What causes shifting problems in a Harley Davidson Sportster?

Shifting problems as well as noises can originate from different areas inside and outside the transmission, including the shifter, linkage, clutch, primary drive and more. Adjustments can be made that often correct shifting problems without digging into the transmission. This article applies to the Harley Davidson Sportster (1986-2016).

How to check the transmission on a Harley Davidson Sportster?

Hold the clutch lever in and place the transmission in first gear with the bike at a standstill. There should be no engine power transferring to the rear wheel. Figure 1. Sportster clutch lever and cable. The fluid level is easily checked through the derby cover or dipstick on some models.

When do I need to fix my Harley shift linkage?

More great content is available when you sign up for a Fix My Hog Video Membership! If you are experiencing Harley neutral issues, “hard neutral”, or having a tough time shifting your Harley, you may need to address your Harley-Davidson gear shift linkage as an assembly. Sometimes, a misaligned shift linkage will be obvious to diagnose.

Are there any issues with the gears on a Harley Davidson?

Please try again later. If you are experiencing Harley neutral issues, “hard neutral”, or having a tough time shifting your Harley, you may need to address your Harley Davidson gear shift linkage as an assembly. Loading…

How does the shift lever work on a Harley Davidson?

The shift lever can now be used to select a gear by moving the linkage. This is connected to a shift drum/pawl assembly that moves shift forks to engage shift sleeves onto the selected gear. These parts make up the transmissions shifting operation and must be correctly adjusted/undamaged for normal shifting.

How to shorten the linkage on a Harley Davidson Sportster?

Turn the linkage sleeve clockwise to shorten the rod and decrease the amount of lever travel required to complete a shift. If you feel a gear being selected without moving the lever, you’ve adjusted the linkage to short. Rotate the linkage sleeve counterclockwise to increase the lever travel. Tighten the jam nut once the adjustment is made.

Do you need to replace the shift shaft on a Harley Davidson?

If the shift arm needs to be replaced, you will need to remove the entire drive from your motorcycle. The inner primary must come off. If the shifter shaft (also know as the shift pawl assembly) needs to be replaced; you will not only need to remove your drive.

Why are my shift arms on my Harley Davidson stripped?

Stripped shift arms and Harley shifter shaft are a common problem for almost every model Harley Davidson. Your shift assembly will be actuated thousands of times, just riding over the course of one weekend.

What are the most common problems with a Harley Davidson?

Fuel System Failures Vapor lock malfunctions, fuel injectors, and defective pressure gauges are among the most reported problems with a Harley’s fuel system. These problems can be costly and difficult to repair. Complete regular maintenance checks on the fuel system to guarantee that it’s running properly. 6. Accessories

Is the Harley Sportster a good motorcycle to buy?

I like the Harley Sportster. It’s relatively inexpensive and it has all of the Harley good stuff. Power, hot looks and the Harley sound. Potato, Potato, Po-ta-to, I can hear it now, I love it!

What kind of engine does a Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 have?

The latest incarnation of the Custom throws out a fairly thick front end with a 130mm front tire and 39mm fork to accompany the tried-and-true 1,202cc, air-cooled, overhead-valve Evolution engine, which put out 57.8 hp and 66.8 pound-feet of torque on our dyno last year.

Why is my Harley Davidson Sportster not igniting?

One of the most common sources of electrical problems is the battery. Test the battery’s state of charge and current capacity by reading Step 2 of the article Electrical Diagnostic Guide. If no spark is present at the end of the spark plug wire, the air/fuel mixture cannot ignite.

When did the Harley Davidson 1200 Custom come out?

The 1200 Custom has been in the Sportster lineup since 1996, but it’s changed with the times—mostly. Harley-Davidson The Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom is one of those classics that’s been a staple in Milwaukee’s lineup since 1996, but for whatever reason we hadn’t had a chance to ride in 1,200cc engine form.

Why does my Bronco not shift into 3rd gear?

