If its just the shift lever 0n the shaft, yes they are soft and junk a known problem by owners goes back years
Shift Lever and Shaft Keep Stripping
I have a 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Limited...just hit 30,000 miles and had to install my THIRD set of a Shift Lever and Shaft as they keep stripping out making my bike unable to shift.
Is this a common problem that Harley Davidson is ignoring?
Is this a common problem that Harley Davidson is ignoring?
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
Use a grade 8 bolt in place of stock Allen bolt,use anti seize on new bolt. Every oil change check the bolt. You can crank down on the bolt with a good deal of force. I had that problem on my RGC and have not had any issues since I made the change. 114k miles on my bike.
I had to replace mine at around 20k on the clock. Not sure if prior owner ever had issue, mine was sloppy not stripped….
The levers are soft, sloppy is because it's already partially stripped. They are not hardened and the shifter shaft is, when they get loose (the Allen bolt) it starts destroying the lever. Depending on what model you have its a take off primary to replace.
I have never had a problem with stripped shift lever or shaft splines. The way I see some people stomp on them, it's no wonder they get stripped.
Exactly, in 400k miles I have never had a shifter issue. First thing I do is remove the heel shifter. I see riders stomp it into first gear and then stomp it again to make sure its in gear. One gentle click is enough to get it in gear unless there is a problem with the clutch or tranny. LonsloI have never had a problem with stripped shift lever or shaft splines. The way I see some people stomp on them, it's no wonder they get stripped.
I'm leaning in on the don't stomp them so hard side. 50 plus years of riding,6 bikes, over 400k miles , zero stripped shifters or shifter shafts.
Do check them tight every so often.
Do check them tight every so often.
Drag Specialties makes a steel replacement for the lever.I have a 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Limited...just hit 30,000 miles and had to install my THIRD set of a Shift Lever and Shaft as they keep stripping out making my bike unable to shift.
Is this a common problem that Harley Davidson is ignoring?
Never had a problem, ever and I speed shift 97% of the time. In fact this is the first I've ever heard of them just failing without there being some extreme forces i.e. a crash that directly impacts the shift lever. I'm with the other guys, stop stomping your shifter like it owes you money.
I have a 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Limited...just hit 30,000 miles and had to install my THIRD set of a Shift Lever and Shaft as they keep stripping out making my bike unable to shift.
Is this a common problem that Harley Davidson is ignoring?
I never had the problem on both Harleys I have owned.
I also use the foot shifter to upshift because I don't like the toe of my boot worn out.
I also use the foot shifter to upshift because I don't like the toe of my boot worn out.
Here's the deal...
The hole is drilled to reset the bolt going through to the threaded side and will bind up because there's not enough space between the bolt and the side of the hole to tighten it down (you will start bending the bolt)
Easy fix is to get a slightly longer bolt and a washer. That's what I have done. I have thought about trying to drill out the hole on the non-threaded side to give it a little more play, but I'm lazy.
The hole is drilled to reset the bolt going through to the threaded side and will bind up because there's not enough space between the bolt and the side of the hole to tighten it down (you will start bending the bolt)
Easy fix is to get a slightly longer bolt and a washer. That's what I have done. I have thought about trying to drill out the hole on the non-threaded side to give it a little more play, but I'm lazy.
The levers are soft, sloppy is because it's already partially stripped. They are not hardened and the shifter shaft is, when they get loose (the Allen bolt) it starts destroying the lever. Depending on what model you have its a take off primary to replace.
The levers are soft, sloppy is because it's already partially stripped. They are not hardened and the shifter shaft is, when they get loose (the Allen bolt) it starts destroying the lever. Depending on what model you have its a take off primary to replace.
1994 FLHTC…Im original owner…I never had a problem with the front shaft and heel toe….back at the transmission, a lot of work…mine gave up at 48,000 local miles despite constantly checking/ tightening…this is where I pinned it …trans shaft was pristine, lever stripsHere's the deal...
The hole is drilled to reset the bolt going through to the threaded side and will bind up because there's not enough space between the bolt and the side of the hole to tighten it down (you will start bending the bolt)
Easy fix is to get a slightly longer bolt and a washer. That's what I have done. I have thought about trying to drill out the hole on the non-threaded side to give it a little more play, but I'm lazy.
That's how it works after X amount of tightening the lever will no longer tighten on shaft, lever strips out (soft) Trans shaft is hardened, hence shifting becomes sloppy. Yep some people stomp on shifter, IMHO, not everyone, Hd could have made a better lever that didn't require removing primary cover to replace.
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
Harley Davidson Forums
A forum community dedicated to all Harley-Davidson model owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, builds, maintenance, classifieds and more!
Full Forum Listing
