Any of you Vroddershave an issue NOT being able to get the bike into gear? I got stuck and had to pull over today after a full stop cause I couldn't get thebike into 1st. The owners manual addresses this a littlebut I'm curious how often this is an issue and does anyone know WHY it happens and is there a fix by HD?

Thanks!
BillyD

 

Early year (02-early 04)bikes needed updated shift forks/shift drums.This problem is adressed by H-D and they have parts to replace the offending parts. I don't know how this is handled---if it is a recall issue that you won't have to pay for or if it is something that is "optional" but you real need.I would also pull the linkage loose and check the heimjoints (joints on the end of the shifter rod)for free movement and the pedal itselffor free movement. If things are binding it can most definitely cause shifting problems. This is the most usual problem, I've dealt with it myself when I changed the shifter rod andapplied too much blue locktite, itgot into the joint and seized it up.

 

Just found out the 04s have the trans upgrade (phew) and it is most likely the chrome foot controls doing some binding. I have to get in there and clean it up and maybe even use a little dremel to stop the binding.


Thanks!
Bill

 

Took off the controls, cleaned them up (surprisingly, there was rust and dirt in there!), added some Penetrol 90 on the peg shaftand the plastic cheap *** bushing as well asshift rod connections andI shift with a toe now and not my entire foot! Up/down is quite smooth. Seemed to do the job quite nicely.

BillyD

 

Good job! Glad you fixed it yourself. I had the shift drum problem on my early 04' B. No fun being stuck in stop and go traffic stuck in 4th gear!

 

I hear ya...in my case I was making a U-turn and I got stuck with folks coming right at me. So yeah...a little poo in theold undies for sure!