The Bronco was fine one day and the next it wouldn’t shift into 3rd gear. It shifts fine from 1st to 2nd, but doesn’t want to shift into 3rd gear. I did get it to shift into a 3rd a few times by letting off the gas at around 45mph, but as soon as I get on the gas at all it down shifts back into second gear.

Is the 4L60-E transmission a teardown or rebuild?

This is a video of a 4L60-E Transmission complete disassemble and rebuild. You will recognize the first half of the teardown, the rest I had misplaced it but found it, so I put it all together as one video as I intended to do a long time ago. And yes, it’s an old video. Loading…

Why is my starter on my Harley Davidson not working?

Harley Davidson Sportster Starter Relay Not Working. There are a few common Motorcycle Starter problems. We will go throw a few start problems. You push the start button and you only hearing a click from your bike, With that we will test and fix this problem. Battery, Fuse and Starter Relay, If you have Any question just ask.

What’s the weight of a 2007 Harley Davidson Sportster?

2007 Model XL 1200C Sportster FXDB Dyna Street Bob FLSTC Heritage Softail Dry Weight (lbs) 589 634 725 But the real deal was the vibration. My experience was on a new 2003 Sportster and since then Harley has added rubber and made significant vibration reduction improvements to the newer models.

Why did I Turn my Back on a Sportster?

Height, weight and vibration were the three biggest things that turned me off to the Sportster after I had some serious riding experience on it. But hey, that’s just me. There are a ton of Sportster enthusiasts who will ride forever on their beloved Sportster (the cafe racer) forever.

How to adjust clutch on Harley Davidson Sportster?

This adjustment is made by removing the clutch inspection cover/derby cover, and then loosening the adjustment screw lock nut. Hold the adjustment screw stationary with an Allen wrench while turning the lock nut counterclockwise with a wrench. Once the nut is loose, turn the adjustment screw clockwise to increase the disk clearance.

When to replace a shift shaft on a Harley Davidson?

If pinch bolts become loose, remove them, clean them, and reinstall to factory torque specs with Loctite. If shift arm splines or shaft splines are worn; the components should be replaced. If a shifter shaft is to be replaced, it is also important to replace shifter shaft bushings at that time. Proper shift leverage is very important.

Are there any neutral issues with a Harley Davidson?

If you are experiencing Harley neutral issues, “hard neutral”, or having a tough time shifting your Harley, you may need to address your Harley Davidson gear shift linkage as an assembly. Loading…

What happens to the clutch on a Harley Davidson Sportster?

This article applies to the Harley Davidson Sportster (1986-2016). When you pull on the clutch lever, a cable is moved that’s connected to the clutch pack assembly beneath the primary cover. The clutch diaphragm springs tension is removed, taking away the friction that holds the clutch disks together.

How does shifting work on a Harley Davidson Sportster?

Adjustments can be made that often correct shifting problems without digging into the transmission. This article applies to the Harley Davidson Sportster (1986-2016). When you pull on the clutch lever, a cable is moved that’s connected to the clutch pack assembly beneath the primary cover.

What causes disengagement on a Harley Davidson Sportster?

Disengagement problems are often caused by a maladjusted or binding clutch cable/linkage; although, sometimes the discs can get sticky or warped. Hold the clutch lever in and place the transmission in first gear with the bike at a standstill. There should be no engine power transferring to the rear wheel. Figure 1. Sportster clutch lever and cable.

What happens to a Harley Davidson when it dies?

If it dies it will start right back up in neutral and then it will sputter a little bit while I “nurse” her back to my garage. It seems like “once the engine and oil gets hot then I have problems.

What should the retaining ring be on a Harley Davidson Sportster?

Some owners have replaced the retaining ring with an e-clip and washer for added strength. With the transmission in third gear, the two teeth on the shift pawl should be equal distances from the two pins on the shift drum. Rotate the shift drum each direction until the pawl contacts the pins.

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