shifter shaft issue
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 834
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
You knowi seen this and went out and looked at mine and it does have side to side play in it. Tried tighting it up but no go . I'm thinking of maybe installing one or two nylon washers in there to take up the slack. Gotta help some i would think. The entire setup is pretty sloppy right out of the factory.
Novice
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
I don't know if anyone already mentioned this, but my experience has been that rarely do they strip if the pinch bolts are kept tight. Side play is pretty common in the shaft.
The pinch bolt can get a little lose and you won't notice it until after it starts stripping the shaft.
I always check the bolts monthly and also don't forget to lubricate the shaft.
The pinch bolt can get a little lose and you won't notice it until after it starts stripping the shaft.
I always check the bolts monthly and also don't forget to lubricate the shaft.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 834
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
How often do you lubricate? Grase? Zerk has been gone for long time. I got after market zerk on brake, and forget it for years.
Sometimes primary of yearly, and could lube, but some times goes a few years. I realize can pull apart with primary on.
I dont think it hurts, but not sure it really matters.
Sometimes primary of yearly, and could lube, but some times goes a few years. I realize can pull apart with primary on.
I dont think it hurts, but not sure it really matters.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 613
Likes: 75
From: Marietta, GA
even on the 5 speeds you don't have to remove the primary....the cool thing about the Better Lever is that it isn't one pinch bolt - it's two - so nothing has to come off. Sure the 6 speeds are easier because there's more room, but the original lever can be cut off with a Dremel
I bought the Better Lever because of this....$225 is hella expensive but way worth the lack of hassle
mine wasn't even totally toast yet...I just did it before getting stranded
I bought the Better Lever because of this....$225 is hella expensive but way worth the lack of hassle
mine wasn't even totally toast yet...I just did it before getting stranded
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
I don't know if anyone already mentioned this, but my experience has been that rarely do they strip if the pinch bolts are kept tight. Side play is pretty common in the shaft.
The pinch bolt can get a little lose and you won't notice it until after it starts stripping the shaft.
I always check the bolts monthly and also don't forget to lubricate the shaft.
The pinch bolt can get a little lose and you won't notice it until after it starts stripping the shaft.
I always check the bolts monthly and also don't forget to lubricate the shaft.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 44
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West, AZ
I recently (week ago) purchased a 2011 Ultra Limited. The PO had removed the heel shifter and in the process of installing the new heel shift lever I bought, I discovered the dreaded loose shift lever on the transmission. I was able to get it to tighten up but I really had to wrench on it to get it to just barely tighten. I'm figuring the splines are at least partially worn so I've asked the dealer I bought it from if they would replace the lever at no cost. I read an earlier post in this thread that stated that on the 6 speed trans it is possible to replace the lever w/o removing the primary housing. Is this true? Also, should the dealer refuse to fix it for free, what should I expect to pay to have it replaced?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,144
Likes: 11,219
From: San Diego, CA
I recently (week ago) purchased a 2011 Ultra Limited. The PO had removed the heel shifter and in the process of installing the new heel shift lever I bought, I discovered the dreaded loose shift lever on the transmission. I was able to get it to tighten up but I really had to wrench on it to get it to just barely tighten. I'm figuring the splines are at least partially worn so I've asked the dealer I bought it from if they would replace the lever at no cost. I read an earlier post in this thread that stated that on the 6 speed trans it is possible to replace the lever w/o removing the primary housing. Is this true? Also, should the dealer refuse to fix it for free, what should I expect to pay to have it replaced?
Yes, it's possible... much less time than removing the entire primary..
Depends on the dealer..... if they need the $$$ and the work, they may quote the job with removing the entire primary. That would be expensive... here in SoCal they charge $150/hr labor... replacing that lever by removing the entire primary, I would guess a 3 or 4 hr job.. plus you may need a new oil seal and cover gaskets...
I've never done it with the primary still on the bike, but based on videos I've seen.. it should only take an hour labor charge (max) to do it that way..
Intermediate
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 44
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West, AZ
If you happen to remember the video title or have a link to it, I'd really like to see one. I have been searching you tube for one but seems like the only ones I find are the ones taking the primary off