Shift rod problem
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Shift rod problem
My shifting linkage or shift rod fell off today. I had to ride back to the dealer in 5th gear thru highway stops. Poor ol clutch! I tried to shift with my hand and keep the clutch in but couldn't. I probably went thur 4 stops in 80 miles, what a hassle. I found out that there is only a rubber bushing and metal ball joint holding the whole thing together. I have a 06 SG and am not sure about the other models.
Has anyone else had such a problem? Also thanks to another post where I found out about the 8 degree injectors from early SG(my model) warrenty replace to 25 degree. Makes a lot of difference on the decel pop on my newly installed Rush (2" baffles) mufflers. The injectors were replaced under warrenty and didn't cost me anything.
Big Thanks to hdforums.com without whom I would have been out some bucks.
Has anyone else had such a problem? Also thanks to another post where I found out about the 8 degree injectors from early SG(my model) warrenty replace to 25 degree. Makes a lot of difference on the decel pop on my newly installed Rush (2" baffles) mufflers. The injectors were replaced under warrenty and didn't cost me anything.
Big Thanks to hdforums.com without whom I would have been out some bucks.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 5
From: The sticks in SC
RE: Shift rod problem
I always carry a few zip ties cheap insurance 
Look on the bright side e-bay has a million heim jointed shifter rods and I think there might be a vendor on the forum, I got a killer off e-bay for under $50 heim joints the whole monty, if you decide to go back stock, carryremember zip ties 
here's the one I got different lenght though
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHOPP...QQcmdZViewItem
Look on the bright side e-bay has a million heim jointed shifter rods and I think there might be a vendor on the forum, I got a killer off e-bay for under $50 heim joints the whole monty, if you decide to go back stock, carryremember zip ties here's the one I got different lenght thoughhttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHOPP...QQcmdZViewItem
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,520
Likes: 3,953
From: Vermont
RE: Shift rod problem
One of the first things that I do is pick up a set of true heim joints from Drag Specialties and change out the linkage ends. They are chrome heim joints that total about $20. I then put the rubber ball joint ends in my tourpak in case I run into someone like you on the road in need of the joints Most folks simply change out their linkage to custom linkage, but that is quite costly.
Most folks simply change out their linkage to custom linkage, but that is quite costly.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 7
From: Bellingham, WA
RE: Shift rod problem
It's usually an easy temparary fix to do on the road. The way mine fell apart a shoe lace would have worked to hold it together. Check out my story.
https://www.hdforums.com/m_2288945/m...tm.htm#2288945
https://www.hdforums.com/m_2288945/m...tm.htm#2288945
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
RE: Shift rod problem
Had the same thing happen tome. I was pissed. Luckllly I had a few 1/4" missile nuts (1/4 x28 thread). They are a self locking nut used on large Aircaft. I put one on and have not had a problem since. If you know an Aircaft tech ask him to get you a few missle nuts P/N MS21042L-4.
They good enough for the ailines, they'er good enough for my Harley
They good enough for the ailines, they'er good enough for my Harley
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 425
Likes: 1
From: West Palm Beach
RE: Shift rod problem
I also carry tie straps for this reason. Read about this happening to other folks here in the forum. Wouldn't it be possible if this happened while in 5th gear to manually move the shift handle into 2nd gear instead of leaving it in a too high gear for stop lights/signs? Naturally in case one doesn't have tie straps to limp the bike to a repair shop. No different than trying to find neutral when the engine is off. Still not good for the clutch, but better than 5th.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
RE: Shift rod problem
Thanks for the info. I put a roll of picture hanging wire in my toolpak just to make sure this doesn't happen again. Live and learn.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
RE: Shift rod problem
zip ties also help when the spring gets ripped off of the jiffy stand Damn mountain roads come up and bite sometimes. I bought my shift linkage from California Custom Cruiser. Have a "Street Glide" one. Looks and works great. Easy to install.
http://www.cal-custom-cruiser.com/sh...ley%2DDavidson
Damn mountain roads come up and bite sometimes. I bought my shift linkage from California Custom Cruiser. Have a "Street Glide" one. Looks and works great. Easy to install.http://www.cal-custom-cruiser.com/sh...ley%2DDavidson
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 1
From: Grand Island , New York
RE: Shift rod problem
A zip tie or any small bolt would have saved your clutch. I always carry a small tool kit in the bottom of the saddle bag. Drove home using a zip tie as a throttle cable before.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
RE: Shift rod problem
I've had two of those links fail in less than a year. It's definitely a poor design. Have a couple spares in your tool kit. It's a 15 minute fix if you have a spare and a couple wrenches.
Better yet replace it with the improved Heim joint design.
Better yet replace it with the improved Heim joint design.