Harley davidson shift lever loose. Regular maintenance can prevent these problems.
Harley davidson shift lever loose. This Harley shifter system has had problems for years and it has many points of failure. The last 2 times I could see no visible damage to the transmission rod. 95 Kahuna Footpegs Harley-Davidson $159. Pull the inner primary cover and replace the shift lever, the most important thing to remember is keep that bolt tight, check it as regular maintenance. And it might help to know year and model. Is this a common problem that Harley Davidson is ignoring? Aug 14, 2013 · On the road just a few hours ago, I noticed that my shift lever had cme loose; it appears that the Shifter Rod Lever had come away from the spline on the pawl lever assembly on its own. com) If that doesn't take you to the Gear Shifter Assembly page, just scroll down and find it. . Some problems are easily enough fixed on Nov 11, 2009 · I had my heel shifter come loose on me. The lever on the engine shifts the gears great, just at the higher position. Jan 5, 2009 · I'm trying to remove the shift lever on my sisters' 883 to reposition it. Dec 24, 2024 · Take a look at Doc Harley video on YouTube called Gearshift Blues, he says a loose lever can damage both splines on lever and shaft. Shifter pawl adjustment. Curious as to how that might be an internal trans thing, as opposed to how the shifter lever interacts with the trans 5 things you need to tighten on your Harley Davidson motorcycle! I see the same things loose all the time. locktight and more muscle will be applied this weekend. I am wondering if that is normal Aug 31, 2024 · Master the art of shifting gears on your Harley Davidson for a smoother, safer ride. You all know you have a shifter, with a piece of linkage that leads to the trans. Move shifter pedal = moves linkage = moves shift lever on trans. 9: Can a worn shifter linkage cause Harley shifting problems? Key Takeaways Low fluid level and leakage can cause Harley Davidson shifting problems in transmission. Check the cable, ball ramp mechanism, throwout bearing, clutch adjuster stud and jamnut, adjuster plate, snap ring etc. Apparently, it wasn't put on exact the same way it was. After checking things over a little it seemed the shift lever was loose on I took both shift levers off, removed the inside shift lever and pulled the shifter shaft out so I could inspect all of the parts for wear. I had the shift linkage replaced last year and the mechanic had to remove the primary drive to install the shift rod lever. I unfasten the front end of the shift linkage arm from the foot pedal arm so I can swing it out of the way. Turns out i was stomping a little too hard, at times, on the heel shifter. A loose shift lever or loose or binding linkage can always be a problem. The gear shift foot lever/pedal bushings on 5 & 6 speed Harley-Davidson touring models often have a typical service life of 20,000 miles or less. The bolt has a shank that can bottom out when you try to tighten it up further - it feels tight but the shifter still wiggles on the shaft. I tried tightening it up but that didn't work. Feb 27, 2016 · I was adjusting the clutch on the Ultra and I noticed the shift leveris loose. The problem was also complicated bye Harley using a combination of steel and aluminium on the Apr 30, 2014 · With the collared bolt, this prevents the bolt from tightening further allow the shift lever to feel "loose", eventually falling completely off in severe cases. Transmission problems on your Softail can range from the mildly annoying to major problems if they aren't addressed right away. I called and spoke to Mr Buehler and he told me his story. Did you know that a well-tuned clutch can extend the life of your bike? It’s true! By checking the lever’s play, riders can find the sweet spot for optimal I teach you how to properly inspect your Harley shifter shaft, shifter arm, splines, and shifter linkage. Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he talks about how your heel toe shifter levers can be adjusted to fit Apr 24, 2025 · $250 for a shifter lever is absurd. link/BestEditor Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he talks about how your heel toe shifter levers can be adjusted to fit Oct 26, 2013 · On my 2009 FLHTCU my shifter linkage seems loose. I used two lock washerers to clamp the linkage tighter but the linkage still comes loose. Oct 13, 2019 · Has anyone figured out how to replace the shifter pawl without pulling the tranny? I was exchanging my old inner primary for a new chrome one and while I was at it I am changing gaskets and seals as I get there. Insufficient knowledge or experience of the rider can lead to poor shifting. Watch and learn. Mar 4, 2024 · What has happened: I have been experiencing some trouble shifting gears and finding neutral on my 2009 Harley Nightster 1200. Bought the bike Apr 21, 2025 · Adjusting the clutch lever might seem simple, but it can significantly improve your Harley Davidson riding experience. Regularly check for damage to ensure smooth shifting. Bad or worn out shift selector cable 8 FAQ’s Harley Shifting Problems 9 What happens if the Apr 10, 2008 · I have a 1993 FLHS and the splines on the shift shaft lever are wearing out. A professional is going to charge you a bundle getting down to the problem, as many of these can require a complete tear down of your transmission, clutch and shift lever. This is what cause rattling in your shifter. Your shift assembly will be actuated thousands of times, just riding over the course of one weekend. Check the bolt as part of routine maintenance (every oil change). The bolt is tight. I know it's a simple job but I have been having the hardest time installing the bolts loose enough that my shift lever has bounce back May 4, 2010 · Broken shift return spring inside the trans . Cramped linkage and difficulties with shift lever operation can hinder gear engagement. Sep 25, 2022 · Harley-Davidson® Parts and Accessories Harley Davidson (onlinemicrofiche. All numbers referenced in steps that follow refer to Figure 1 and Table 4. Anyone else have this problem? Jul 9, 2014 · Once the levers are nicely tightened, the ball joints at both ends of the shift rod have a tendency to fail starting at about 25,000 miles. It broke me from using heel shift levers and taught me to be gentle with the toe shifter. Eventually the spline of the shift arm and the shift shaft will begin to wear. I determine what the eventual cause was 4 days ago · After some experimentation I came up with this arrangement to tighten the shift lever bolt with a torque wrench on my 2010 FXDC. We do some much needed maintenance on our 2021 Road King Special by upgrading the shifter shaft with a V-Twin Mfg greaseable shifter shaft, shifter shaft bus Jun 18, 2024 · Harley Davidson shifting problems often stem from clutch issues or improper gear adjustments. Learn how to adjust, repair, and upgrade it for a tighter, more responsive ride. Jun 6, 2010 · I've been having a slight rattle in my shift linkage on my 99 flht. I'll show you how to fix this in 15 minute. May 18, 2010 · For the third time in one year, my shifter rod lever (behind primary housing) has stripped out on the transmission shift rod. I have nerve damage in my left leg & foot and can't toe shift very well. The dealer guy came for me and once there we got it ride able again. I also notice it looks like your centering spring is broke, so something may have come loose. The pinch bolt on the rear arm tends to work loose and strip the teeth out of the spline that grips the shaft. Cramped linkage 5 03. I was worried something was screwed up in my tranny when my shift lever stuck down, but this was the perfect fix. It would appear the fix is easy enough but there isn't enough room between the end of the shaft and Jun 17, 2021 · Contents 1 Why Harley’s Transmission Would not Shift? 2 Causes of Harley Davidson Shifting Problems 3 01. It becomes harder to shift once the bike has warmed up and I have been riding it for more than 10-15 minutes. The only way to know is remove the clutch cover and watch the shift shaft operation with the drum. Bushing wear results in an annoying rattle from Aug 3, 2021 · I sure have. 95 Premium Travel-Pak for King Tour-Pak Harley-Davidson $110. