Gets hung up/sticks while shifting

mrglide · Sep 25th, 2009, 09:53 PM

On my 2004 XLC1200, it took about 1000 miles before the shifting became smoother and it was easier to find neutral.

At the time, many told me that was typical for a Sportster.

HTH

NEWHD74FAN · Sep 26th, 2009, 12:15 AM

They all do that..???!!!

NOT...mine downshifts and upshifts into neutral just fine. Only after I put in Spectrol 85W HD Chaincase Oil (not 100% Synthetic because Sporty has an oil wetted clutch not compatible with "friction modifiers" and do not overfill, about 30 oz. or so...not 39 oz (1 liter full container of Spectrol)...

hdrocks · Sep 28th, 2009, 12:02 AM

I have no problem finding neutral contrary to what the dealer told me too. But it seems to happen often from 3rd to 4th..happened to me several times last few days still. As NEWHD74FAN suggested, I plan to put in Spectrol when I go for the 1000 mile maintenance, along with Mobil I. I've got about 300 miles to go...

mrglide · Sep 28th, 2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrglide

On my 2004 XLC1200, it took about 1000 miles before the shifting became smoother and it was easier to find neutral.

At the time, many told me that was typical for a Sportster.

HTH

If there was any confusion, I meant that it was typical for a Sportster only during the first 1000 miles. I did not intend to imply the difficulty continued after that.

NEWHD74FAN · Sep 28th, 2009, 09:48 PM

No worries Mrglide...most everyone who posted have experienced the same...just that some do not realize if the bike is moving ever so slightly forward, there is little back tension on the gears, so getting in neutral from either 2nd or 1st is not a problem. Enjoy the ride...its' a Harley...LOL "--they all do it..."

hdrocks · Oct 27th, 2009, 12:54 PM

Changed to Spectro and hasn't happen so far. It's looking good... Shifting is still not as smooth as I'd like but shy of 1K miles. I think someone said it gets smoother.

glider · Oct 27th, 2009, 01:00 PM

Give it some time to work in and get some miles on it. The shifting gets better. Many times it may require a clutch adjustment once the plates wear in.

Jack Klarich · Oct 27th, 2009, 03:41 PM

I agree with glider also with the clutch and primary adjusted properly it should shift better, good luck

BUBBIE · Oct 27th, 2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Klarich

I agree with glider also with the clutch and primary adjusted properly it should shift better, good luck

HEY HDROCKS..... go out to your bike.... grab the clutch cable with right hand holding tension away from clutch handle..... Then squeeze the clutch in then release the clutch.....** NOTE**in right hand ? HOW MUCH DISTANCE (FREE TRAVEL) IS BETWEEN HANDLE AND END OF CABLE....you should have no more than 1/8 of an inch..... If free play is that OR MORE, clutch cable is not adjusted properly....(too loose) LOOSE will cause drag on the clutch making it hard to shift no matter HOW MANY MILES ON IT.

MY 06 1200R finds the need for all the cable adjustment i can use (TIGHT) 1/16" free play... SHIFTS SMOOTHER AND NO DRAG ON CLUTCH

signed....BUBBIE

glider · Oct 27th, 2009, 04:50 PM

Too much free play will cause the plates not to completely separate, you have a valid point there.

Sep 25th, 2009, 09:53 PM	#11
mrglide Warming The Wheels Ride: '09 FLHTC Join Date: Jun 2nd, 2009 Posts: 63 My Mood:	Re: Gets hung up/sticks while shifting On my 2004 XLC1200, it took about 1000 miles before the shifting became smoother and it was easier to find neutral. At the time, many told me that was typical for a Sportster. HTH __________________ '09 FLHTC, black, of course

Sep 26th, 2009, 12:15 AM	#12
NEWHD74FAN Moderators Ride: 2004 Sportster XL1200RS Join Date: Aug 24th, 2008 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 4,962 My Mood:	Re: Gets hung up/sticks while shifting They all do that..???!!! NOT...mine downshifts and upshifts into neutral just fine. Only after I put in Spectrol 85W HD Chaincase Oil (not 100% Synthetic because Sporty has an oil wetted clutch not compatible with "friction modifiers" and do not overfill, about 30 oz. or so...not 39 oz (1 liter full container of Spectrol)... __________________ Please stop by the "Self Help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<< Last edited by NEWHD74FAN; Sep 26th, 2009 at 12:17 AM.

Sep 28th, 2009, 12:02 AM	#13
hdrocks Warming The Wheels Ride: 2010 Fat Boy Low Join Date: Aug 12th, 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 109	Re: Gets hung up/sticks while shifting I have no problem finding neutral contrary to what the dealer told me too. But it seems to happen often from 3rd to 4th..happened to me several times last few days still. As NEWHD74FAN suggested, I plan to put in Spectrol when I go for the 1000 mile maintenance, along with Mobil I. I've got about 300 miles to go...

Sep 28th, 2009, 09:48 PM	#15
NEWHD74FAN Moderators Ride: 2004 Sportster XL1200RS Join Date: Aug 24th, 2008 Location: Camarillo, CA Posts: 4,962 My Mood:	Re: Gets hung up/sticks while shifting No worries Mrglide...most everyone who posted have experienced the same...just that some do not realize if the bike is moving ever so slightly forward, there is little back tension on the gears, so getting in neutral from either 2nd or 1st is not a problem. Enjoy the ride...its' a Harley...LOL "--they all do it..." __________________ Please stop by the "Self Help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. >>Self Help Information and Tips<<

Oct 27th, 2009, 12:54 PM	#16
hdrocks Warming The Wheels Ride: 2010 Fat Boy Low Join Date: Aug 12th, 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 109	Re: Gets hung up/sticks while shifting Changed to Spectro and hasn't happen so far. It's looking good... Shifting is still not as smooth as I'd like but shy of 1K miles. I think someone said it gets smoother.

Oct 27th, 2009, 01:00 PM	#17
glider Community Liaison Ride: 07 Road King Classic Join Date: Jun 21st, 2007 Posts: 21,062 My Mood:	Re: Gets hung up/sticks while shifting Give it some time to work in and get some miles on it. The shifting gets better. Many times it may require a clutch adjustment once the plates wear in. __________________ Psssst! Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. click me!>>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

Oct 27th, 2009, 03:41 PM	#18
Jack Klarich Community Guru Wannabe Ride: 2007 Streetbob Join Date: Sep 25th, 2009 Location: Jax. Fl. Posts: 876 My Mood:	Re: Gets hung up/sticks while shifting I agree with glider also with the clutch and primary adjusted properly it should shift better, good luck

Oct 27th, 2009, 04:50 PM	#20
glider Community Liaison Ride: 07 Road King Classic Join Date: Jun 21st, 2007 Posts: 21,062 My Mood:	Re: Gets hung up/sticks while shifting Too much free play will cause the plates not to completely separate, you have a valid point there. __________________ Psssst! Please stop by the "self help section" for maintenance tips, diagnostic codes and much more. click me!>>Self Help Information and Tips<< click me!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Gets hung up/sticks while shifting

Sportster Models