[SCHMIDTY]

There's a service bulletin out on that which addresses your Sportster specific problem . I don't remember it verbatim but it goes something like this . The shifter bushing inside the cover starts to creep out and causes tight shifting . If I remember correctly the peg has to be removed and the end of the shaft gets wacked with a brass hammer to reseat the bushing . If the bushing continues to walk out it has to get replaced .

 

[SCHMIDTY]

your the best schmidty! so time to take it into harley?

Thanks . You could try taking the peg off and bipping the end of the shaft , I don't know if you would feel comfortable trying that though . Otherwise I'd recommend taking it in for the fix . The service bulletins aren't published to the public but I'm sure the service dept. would let you see it . It might even be a Tech Tip .
I'll check at my shed today to see if I can find the bulletin so I can be more specific on the fix procedure .

 

[SCHMIDTY]

thanks, if you could find the service number or something for it that'd be a big help, I'll take it in to get it fixed but want to know what the service bulletin says just to make sure the shop doesn't try and jerk me around saying they need to take out the tranny or something

I found it , TechTip 320 . Supposed to remove the shift arm and feel if the shift shaft has noticeable in and out play . If not use a dead blow hammer to bip the end of the shaft which will reseat the bushing inside the case . Once reseated you should feel noticeable in and out freeplay on the shaft .

 

[SCHMIDTY]

You gotta give it a half serious whack ! The bushing will only go in so far because it's set in a dead end hole. I use a 2lb brass hammer and can feel when the shaft moves, the dead blow hammer absorbs the feel.