Doesn't like 3rd gear?

[jimmydean]

This morning, I couldn't get my bike to shift into 3rd. It has done it once before, but I was able to shift down to first, then back up and it was fine. This time it wouldn't go, no matter what RPM, double clutch, down and back up, nothing.

I had to pull over (in 2nd) reach down with my hand and yank it up. I damn near lifted the whole bike doing it. It seemed fine after that, but WTF?

It goes in for headlights tomorrow (I hope) and was going to have all the fluids changed. I don't know what the PO used in the trans, but I was going to use the Screaming Eagle full Synthetic. Anything else?

It's an '04 Firebolt with just under 16k.

 

[Stevenc150]

Adjust Primary chain via Service manual is a quick thing to try. But where it's the same gear every time (3rd) you might have something wrong in the trans. [sad] Doubt that it's tied in with fluid choice.

Edit: Might also try to adjust the clutch using the screw behind the "cowboy-hat" shaped primary cover - also via the manual. Hope it's nothing major.

 

[jimmydean]

So I just did about 60 miles at lunch and it was perfect. No missed shifts, no slips, nothing. Like I said, it did this once before, so I don't know what the deal is.

My only complaint on this bike at all is the trans. I love the sound, the feel, the power, but it shifts like a farm truck. If I could make is shift half as nice as my R1, I would be a happy bastard.

I need to ride the 1125cr, that bike calls to me in an unnatural manner.

 

[Midnight82]

Yea, Harley transmissions shift hard, but that's normal.

What isn't normal is your shifter getting stuck, or not being able to shift into a gear.