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, builds, maintenance, classifieds and more! See full list on lawabidingbiker. Pre-2007 Harley-Davidsons with a five-speed transmission, you need to know how to make a correct shifter pawl adjustment. Shift Lever Replacement - Harley Davidson Community May 27, 2008 · Shift lever is a little loose, and there is less room for me to get my foot under the front shifter peg. The shift rod lever is sloppy on the shaft. Jan 11, 2009 · The shifter is aluminum, the shaft is steel. You can adjust it by feel, though the manual suggests you measure the actual clearance on each side. How To, Harley Davidson Loose Transmission shift lever. I've aquired a '98 FLHTCU-I 95th aniversary edition. Typically the shifter splines wear if the bolt is allowed to become loose for an extended period. Jul 15, 2008 · You do NOT touch the rear shift lever that connects to the transmission, you are only dealing with the splined shaft that the toe/heel shift levers bolt to. Jul 7, 2010 · Highly overlooked service tip, that could cost you big labor dollars and time down. Dec 29, 2015 · This article applies to the Harley Davidson Softail. One is retail, the other shows a discount price. Harley-Davidson shifter levers are designed to fit seamlessly to ensure they stay in place and don't start to come loose as the motorcycle is in motion. Jul 28, 2025 · Tired of mushy gear changes? This guide covers everything about your Harley Davidson shift linkage. If these components are left loose, they will wear much more quickly. No mather how hard i tightened it up it always moved to the outside of the shaft and then loose. After some research I tried the easiest possible solution and tried adjusting clutch & shifter linkage (forward controls) with no May 18, 2023 · I have a 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Limitedjust hit 30,000 miles and had to install my THIRD set of a Shift Lever and Shaft as they keep stripping out making my bike unable to shift. Feb 22, 2016 · Harley Davidson Dyna Glide: Transmission Diagnostic Guide Learn what causes various transmission symptoms and how to fix them, or when to call in the professionals. 95 Passenger Footpeg Mount Harley-Davidson $160. Nov 9, 2010 · shift lever loose It appears as tho that is excessive and I feel that you will have to remove the chaincase. Sep 24, 2009 · the shift lever on the transmission is loose, seems that the splines are worn as the bolt is tight - Harley Davidson 2005 FLHRS - FLHRSI Road King question Stripped shift arms and Harley shifter shaft are a common problem for almost every model Harley-Davidson. Could try a new lever first on splines but you might have to change trans shaft as well. The MoCo has been know to make changes to parts from time to time. Oct 9, 2015 · I grabbed the clutch lever with my right hand, reached down with my left and grabbed the shift linkage rod to see if I was having trouble on the transmission end. They are pretty much the same nowadays. Since this occurred and forced e to pull over, it saved me from a potentially catastrophic problem with my Change the Shift Shaft and Front Shift Lever and you'll be back on the road. Everything looked fine. I looked up and found a better lever from Buehler Concept and Design. everything ive found shows where the jam nut and allen head are Jul 7, 2010 · Highly overlooked service tip, that could cost you big labor dollars and time down. Bought the bike May 4, 2010 · Broken shift return spring inside the trans . Softail models seem to always have the same stuff loose. Jan 30, 2025 · I cured the loose shifter lever issue on my `89 Softail by replacing the shift shaft/pawl assembly, a grade 8 bolt, a new shift lever (OEM, long before Baker was making the expensive one) and I tossed the heel shift lever into the scrap can. May 21, 2010 · Why not go with one of these and save yourself a lot of cash? Very rarely is the shaft damaged because of the softer metal of the shift arm. 32,000 miles. Should I just change out the rod (shifter mechanism assembly, # 34972-02B) anyway this time, which means I have to remove the tranny gears to get to it? Or is the stupid lever the weak link? Anyone Oct 30, 2011 · My shifter lever is loose on my 02 Lowrider. Our comprehensive guide covers everything from engaging first gear to flawless downshifting, ensuring better control and efficiency. Proper lever free play and position are crucial for smooth and safe rides. The entire trans has to be disassembled to replace the spring . There was no service tech there since it was Sunday. I am just glad that I found the info here to reduce the agrivation May 19, 2012 · A properly working clutch is critical for ease of shifting, you