Shifter Problems?

rich67tx

I have a 2005 VRSCB with 5600 miles. Yesterday I was riding and could not go down to first. I then realized that my shifter is not not coming back up from my downshift to second from third. The shifter is staying down, so I have to lift it 1/2 inch up then step back down to go into first. The HD dealer is coming to pick it up Monday morning, but I was hoping to ride it today. Is there anything that I can do at all to fix it? What the heck happend? Thanks.

glider

Take a close look at the shifter where the shaft goes through the bracket and see if that is where it's binding.

This will give you an idea of what I am referring to even if it isn't your model. Usually a cleaning and greasing is all that is needed.

Shifter Shaft Grease Fitting - Harley Davidson Community

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rich67tx

I checked the linkage, and I can't find any issues. Other than there is no grease at all? I rode the bike today for a short while and there was no re-occurrences. Only difference today was, I rode for less time today and I didn't have a rider today. There is a good clunk for 1st to 2nd. I don't know. HD guys are picking it up tomorrow, but without it still happening I don't know if I am going to get the "can't duplicate" comment from the dealership. Don't know if is or was the shifter, the clutch or the transmission????

glider

If it is working good today chances are it's the grease thing mentioned above but "they all do that" or your replay will be what you probably hear from the dealer.

If you disconnect the linkage from the shifter assembly, it should flop around like a dead chicken, if it doesn't and you find it tight or resisting movement somewhat , then it's the grease thing going on.

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locutus

it may be the return spring. mine did the same thing. you've got to be careful because the broken pieces cant get into the transmission gears, and then it's really a mess! i was fortunate. it's a cheaply made part. (now there's a surprise!)

rich67tx

Thanks Locutus. I parked it after driving it for 15 minutes earlier. It was working fiine but I'm going to let the HD guys get it and have them go through it. I have only had it a week and they are going to pick it up, check it, fix it, and drop it back off for free, so what the heck. I'm not going to take the "can't duplicate" for a answer. I'm taking it on a trip and I don't want to have a break down on a cheap spring and then have a transmission issue. Thanks for all the help. What has me confused is why it is working now????? If a spring breaks, it's usually broken. The linkage looked good. I disconnected it as glider suggested and it moved freely. So I'm thinking internal as opposed to external. Thanks everybody. I'll post whatever the problem was.

Spoke with HD and they told me that they had to clear the clutch fluid out and replace it. It was contanimated. Then they adjusted and greased the shift linkage. I don't think that sound right. I would think that bad fluid would make the clutch slip or some type of engage or disengage issues. Now the linkage possibly. Any other suggestions or comments. Would bad fluid make the shifter stick. Bad spring makes sense.. ?????

glider

Probably greased the linkage and couldn't let you loose just with that and gave you a snow job about the clutch fluid to make a few more $$$

At least they didn't tell you "they all do that"

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Crocker

part of your problem the hard shifting could be due to low brake fluid in your system witch means leak,the system is semi hermetic ,I dont know how it would get contaminated unless someone added somthing other the dot 4 brake fluid or physicly got debre while taking your resivoir cover off to add fluid,I do think it would take a lot of heat for the fluid to go bad and break down , but the concern about your shifter not returning would have nothing to due with that ,the lubrication that Glider advised would make sense , but also the return sping broken as mentioned would deffinitly give you this sypton but if it was broke I think it would be a more reocuring problem ,But also the return spring can bend causing the issue of the shifter somtime not returning .Ive never had any of these problems just trying to give you some insite to the working of you system

rich67tx

Thanks Crocker. They brought the bike back and now the upper pipe has been blemished. They guy delivery had tied the rear of the bike down by using the nylon tie down to the rear shock strut and over the upper pipe. The strap rested on the pipe and thus rubbed and rubbed. Now it looks like a brillo pad was rubbing on it. I'm sooooooo mad!! Now they want to come and pick it up again and so they can fix it. North Texas Harley Davidson is getting on my list.......

Crocker

sorry to here that hope they make good in a timely fashion.