Shifting - Harley Davidson Forums: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Forum

Chris Garrett · 07-19-2009, 10:24 PM

When I downshift, the bike really slams into gears. It makes a loud noise. I learned not to downshift too abruptly, and to ease it into first when I coming to a stop. But even under normal shifting it really makes a statement as it changes gears. The guy I bought the bike from said the trans and clutch were recently rebuilt. It doesn't sound broken, and it shifts just fine. It's just makes a statement when I do shift. Is this normal?
Oh, and sometimes when I'm in nuetral, the nuetral light doesn't come on. Why?

48emodelpanhead · 07-21-2009, 08:39 AM

Chris, The older transmission do make more of a statement when shifting into gear. If I don't ride mine for a week or so it's much more noisier on the first few shifts. That being said it could also be that your clutch needs adjustment. you can do a search in the forum Dave posted a good description for clutch adjustment. Nothing unusual about the nuetral light not coming on. If I remember right the electrical contact on that model transmission just snaps over the nuetral switch and fits loosely. Not the best design but it works. You can tighten it up with a pair of pliers so you get a better connection.

Sounds like you're getting most of the bugs worked out.

Chris Garrett · 07-21-2009, 08:54 AM

Thanks Jim. If you have any pics of your bike, I like to see them. Chris

chef · 07-21-2009, 09:18 AM

It seems like all HD's shift hard, Different syncros, if you are used to metric bikes Hd will feel like they are coming apart when you shift.

**Dave63** · 07-21-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chef

It seems like all HD's shift hard, Different syncros, if you are used to metric bikes Hd will feel like they are coming apart when you shift.

There are NO synchros in motorcycle transmissions. They're all cut differently then cars and fit tighter. Older transmissions are noted for a lot of clunking, however, there's so many things that comtribute to how it shifts, it's insane. You clutch pack preload is adjustable, as is your primary chain. What fluids are in these make a difference and how much wear in on an old box, makes the biggest difference.