Transmission Problems

Question
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…

 

Answer 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

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

Make a comment:
500 characters remaining

23 Responses to “Transmission Problems”

  1. Allen

    I ride a 97 heritage fat boy with some work done to it im having an issue, the bike runs and idles great, i can shift through all the gears 1-5 but the bike does not roll even with clutch released any help?

  2. Dan

    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

  3. Ed Loeffler

    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??????

  4. Thomas M Smyczek

    My 2000 FLSTC doesn't want to go into 1st gear. Clutch or shifter pawl adjustment the problem?

  5. Matt

    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

  6. Dale

    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

  7. ryan

    rebuilt my tranny on 2000 heritage softtail it wont shift into 5 gear every thing else good

  8. Doug

    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.

  9. Kevin J Morris

    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?

  10. Lalo

    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