Shifter spring tension question
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 629
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From: Lewes, DE
Shifter spring tension question
How much spring tension should be on the shifter assembly? The reason I ask is that on my '08 SG the tension seems to be lacking. When I shift into 1st the shifter returns to the neutral position very very slowly. It's the same with all the gears. On my last bike the shifter snapped back to the neutral position quickly. My shop manual shows a shifter shaft lever spring inside the tranny housing and a centering spring on the shifter pawl assy but I realy don't want to tear into it if it's "normal" for the spring tensio to so light.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
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From: Desert S. West
Yep. Most of the time this is the cure. Takes all of 15 minutes to fix (at the most).
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 1
From: Lewes, DE
Yea, I tried that yesterday. I sprayed some lube all around the outside of the shaft and worked it back and forth for several minutes. No noticable change. Any other way to get lube into/onto the shaft?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Desert S. West
You have to pull the shaft out. It may have some rust or corrosion which will need to be taken off. I've found emery cloth to work best. Be sure to clean where the shaft goes in as well (that didn't sound right) and grease it lightly. There's probably some bushing's in there.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 38,428
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While you have the shaft out, drill the housing and put a Zerc fitting in so you can grease it without pulling the shaft.
Takes all of about 5 minutes and will cost you the price of a fitting.(couple of bucks, tops)
Takes all of about 5 minutes and will cost you the price of a fitting.(couple of bucks, tops)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,473
Likes: 3,950
From: Vermont
Instead, take the straight fitting out of the steering neck and replace it with a 45 degree one, then take the straight one and put it on the shifter. That's what I did.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 629
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From: Lewes, DE
Thanks guys! That was indeed the problem. At first I thought you were referring to the rear shaft that entered the tranny housing. After I figured out you meant the front shaft the rest was just a matter of disassebly, cleaning, lubing, and re-assembly. Works like a charm now. I read the part about the grease fitting too late. Next time though for sure. Again, thank you!
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