Sorry if this has been discussed before but I couldn't find anything in the search. Every once in awhile I have trouble getting my '08 SG to down shift. If I'm in 6th gear it will usually down shift to 5th but seems stuck there. I have to let out to clutch to the point of almost stalling to get it into the next gear (or come to a complete stop and down shift). My bike is completely stock and as far as I know has been serviced by the dealer only. Any ideas?

 

Had a problem almost like yours on my 09' Street Glide.Dealer ship found a failed bearing and damaged countershaft.My bike only had about 200 miles when problem started.Have a work order with about 37 new part.This might give you a starting point.

 

I would take it back to the dealer.

 

Definitely not normal. don't put up with that. Hopefully it's still under warranty. Something isn't right there. Make sure and post what the solution is when you find it.

 

I have simular problems. If I try to down shift I find I have to take my foot off the shifter to releave the pressure then it downshifts. If I am braking hard with the rear brake, It will not downshift. So far no answer from my service man? All he told me is not to brake as hard with the rear brake. Like that is a fix?

 

r u revving it up a little before you down shift you gots to give it a little varoom before you down shift

 

Certainly not normal. Take it back to the dealer for warranty work.

 

Rode to work this morning and tried down shifting without using the rear brake and also tried giving it a little gas. Still had difficulty getting it to down shift out of 5th. The problem does seem to improve when the bike gets warmed up. Could it be due to the viscosity of the cold tranny fluid?

 

What?? That makes no sense at all.

Sounds like a mechanical issue to me...take it back to the dealer...

 

Agreed. It should downshift easily through all the gears while moving, without ever letting out the clutch. Get it fixed.

Now that I think about it, I may have heard of this problem. The shaft that goes through the inner primary to the linkage may be gummed up and not letting the shifter release after you downshift. Clean it up and lube it.