Well time to tear down the Harley, stated getting hard to down shift into 3rd, 2nd & almost impossible for 1st. Anyone else have a problem like that.


Toby

 

1st check is clutch adjustment and primary chain adjustment

if you go in, DO NOT use air impact tools.

Mike

 

+1 on the clutch adjustment, do this on a cold engine. Clutch pack and handle. Then if that doesn't cure go in and check your primary chain. Big fix would be a slipping shift lever on the shifter shaft going into the trans.

 

Make sure the splines on the shift linkage and shift linkage ***** ain't wearing and you still have clearance between the shift lever and floor board at full down shift travel.

 

Like others have said. Check the shift linkage clearances then the clutch adjustment before going in further.

 

If none of that works, look at the shifter drum and forks which you can do pretty easily by pulling the trans top cover in all of like 10 minutes.

 

As other have said, check clutch adjustment first. If clutch ok, put bike on a jack, remove linkage and try shifting with some vice grips in the shift shaft (careful not to strip the splines). Rotate rear wheel by hand a bit. This will eliminate any linkage issues as the cause. You should be able tell at that point whether it's a linkage or tranny issue.

 

I had problems up shifting. It was the stock shift linkage that sometimes locked up. I replaced it with the Landmark Stainless Steel Shift Linkage.

 

Clutch adjustment is fine. Shift linkage from the levers is new about 6 months ago & replaced with heim joints. Am getting ready to go pull the cover soon. Thanks, will let you know what I find.

Toby

 

While the top cover is off, check the shifter pawl adjustment.

Also inspect the springs on the shifter pawl, and eyeball the shifter pawl for any damage.

Now would also be the time to remove the shift drum, and the right side cover from the trans.

Slide out the shifter fork shaft and remove and inspect the forks.

Also check the throwout bearing while the right side cover is off.