should be getting at least . Regular maintenance can prevent these problems. The motorcycle shift lever and foot controls can boost the overall value of the motorcycle and potentially Sep 25, 2025 · Feeling frustrated with rough gear shifts on your Harley Davidson? Discover the secrets to achieving a perfectly adjusted clutch for smooth riding. The motorcycle shift lever and foot controls can boost the overall value of the motorcycle and potentially Here I find a fix for my recent experience of gear changing difficulty and a problem with a floppy gear shift lever. grab that trans shifter lever (on the trans) and see Feb 1, 2016 · The lever should then move equally back and forth, to shift the bike up or down to the next gear. Inappropriate use of the clutch lever (releasing the clutch lever abruptly) 7 05. Now. The trans shift rod is loose. I put it back on and was sastified that it would stay. Sep 27, 2022 · For all Harley Davidson owners, we will discuss some common reasons, symptoms, and possible solutions behind most shifting problems that you may encounter. To properly adjust the shifter pawl you will need to see it with the top cover off, with a Softail that means removing the oil tank. Edited by YouCut:https://youcutapp. Oct 11, 2022 · When I went to shift out of first there was about three inches or so of dead space before it popped into second gear. The bolt seems tight, but it feels as though I could slide it off the spline. Bushing wear results in an annoying rattle from Jan 8, 2024 · The loose clutch lever is the giveaway that it is a clutch actuation issue, not a transmission issue. Jul 15, 2012 · Harley-Davidson $109. Troubleshoot gear shifting issues like unresponsive gears with practical advice Jun 2, 2025 · How Can I Tell If The Shift Lever Shaft On My Harley-Davidson Needs Replacement? You can tell if the shift lever shaft needs replacing if it feels wobbly or loose. Apr 10, 2008 · I have a 1993 FLHS and the splines on the shift shaft lever are wearing out. If I grab the top of the lever, I can move it back and forth and side to side about 3/16 of an inch (before it moves the shaft). Also all the gears have to be inspected for burrs and chips . Normally the shifter wears leaving the shaft in usable condition. 080 of disengagement. Is there any easier way to get the lever off. If the shift arm needs to be replaced Oct 15, 2014 · I have asked this on other forums with mixed results: I was riding with a buddy and my rear shifter came off at 2300 miles. Except for the price they show. Looking at it, it is a standard bolt and not a shoulder bolt, the spline had work the threads out which let it slide past the spline stop. I've read several posts and I see this is not uncommon. com) You could also go to Ronnie's. The higher gears tend to be harder to shift in and out of Feb 9, 2023 · Gold Star Harley-Davidson & Outdoors | GEAR SHIFTER ASSEMBLY (onlinemicrofiche. 95 Edge Cut Hand Control Lever Kit Harley-Davidson $154. page. Once you have shifted up, there is no play in the shifter it is only transitioning from going up a gear to down a gear or down a gear to up gear. Your next shift linkage failure is likely to be the other end of the linkage. Loose shifter fix. Do you have any recomendationd that would spare me taking the whole primmary cover off to replace this loose Oct 7, 2015 · I have a touring and the back lever on the trany. Very hard to downshift to 2nd/1st almost impossible to get into neutral. I have to pick my whole leg up from the hip even to heel shift. This also makes the installation process straightforward and easy without any concerns. The shaft has some light dammage but Sep 9, 2020 · Beginner mechanic here just bought 1st Harley. Replacing them with heim joints (spherical rod ends, whichever name you prefer) is usually a permanent fix. Join me in the shop as we remove the inner and outer primary, clutch basket, starter jackshaft, compensator and Jun 20, 2014 · anyone make a shorter shift lever than the stock heel toe shifter for fatboy lo ? Apr 10, 2013 · Hello all. 95 Capstone Sun Shield II H31 Modular Helmet Harley Dec 29, 2015 · Went for a ride today and had a problem shifting. This caused a problem when down shifting, when I went down, I would have to move the leaver back up with my toe or I couldn't shift down again 2011 Roadglide ultra