Shifter broke at work ... Really need some advice

[MustangGuy]

Hey all-

I was just pulling into the parking lot at work and the shifter broke on my Firebolt. I have a ride home tonite and I'm gonna come back in the am to fix it. It's the bolt that holds the rod to the part that goes into the tranny. I'm going to have to drill it out because the bolt snapped off. Can anyone give me a little advice on doing this... And more importantly, can somebody tell me the size and kind of bolt to replace it with - at least so I can get the bike home.... There's no nearby bike shop I can go to so I think I'm going to need to get something at Home Depot or another hardware store. Thanks to anyone who can help!

 

[MustangGuy]

Here's a pic ...

 

[Rays]

MustangGuy, I imagine it is too late to help you at work in your part of the world but here is a link to a discussion about this bolt.
http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-For...ers/Shift-Linkage-screw-came-out-on-me-today.

It is a Grade 8 - BOLT, #10-24 X 3/4 socket hd. cap w/ scotch grip as listed in the parts manual but you could get any 10-24 bolt to get you home (assuming you can get the broken bit out where you are).

 

[squidbuellie]

The quick and easy way to do it is, is buy a reverse/left handed drill bit and back the screw out.
If that does not work drill it out put a piece of bailing wire through the hole and ride the bike home. And just buy a new billet shift cam from asb for $22 and fix it right.

 

[Doc13]

Sounds like an excuse to upgrade!

 

[MustangGuy]

You guys are awesome! Thank you for your help! Now that the shock has worn off (but should I really be shocked? LOL) I have a game plan: got a ride home tonight (I work an afternoon/evening shift). I'm only 5 miles from home and my bike is safe at work. I'm off tomorrow and I'll come back with my drill, a reverse bit and a temporary bolt and get her back together and home. Ironically I'm in the middle of getting an order together for ASB so I will get the billet shift cam. Thanks again for the quick advice!!

 

[zx6enick]

or drill it and use a small ez out they work really good and are worth every penny they cost.

 

[MustangGuy]

I'm going to get some small ez-outs too... I should have some anyway considering I do most of the work on my bikes and cars myself.

 

[MustangGuy]

Well, I drilled out the bolt... I couldn't find an extractor small enough but I drilled as close to the threads as I could , got another #10 24X3/4 bolt and muscled it in there. Got the bike home without a problem. I'm going to upgrade the whole linkage I think. Just wanted to give Al at American Sport Bike a special shout out for really great customer service!

 

[onelogue]

You are probably home by now but the exact same bolt popped out 180 miles from home and I used a nail and shoved it through the holes and bent it. It lasted the rest of the ride haha.

 

[MustangGuy]

I wish the bolt had only popped out, but glad to hear you got your bike home. I'm only going to replace the input arm - the thing that connects to the spline coming out of the transmission - because I probably messed up the threads where the bolt goes in - everything else is in good shape. Good excuse for a small upgrade! Good thing I love this bike!

 

[onelogue]

Yeah dont let something that small discourage you. Luckily a cheap part to fix/ upgrade.

Here a link to a nice upgrade if you haven't looking into it. Precision Engineering

 

[Cecilsan]

I carry an extra bolt in my toolbag under the seat, I ran into the same issue last year. Stopped at a light with the g/f on the back and found my shifter dangling, stuck in 2nd gear. Limped it a mile and then killed it at a light when the cager infront of me couldn't decide if he was going to turn or not. Pushed it the last bit home.

 

[sicsteeth]

Zip tie, and duct tape and shift very gingerly

 

[MustangGuy]

Onelogue - yes, that's the upgraded input shaft arm (or something like that) ... I just ordered that from ASB... along with some extra bolts that I will be carrying with me from now on - LOL! Guess it wouldn't be a bad idea to carry some zip ties and duct tape too!