My bike goes into first fine, and then when shifting to higher gears it sometimes takes two or more tries to get it into gear. Any thoughts? Service was done a couple of months ago. I had a shifter spring break ($1.98) and they had to tear into the transmission to replace it. While there, they changed the fluid and the mechanic said everything looked great. I had new tires put on at the same time. I have never adjusted the clutch. Never needed to…
Gerald, How many miles on the motorcycle? The clutch needs to be adjusted at 5k intervals. How do you know it doesn’t need it ? What year is this m/c? When that shifter pawl spring was replaced did they set the pawl spring spacing in third gear when transmission was re-installed see service manual (most likely the issue at hand).Wrench Safe, FMH
My wife has an 08 Dyna low rider with a factory 6 speed. The transmission shifts up perfectly but at times when shifting down from 6th it doesn’t like to go into first gear. This doesn’t happen all the time but often enough that it is a concern. I am changing the transmission fluid to a full synthetic and am going to set the clutch cable again(was checked last fall). Any ideas as to a possible cause?
Make sure there is no binding in your shift linkage. Lubricate any joints/pivot points with WD-40, or a rust penetrant.
http://www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-davidson-gear-shift-linkage-and-neutral-issues-008726/ (ZD: 3731)
my 87 Harley solftail does not want to go into 5th gear all the time it does sometime but mostly don’t
Hi, Brian. May need to get into your transmission. May have bent or worn shift forks, worn shift drum, bad shift pawl assembly, or even bearings.
http://www.fixmyhog.com/videos/harley-transmission-project/
My transmission doesn’t want to shift into 4th or 5th gear.
Hi Tony. Can we please get the year and model?
1997 Dyna wide glide
MY 2000 ULTRA TRIKE WONT GO INTO REVERSE. IT ACTS LIKE THE SHIFTER IS STUCK. WHAT CAN I DO
Hello David,
Not sure what kit is on your m/c, but you will have to do some disassembly in order to diagnose.
If it seems like the sifter is stuck, suggest starting there.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/videos-harley/
Thanks,
Mark FMH Video Membership
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Trike has separate motor. It needs replacement.
Mine went out at 15K.
I have a 2016 Harley Trike. It won’t back up . I have reset the circuit breaker but it still doesn’t work. Any heads up on what may be wrong. The light is illuminated in the dash board . Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Your reverse assembly has its own Reverse Control Module (RCM).
Suggest looking for possible stored diagnostic trouble codes 1st.
A code can help steer you in the right direction. If you can pick up the Manual or Trike electrical Supplement manual for your year, it will be very helpful.
When reverse is enabled, the ECM sends
5 volts to the RCM through the (TN) wire. The RCM activates the reverse control solenoid. The control solenoid
activates the reverse motor solenoid causing the reverse motor to engage and the vehicle to back up. Reverse is
disabled for any of the following conditions:
Reverse switch on LHCM is released.
• Transmission is shifted into gear.
• Engine is stopped.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/videos-harley/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/under-the-harley-davidson-trike-007612/
-Mark
Hi Bob ,
I have a 1989 FLHTCU , the bike shifts fine and runs smooth going up in the gears. When trying to downshift the bike doesn’t want to go into gears unless to give the bike a slight rev. Well I took my bike to a Certified Harley Tech , he said there was some issue with a shifting lever or shifting something with the transmission. Anyway he has the transmission out waiting on parts, does this sound like a major problem with the gear box ?? He doesn’t communicate much very smart guy Awesome mechanic.Just trying to figure out what in the world he is talking about , maybe shifting forks IDK. Can you help with this question.
Sam
Sounds like he is replacing your shift pawl assembly. The spring on the assembly can break, or sometimes the weld on the shaft breaks.
This is a labor intensive job.
The exhaust has to be removed, along with your entire primary drive and complete transmission gear set.
It is important to replace all bearings, seals, bushings, and gaskets related to the primary & transmission along the way. Service your way in, and service your way back out.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/jims-transmission-fat-5-overview-006481/
-Mark
I have a 2000FXDS I have had the Transmission fixed 3x’s in 2 years and it still leaks when parked. I’ve had all the upgrades Harley Davidson offers and it will be fine for about 3000 miles and then it’ll start leaking again. It only leaks when parked.
What transmission lubricant do you feel is best for the touring bike with the new Milwaukee engine?
There are a number of very good choices but we prefer Spectro oils.
