DIfficulty Downshifting
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Tx
DIfficulty Downshifting
First off, I'm new to the forum and to Harley's, but not bikes... I have read quite a few threads on here as a visitor and decided to register to see if y'all could help out a new guy.
Picked up a wrecked 1995 Electra Glide for a steal. All the damage looked cosmetic and one of my buddys who rides had a pretty extensive knowledge of the history of the bike. So I got everything replaced/repaired and take off for my first ride... The bike is a real bear to downshift.
Upshifting is smooth as silk, and the 5-4 downshift is normal. However 4-1, downshifts I have to tap the shifter several times to get it to downshift. Although it will downshift, its a PITA.
I'm a pretty mechanically inclined guy, just don't know where to start. What do yall think?
Thanks
Picked up a wrecked 1995 Electra Glide for a steal. All the damage looked cosmetic and one of my buddys who rides had a pretty extensive knowledge of the history of the bike. So I got everything replaced/repaired and take off for my first ride... The bike is a real bear to downshift.
Upshifting is smooth as silk, and the 5-4 downshift is normal. However 4-1, downshifts I have to tap the shifter several times to get it to downshift. Although it will downshift, its a PITA.
I'm a pretty mechanically inclined guy, just don't know where to start. What do yall think?
Thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Treasure Coast, FL
Couple things to try at first thought.
1. Get the rear wheel off the ground. Disconnect the linkage at the rear. Try up and down shifting by hand without the bike running. If it is smooth without the bike running try it with the bike running. The results will tell you alot.
2, You may have already checked, but is the clutch properly adjusted?
Cheers
1. Get the rear wheel off the ground. Disconnect the linkage at the rear. Try up and down shifting by hand without the bike running. If it is smooth without the bike running try it with the bike running. The results will tell you alot.
2, You may have already checked, but is the clutch properly adjusted?
Cheers
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
....and raise engine speed take loading off the trans internals and to help synchronise the change. You may simply be fighting against the loadings between gears in the trans.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 7
From: The Great Northwest
I guess it's safe to say that you checked the tranny and primary fluid and adjusted the clutch.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
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From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
If it was wrecked and it went down on the on the left side and if the shifter was subjected to some really intense forces, then you may have something internally bent, maybe a fork, in the transmission. Just a guess though since you said it was wrecked.
You should check the frame also on that wrecked bike and make sure there are no cracked welds, or other cracks just to ensure your safety.
You should check the frame also on that wrecked bike and make sure there are no cracked welds, or other cracks just to ensure your safety.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 14
From: Fla
The shift pawl should be centered to the dowels on the shift drum. That is done by adjusting the shift pawl itself, outside of the transmission. May be easier if you take the top cap off the transmission, so that you can actually see how the dowel on the shift drum sits between the shift pawl...
Of course, while this is not terribly difficult, you should ensure that all other parts of the shift system from the shift peg on back are working correctly.
Of course, while this is not terribly difficult, you should ensure that all other parts of the shift system from the shift peg on back are working correctly.