softtail shifting

What is your idea of almost to a stop? Harleys do make more noise than most other bikes when shifting. Do you know when the the trans and primary were serviced last? It might be time for one.
I run Golden Spectro synthetic 6 Speed in the trans and Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in the primary and have had good luck with it.
If your bike needs to be serviced, you might try some synthetic oils and see if it helps. There is a lot of information and debates under the forum section oil/filters or trans/primary section that could help.
One of those sections is where you should have started this thread.

The trans. should shift into first at any reasonable speed. Level matching rpm's (slightly blipping throttle when clutch is pulled), makes downshifts smoother. Using a heavier lube, 75/90 to 75/140 in the trans. often helps with the clunk. It's a Harley, there will be some clunk upshifting. Proper clutch adjustment is important as well as getting used to the bikes nature.

This is the section for Forum Issues...

I can shift into 1st at most any speed under 20 mph on my Deuce.
Not that I do it at that speed, but it can be done. I routinely shift into 1st prior to coming to a stop. Never really paid attention to what speed but I'd say it's probably around 10 mph. I find it's actually easier to get into 1st than waiting until I'm stopped.

duecedog said:

Never really paid attention to what speed but I'd say it's probably around 10 mph. I find it's actually easier to get into 1st than waiting until I'm stopped.

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:thumbsup

My 09 Custom tolerates going into 1st. with light clunk almost coming to a stop. Works for me.

Is it hard to find the gears or neutral? This could be caused by the primary chain being out of adjustment also.
And yes yes yes, switch to 85w140 gear oil in the trans.
I prefer BelRay, but any brand will quiet the noise from a 5 speed. All gears are straight cut, so it will also quiet some of the whine at highway speeds too. And you can wait 10,000 miles before you need to change it.


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