2013 at 02:17 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 76
Likes: 4
From: Fort Mill, SC
Maybe talking about the primary drive chain. Take off the inspection cover (the little cover on the right side engine case) and check that the chain is still tight there. Also, I'd check all your clutch cable and make sure that it isn't hung up somewhere and not fully engaging the clutch. Hearing the 'clunk' makes me think the primary is turning...
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 20
From: NE Pennsylvania
Though I didn't think it would be something this simple, i found the broken drive belt on the ground when I got home. Couldn't see it when leaving at 6 am.
Last edited by gilmour68; Oct 31, 2013 at 10:45 AM.
Trending Topics
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,601
Likes: 4,038
From: San Diego, CA
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Banned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 4
From: MI
Some time between last "wednesday and this morning", is a long time. Just like everything in life when people tell stories, the most important details are always left out.