problems shifting into 2nd, and intermittent problems w/ 3rd and 4th gear

[wm1099]

Basically, my 2003 Sportster has 25k on it, and I started having transmission problems around 3 weeks ago. Since then it has snowballed out of control. I can't find neutral on the instrument panel. It also will not go into second from 1st or neutral.

Before it became this bad I was also having problems going into and out of 3rd and 4th.

I already readjusted my clutch cables, and the fluid is good. Any help or other input on this matter would be great from anyone that has an idea!

[steelworker]

Slacken off the primary chain adjuster and remove your primary cover. Sounds like you may have a broken spring on the gear selector mechanism (look to the bottom left of, and just behind, the clutch basket).

[decman]

The spring clip that holds the shifter detent plate is a common problem.
Search for 'detent', you will find all the data you need in the posts.

Here is a pic of my 2003 with the spring clip as #1

steelworker is talking about the detent follower spring that is #2

[Oldwrench]

It sounds like maybe the detent plate on the end of the shifter drum is mis-aligned. If your shifter feels normal (not loose and floppy) then it probably isn't a broken shift pawl spring. The problem began 3-4 weeks ago and got worse. If a shift drum pin works its way out it can cause the kinds of shifting problems you've described.

You're going to have to remove the primary cover and start investigating.

[jrwca]

Sounds like you need to take a look inside the primary. A lot of people have had issues with the shifter detent plate. There's a clip that holds it in place and comes off. A lot of people here have had the issue and a quick search on the forum should give you some advice on what to expect and some suggestions for swapping the clip to a better one.

I had similar symptoms on my bike that turned out to be worn-out bushings on the shifter pawl.

Either way, the fix is not all that expensive (probably less than $50 for parts, new primary gasket, and oil).

And welcome to the forum.

[wayfastf150]

I figured it wasn't the spring since it releases bouncing in neutral and sometimes springs back. It's hard to find first while riding I have to step down, lift it back up then step down again.

[MonkeyMadness]

I'm involved with the same exact problem. I'm using it as an excuse to do a 1425 build now! pulled the cover off yesterday and found two wadded up pieces of what I think is
spring clip #1 (picture above) I'll be pulling basket tonight.. I'll post pic's of what i find...

[MonkeyMadness]

Ok, so last night I went home to remove my clutch basket (after I grouted my bathroom floor.. ugh) long story don't ask....
So I'm breaking loose both the crank nut and tranny/basket nut.. so far so good. So I pull off the both nuts and as the weight of the basket pulls it forward my shift star thingy and clip fall out
So I continue to remove tranny and everything else. It all look good..
So I'm starting to think is maybe the shifting problem I was having?
But I've been wrong before

Oh almost for got! last picture shows the pins that the shift star thing goes on...
Are these meant to be even? Mine aren't? and my shift star doesn't fit well or
align/flat could this be the reason for the clip failure?

[Oldwrench]

That is one mangled detent plate. Really got chewed up. It is fortunate that the retainer clip didn't fall apart earlier and get caught in the primary chain. That would have done more damage.

At the minimum (besides gasket and seal) you're going to need to replace the detent plate and retainer clip. I'd replace the shifter pawl spring and the detent arm spring as well because those tend to break. I would be easy to replace them now.

If any of the shift drum pins are loose, I'd pull them out, clean out the holes with carb cleaner and put some Loctite Red on the pins and re-install them.

Let's bump this up and hope someone else will chime in regarding anything else that needs to be checked or replaced while you have everything apart.

I think you caught it just barely in time.

[MonkeyMadness]

Originally Posted by Oldwrench

That is one mangled detent plate. Really got chewed up. It is fortunate that the retainer clip didn't fall apart earlier and get caught in the primary chain. That would have done more damage.

At the minimum (besides gasket and seal) you're going to need to replace the detent plate and retainer clip. I'd replace the shifter pawl spring and the detent arm spring as well because those tend to break. I would be easy to replace them now.

If any of the shift drum pins are loose, I'd pull them out, clean out the holes with carb cleaner and put some Loctite Red on the pins and re-install them.

Let's bump this up and hope someone else will chime in regarding anything else that needs to be checked or replaced while you have everything apart.

I think you caught it just barely in time.

Everything other wise looks new, I have 15,000+miles
and I don't even see witness marks. I think this was a problem from the factory that just slowy got worse. "I don't think the pin were pressed in properly" See picture of tranny above. I'm really surprised by how nice everything looks?
I took the cases into the machine shop today to be bored for 1425cc cylinders
but I have all the linkage if pic's are needed..
And the clip (3 pieces in picture) did get wadded up in the chain..ugh
but everthing looks good...