5th Gear Slipping
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Does it only happen in 5th gear? I would suspect that a clutch issue would happen in all gears and be worse in 6th where clutch slippage would also cause the 6th gear indicator light to flicker or turn off.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
I had adjusted my clutch to engage about 3/4" off the bar (my preference), no slippage in 5th. went to the dealer to complain about the compensator issues. of course it was normal. Left dealer and immediately noticed clutch engaged near end of lever release, hit hwy and yes 5th gear slippage. got home readjusted my way and no more slippage. at this point it was stock clutch spring.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, MO
Actually it apparently is not an unusual problem. What I have seen as an explanation has to do with torque but it doesn't make sense to me since it seems like I could generate more torque in lower gears at high rpm. Regardless, I have seen at least 4 or 5 threads in the past discussing this issue.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 655
From: bklyn,ny
www.bakerdrivetrain.com/f6f-factory-6-fix
and install a 31 tooth pulley and you'll be very happy...........
and install a 31 tooth pulley and you'll be very happy...........
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 132
From: Deep South, Louisiana
More strain on clutch in higher gears, just like the engine. Engine doesnt straing in low gear if it did you would not be able to go to a higher gear because it would stall the engine. It probably not doing it in 6th because he is only cruising
Stage III
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Folsom, CA
I have a 2012 RGC with 4800 miles on it at the Harley Dealer now for the same problem. They changed out the Door Bearing and did a test drive. Bike still slips in 4th and 5th gear with a load on it. Their suggestion is to replace the clutch with a Screaming Eagle clutch.
I called another non-dealer shop and they said most likely its the spring. I tend to believe them because I only get the slipping when at 3000 RPM's in 4th or 5th gear when I get on it. If it were the clutch, I would be experiencing it in other gears...
Changing the spring next Wednesday....
I called another non-dealer shop and they said most likely its the spring. I tend to believe them because I only get the slipping when at 3000 RPM's in 4th or 5th gear when I get on it. If it were the clutch, I would be experiencing it in other gears...
Changing the spring next Wednesday....
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
Is this a new bike to you, or have you, or someone else, recently changed the primary oil? If so, I would drain the primary, fill with a good "non energy conserving" 10w40 dino oil, run it a bit to flush it out and repeat. If that doesn't help then look at the mechanical side.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
From: California
This is my first post, but had to jump in here. I have a 2010 Ultra and had the same issue, only slipped in 5th as I would exccelerate. When I took it in to the dealer they were VERY aware of the problem and had to pull the trans and replace some bearings. Didn't totally make scence to me but it work. All covered under warranty too!
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 511
Likes: 14
There was an issue I heard about that in fifth gear the way the gears are cut it puts some sideways thrust to the transmission shaft. IF the bearing has any end play (Axial movement) it can push out slightly on the clutch and make it slip. The result according to the article was you can get a new bearing or a stiffer spring. The spring overrides the end play movement.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 1,993
From: CA
I'd start with the simple stuff - is the primary oil level correct? A high oil level can cause foaming and clutch slippage. I've heard that some synthetic oils can cause clutch slippage, though I've used Syn3 and Mobile1 synth with no problems. I'd try changing to regular, non-synth primary oil before spending the cash for a clutch job.
Are you adjusting the free play at the clutch itself? Adjusting the cable is only part of the process for proper adjustment.
Are you adjusting the free play at the clutch itself? Adjusting the cable is only part of the process for proper adjustment.
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