What causes stiff gear shift motorcycle?

What causes stiff gear shift motorcycle?

If your motorcycle is having a hard time shifting gears, it could be due to a dragging clutch. This means that the clutch disk drags and fails to disengage when you press the clutch pedal. The clutch is spinning with the engine which makes it nearly impossible to change gears.

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 to do if you have a transmission leak in a Sportster?

Road test the Sportster to ensure the transmission shifts normally. When you’re done with the road test, check the transmission drain plug and clutch inspection cover for signs of leaks.

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.

How do you change the clutch on a Sportster?

Remove the six torx head screws that hold the clutch inspection cover on, and replace the inspection cover gasket. Remove the two screws that hold the primary chain inspection cover on. Using a funnel, pour 32 ounces (one bottle) of Harley Davidson Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant into the primary chain inspection hole.

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.

How do you change transmission oil on a Sportster?

Ride the bike to heat up the transmission oil prior to draining. This will help the oil to drain completely. Remove the Sportster transmission oil drain plug using a 5/8 wrench and let the oil drain from the transmission. It is recommended that the motorcycle be straight and level and not leaning on the jiffy stand to ensure complete draining.

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.