75 – 140 GL-5 6 speed oil
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/spectro-oil-005014/
-Mark
I really enjoy this site and the videos. I’m starting class at MMI at the end of July and can’t say how excited I am to start this schooling. Your videos and the Q/A are just making me want to start this endeavor sooner. Thank you very much for the knowledge you have given in this site.
Hey Clint, good luck with school. It is a lot of fun. Which location are you going to be attending? I graduated from the Orlando Florida location back in 2001. If you haven’t already and have the extra time, may I suggest taking all of the courses available for Harley. The engine rebuilding and performance course was very enjoyable and educational. Early model course was also fun.
My 07 FLHTC, I have a hard time finding neutral. I’ve used several different lube oils, same problem. Bike has about 45k miles. Any suggestions?
We suggest clutch adjustment, if you have not already done so.
Otherwise, you will need to inspect your clutch basket, hub, hub bearing, clutch fiber & steel plates.
Disassemble, clean & inspect all.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/touring-rear-belt-removal-002055/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-clutch-basket-removal-011062/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/clutch-hub-install-011072/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-clutch-bearing-replacement-011070/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/barnett-clutch-011064/
-Mark
I was reading your response to Samual. Wondering if the work to replace spring is the same on a 99′ Fatboy? I have an issue with both up and down shifting. But not consistent. Sometimes shifts OK other I need to push harder and repeatedly. would that be centering or spring issue?
Yes.
Your 99 FLSTF does have the same shift pawl assembly.
Often, the issue will be binding in the shift linkage due to incorrect installation.
If you have trouble shifting when the bike is not running, the issue will be transmission/linkage related.
If shifting is only difficult when running, the issue is clutch or drive related.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/videos/harley-transmission-project/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/shifter-pawl-adjustment-012748/
-Mark
I have an 07 FLHTC with 45k miles. I have a really hard time finding neutral. I’ve tried several different lubricants including HDs, any suggestions? Thanks, Van
We suggest clutch adjustment, if you have not already done so.
Otherwise, you will need to inspect your clutch basket, hub, hub bearing, clutch fiber & steel plates.
Disassemble, clean & inspect all.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/touring-rear-belt-removal-002055/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-clutch-basket-removal-011062/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/clutch-hub-install-011072/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-clutch-bearing-replacement-011070/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/barnett-clutch-011064/
-Mark
Question????? Bike shifts fine no weird noises but when I’m in 4 or 5 gear when I pull the throttle back rpms go up but my bike fills as if I’m pulling the clutch in a little in other word it takes longer than usual for me to get to the desired speed only happpens at about 2500 rpms going to Harley tomorrow to find out what’s wrong what do y’all honk it isn’t.
Had same issue on 08 CVO Ultra. Hydro clutch. Dot 4 oil eats up rubber hose from reservoir to slave unit and it collapses reducing back pressure from slave to reservoir this clutch doesn’t engage fully. Change hose and perform checks of slave and push rod. Change brake fluid as recommended.
Hello there. My 2016 iron 883 only goest into 1st and Neutral but nothing more, has 6100 miles on it, i don’t know what can it be. please an answer
Uncle has a 2012 HD Trike with 3000 miles on it. It won’t shift into gear. Every click it acts like its in neutral. He’s not into internet or social media. Any thoughts?
96 Dyna wide : while shifting into 4th acted like I mixed the gear tried again nothing.tried other gears nothing clutch still works.belt good. One other thing noticed starter spins but won’t engage, but when bike is in gear it will engage an move bike.
rebuilt my tranny on 2000 heritage softtail it wont shift into 5 gear every thing else good
My 2004 RK Custom has 42,000 mi I have kept oil & filter w/ synthetic every 3-4K mi since new my tranny has had Harley syn 20-50 till about 28k mi. Then G5 75-90w gear oil. The tranny has always shifted smooth & better & Smoother since the 75/90w. Recently I have noticed when cold when I first take of I faintly hear a squeak seems from right side around tranny. Pull clutch in it
goes away. This all goes away in about
1-2 miles. If your not paying attention
you may not even notice. Boy I notice
though & havnt torn into it yet. Seems
like it may be where the cable attaches
to tranny as it’s turns the throw out ramp plate. I did replace this inner ramp years ago to soften clutch lever. I’ve never had trouble with clutch , tranny bike runs great shifts like butter slides into neutral very easy at idle. Thanks Amy suggestions to lead me on this squeak is appreciated
Hi Guys,
THE BIKE: “2018 Fat Boy FLFB 107”. Bought it 6-months ago from local HD Dealership with 2600 miles and added another 1500 miles since then.
