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 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.

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 should I do if my Harley shifter shaft is worn?

Also be careful not to slip and cut your hand on the cylinder fins. Try to turn the allen bolt 1/4 to 1/2 of a turn. If the Harley shifter shaft is not overly worn, this should be enough to have both components tight and secure again. If you can eliminate the free play that had developed; you will also be eliminating the wear variable.

What happens if your shift linkage is wrong on a Harley Davidson?

If your shift arms are not properly aligned or your Harley-Davidson gear shift linkage is set to an incorrect length; you may experience binding, which will limit, or diminish your leverage. If you are replacing, or reinstalling the stock shift linkage on your Harley; it is important to assemble it back to the exact position it was in previously.

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.

What to do if your shift lever won’t shift?

If your having problems shifting, and you have forward controls, adjust the linkage by loosening the jam nut and removing the bolt connecting the linkage to the shift lever. Turn the linkage sleeve clockwise to shorten the rod and decrease the amount of lever travel required to complete a shift.

What happens when you put gear selector in sport mode?

Typically if you were driving and put the gear selector in sport mode nothing should happend except that the dash will tell you the gear the trans is in and then you can up/down shift as you please ( depending on speed as not to over rev the engine) in stead of down shifting to fourth and locking out the over drive.

Where does the shifter go on a Harley Davidson?

Up at your Harley toe/heel shifter is the shifter shaft they connect to with a clamp/bolt type system. There are splines on the shifter levers and shifter shaft. That shaft then goes through a housing to the inside of the primary housing.

What causes the shifter arm to fall off a Harley?

Over time, those threads on the bolt will actually wear and align with the shifter shaft splines and then the front shifter arm will fall off the shaft. There will be visible mashing of the bolt threads if this happens. Replace that bolt if that happens. The stock Harley shifter linkage will fail on you at some point.

How to fix shift drum on Harley Davidson Sportster?

Rotate the shift drum each direction until the pawl contacts the pins. With the center point found, carefully loosen the two shifter pawl bolts and create equal spacing between the shift pawl teeth and pins. Carefully re-tighten the two bolts.

What kind of transmission does a Harley Davidson Sportster have?

A typical 5-gear, foot-shift transmission on an HD Sportster. Sportster engines retained the K/KH design crankcase design, in which the transmission is contained in the same casting as the engine, and driven by the engine with a triple-row #35 chain primary drive and a multi-plate cable-operated clutch.

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.

Where is the idle speed adjuster on a 1986 Sportster?

Figure 1. Typical 1986 Sportster. The idle speed adjuster screw is on the right-hand side of the carburetor, at the top of the throttle cable quadrant and just to the left of the cable as it runs out of the cable bracket down to the quadrant. It has a spring around the threads to stop it from coming undone.

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.

What is the manual for a Harley Davidson Sportster?

The Cyclepedia Press LLC 1991-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 and Sportster 1200 online service manual features detailed full-color photographs and wiring diagrams, complete specifications with step-by-step procedures performed and written by a professional technician.

Is the shifter pawl missing on a Harley Davidson?

Shifter pawl adjustment. If this is the case, your transmission may have a broken or missing shift pawl or return spring.

Which is the shift lever on a Sportster?

You’ll get the Shift Lever for your Sportster faster from Dennis Kirk so you can get back to riding.

Where can I buy a Harley Davidson shifter?

Go to Garage to select a motorcycle to ensure the best fitment. Bring your unique touring bike to life and ensure smooth shifting in the process with the best Harley-Davidson shifter parts at the world’s largest aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories store, J&P Cycles.

What are the components of a Harley Davidson touring shift?

We stock custom Harley touring shifter pegs destined to stand out from the crowd, and each part is made from quality materials like chrome and die cast aluminum. Add to this setup Harley Touring Shift Arm Covers and key Harley Touring Shift Linkage Components and you have all you need to get out on the road in style.

How do you change transmission fluid in an 883 Sportster?

Add fresh transmission fluid into the primary through the derby cover hole. Continue to fill the primary until the transmission fluid level rises to the base of the round clutch assembly. Install the derby cover and its gasket onto the primary cover.

How big are the forks on a Harley Davidson Sportster?

Anna Moore’s Evo Harley Sportster has a Showa 39mm Narrow Glide front end. Harley Big Twins had 41mm ‘Wide Glide’ front ends for many years, though current late-model Big Twins now have 49mm fork tubes.

Where is the oil kept in an 883 Sportster?

The first, engine oil, is kept in an oil tank that facilitates an easy oil change. Replacing the primary/transmission fluid, however, often leaves DIYers confused.

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.

The first, engine oil, is kept in an oil tank that facilitates an easy oil change. Replacing the primary/transmission fluid, however, often leaves DIYers confused.

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