Why does my Softail not shift in 5th gear?

Why does my Softail not shift in 5th gear?

Figure 4. The pawl spring similar to the above is a common item to break on the Softail, causing many shifting issues. If your issue is hard shifting into 5th gear and feeling like it’s lugging, this may actually be normal. Many owners complain about 5th gear shifting too low according to the owner’s manual.

Why do I have a hard time shifting my Harley?

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 shifter linkage splines will be obvious to diagnose.

Are there transmission problems on a Harley Davidson Softail?

This article applies to the Harley Davidson Softail. Transmission problems on your Softail can range from the mildly annoying to major problems if they aren’t addressed right away.

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.

Figure 4. The pawl spring similar to the above is a common item to break on the Softail, causing many shifting issues. If your issue is hard shifting into 5th gear and feeling like it’s lugging, this may actually be normal. Many owners complain about 5th gear shifting too low according to the owner’s manual.

What are the specs for a 1999 Harley Davidson Softail?

Join the 99 Harley-Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom discussion group or the general Harley-Davidson discussion group. List related bikes for comparison of specs. Bikez has discussion forums for every bike. View comments, questions and answers at the 1999 Harley-Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom discussion group.

When did the Harley Davidson Softail come out?

General information Model: Harley-Davidson FXSTC Softail Custom Year: 1999 Category: Custom / cruiser Rating: 3.7 See the detailed rating of design an

What should I do about my Softail transmission?

The linkage is out there and is prone to getting grime, grit, as well as bit rusty. This is an easy fix to take it apart and clean it up well. Pay particular attention to the mounting holes and clean them out well. This should solve the problem with shifting up and down between gears.

Why does my bike clunk when I go into 5th gear?

If you are bothered by a lugging feeling going into 5th gear, the solution may be as simple as winding it out a little longer before shifting. Grinding gears, clunking, and constant growling indicate bigger problems with the shift fork, transmission bearings, and the gears themselves.

What kind of wrench do you need for a Softail on a Harley Davidson?

You will need a spanner wrench (Harley Davidson part # 94448-82B) and a large 1-1/16″ wrench. The 1-1/16″ wrench is used for the jam nut. It is a good idea to purchase a cheap 1-1/16″ wrench that can be cut shorter to access the jam nut. Typically, a wrench of this size is too long for this application as you are working under the motorcycle.

When to shift into 5th gear on a Harley Davidson?

The owner’s manual calls for the low end of 45 mph to shift into 5th gear. This is too low for many owner’s personal preference. You may simply just need to adjust the timing of your shifts and let the bike get up to the 50 to 55 mph range before shifting into 5th.