Ok so, I forgot to put the c clip back on the rear shift linkage. I already have the clutches back in. Do I have tear it back down to put that clip in, or will I be good?

 

Not sure how critical that part is for operation, but here's how I would think about it:

Would you buy the bike from someone else if you knew this?

All the best,

Shane

 

I would think you should or the shift pawl will bind.
Or Maybe u could get a C clip the right size in there with out taking it all apart. I believe what goes there from factory is snapring , that u called a C clip.

 

If it wasn't important,Harley never would have put it in there in the first place.

 

You'll be good until you're not. Then it might suck. Your ride, your call.

The shift shaft splines on my bike stripped a couple years ago, of course I was riding in heavy stop and go traffic when the shifter wouldn't shift.
Thankfully I was in a low enough gear (2nd) that I was able to work my way into a parking lot and call for help.

 

That snap rings keeps the washer in place on the shift shaft. I believe it serves 2 functions. One is to keep the shifter shaft in proper position and the second is to keep dirt away from the seal. If it were me I would correct the problem now.

 

fix it or you will not have a peaceful ride ever again. 2 cents
kroozeabout.

 

If it were me, I'd fix it. It would drive me nuts not knowing when and if a problem will arise.

 

And who was it that was saying the DEALERS don't know what they're doing? LOL!!

Good comment, 6 gun!

 

I'd put it in. Look at it this way, would the manufacturer have added it if it wasn't necessary? No they wouldn't because of the cost of machining the shaft and the clip cost.
Not much, but over several thousand bikes it would add up.