THE PROBLEM: From neutral, then shifting into first; it SLAMS into gear and SLAMS again shifting into second. Have owned HD’s since 1968 and this not the typical solid thud shift, iconic to Harley’s. It sounds like a sledgehammer on steel with a slamming jolt that feels like the gearbox is shredding or I’m doing significant damage when I shift. The HD Dealership Mech says; “Don’t worry…all Harley’s with low mileage, shift that way. It’ll quiet down after a few thousand miles.”
I love the bike, but I need sound advice and sage wisdom to decide if I should: Not worry about it; specifically, tell them the diagnostics I want to be performed or take legal action:
Q: Are they correct; that it will quiet down after a few thousand miles?
Q: Are there adjustments, repairs or diagnostics I can request they perform?
Thank you in advance for any and all comments and opinions. Matt – St. Louis, MO
Hello Matt,
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please click on the special offer: https://go.fixmyhog.com/C21783
Sincerely,
Julia
Fix My Hog Video Membership
My 2000 FLSTC doesn’t want to go into 1st gear. Clutch or shifter pawl adjustment the problem?
Hello Thomas,
The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. I see your membership expired some time ago. With your membership you will also receive discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.
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If you decided to renew please choose “Returning Customer” so you can log in first!
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Julia
Fix My Hog Video Membership
I have a 1993, FLHTCU, 6-speed trans., and have a terrible time getting my bike to downshift and go into neutral. I use the HD synthetic oil in the engine, primary and transmission. I have had the bike serviced at an HD dealer, but can never seem to have the problem go away. Possible solution??????
Ed,
Inspect your shift linkage & your shift pawl adjustment. After that, we would inspect your shift drum & forks.
We like to use heavier, 85/140 transmission oil. HD 20/50 syn is light.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/shifter-pawl-adjustment-012748/
-Mark
Fix My Hog
My first bike Bought new 2013 FatBoyLo, Only have about 10,000 miles on her. Last year noticed what i can only explain as Gear slippage while riding. The bike would sometimes seem to go into neutral instead of increasing speed the RPMs would skyrocket at which id back off the throttle & shift to another gear which usually worked. Sometimes i could watch the digital gear display when it would go from 5th gear when it started slipping & suddenly read 2nd gear on the display. Took to mechanic for road check & mentioned this to which he said he drove it and found nothing (no surpirise murphys law!) he said he adjusted the cable and should be fine. I noticed it happening still but not as much until toward end of last summer while opened up on the Highway in 6th gear it suddenly was as if i was in neutral, all RPMs and No Drive! Was able to coast off of the highway & Eventually got her home. I have been avoiding this not knowing where to even start, not feeling confident going back to mechanic that said shed be fine, New to area I have no relationships with other local mechanics & Wherever I take her i will have to trailer her to the shop. Any advice or ideas would be Great!
Might not of been clear at the end. When this last episode happened i was unable to get Her to engage in any of the gears. It seems to be shifting but Not engaging if that makes sense. I rented a trailer to get her home & would need to do the same should I need to take her somewhere to get fixed. Im mechanical DIY kinda person And expect fully capable of handling most repairs at home, it is the Troubleshooting to determine What that repair is that has me Stuck.
👍🏼
Thank You Dan
Hello Dan,
Thank you for contacting us.
Sounds like a transmission issue. However, the issue can also be in the clutch/primary drive.
The only way to diagnose something like this is to begin disassembly, cleaning, & inspection.
You will have to start by removing your entire primary drive. Disassemble & closely inspect the clutch pack, clutch basket and the spline inside the clutch hub. Inspect your inner primary bearing and race. If you do not find anything in the drive, you will need to begin disassembly of the transmission.
Another idea: Drain the transmission fluid into a clean container. Inspect the old fluid for excessive contaminants or debris.
Do the same for the primary drive oil.
https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-clutch-basket-removal-011062/
https://www.fixmyhog.com/product/6-speed-transmission-rebuild/
If you have any other concerns, please contact us at 1-855-231-0653, or chat with us on our site.
We greatly appreciate your business!
Sincerely,
Lindsay
Fix My Hog Video Membership