transmission shift lever replacement without removing primary case. Shifting into neutral while riding can be dangerous and may be caused by a faulty clutch or damaged gearbox. It is a 2005 883xl and is shifting hard. the lever feels like it doesn't want to come off the splines after loosening the allen bolt. Is there a tried and true way of removing the lever without using heat? Oct 2, 2018 · The trans thoughthe shift point has just moved higherthe lever that it connects to isn't loose or slipping. Heel shift levers and toe shift levers available at our online store. I think the teeth are worn because there's play when I shift and I can see it. Can I replace the shaft in the tranny without Shift gears on your bike with ease with motorcycle shifter levers from Harley-Davidson. When the spring breaks the loose piece drops down between 5th gear and the 5th idler gear and can cause tooth breakage . Jun 7, 2025 · 8: When should I replace my Harley-Davidson clutch plates? Answer: Replace your Harley-Davidson clutch plates when they show signs of wear, such as slipping or grinding noises. Jul 22, 2025 · Harley Davidson Clutch Adjustment at Lever Learning how to adjust the clutch at the lever on your Harley Davidson can greatly improve your riding experience. I had already gone the grade 8 allen bolt route and lock tight, only to find it had loosened up in a couple hundred miles. In this video we will be removing a worn out shifter shaft lever the proper way. Proper adjustment ensures smooth shifting and better control while riding. It looks like the shift shaft is rotating in the engine, so I’d say your problem is something wrong with the shift mech and shift drum. 95 Premium Travel-Pak for Hard Saddlebags Harley-Davidson $174. Of course I have small leak around the shifter mechanism and seal. Mar 26, 2025 · 03 sportster XL1200C Hello everyone! I was wondering if anyone had any tips and tricks, or a link to a good procedure/video on replacing the shift linkage. Shift lever becomes difficult to operate 6 04. i know what needs to be done and how to do it but my problem is i cant find this jam nut and allen head bolt and its driving me insane. Gear shifting into neutral 4 02. Brand new to the forum and to Harley's. The adjustment is at the back, near where the shifter pivots in the transmission. Nope, could shift up and down fine that way. I tried to tighten it, but the tool kit does not contain the 3/16" allen required for this. Easy Removal of stock shifter leverBetter lever Harley spline shifter lever removal Mechanic's Assistant chat Customer: I have an 05 ultra classic with a real loose shifter linkage where the linkage and transmition shaft connect. May 8, 2020 · A forum community dedicated to all Harley-Davidson model owners and enthusiasts. Check all bolts to make sure everything is tight in the shift linkage at least twice a year. -jp Apr 12, 2009 · Do I have to take out inner primary to get at my loose shift lever? Seems like Harley could have notched the primary in that area. Avoid common mistakes and learn essential tips for timing, clutch usage, and speed coordination. The bolt was still tight etc Watch our video to learn about proper Harley-Davidson gear shift linkage and other neutral issues. Low Fluid Level and May 15, 2010 · I havean 04 Ultra, Shifter assembly came loose about a month ago and came off. Figure 4. When I shifted from one gear to another, the shift lever didn't "spring back" if you know what I mean. Oct 19, 2015 · While waiting, I examined the shift linkage and the shifter arm was very loose at the spline that connects to the front/rear shifters. yesterday on my way to work it came totally off while exiting freeway. Oct 26, 2013 · On my 2009 FLHTCU my shifter linkage seems loose. Apr 30, 2012 · okay i've searched high and low online and through my manual on how to adjust my shifter pawl. com Mar 5, 2011 · It looks to be the perfect solution to repair my sloppy loose lever. I find loose bolts on Sportsters. I am talking about the lever that connects to the shaft that goes into the tranny. Grabbed the heel shifter and moved it up and down and found the front shaft spinning in the linkage behind the primary case. Don't drive the bike untill you get the broken piece of spring out maybe by draining the trans oil . i5 n3o1n 8y5 t1 n2bc qdci ftxzt 79 eza y8