Ironhead 1969 XLCH Shifter Issues

[gibsonsmu]

I just got a new 1969 XCLH and right when I got home from my first ride I tried to shift into neutral and the foot lever moved farther down than it should and would not engage a gear. Now it will move up and down (farther than it should) but will not engage a gear and is now stuck in first. Any idea what that might be? Should I just tighten the lever on tighter. Doesn't seem like that is really the issue but is most obvious.,

[doodah man]

The most likely problem is the shifter ball is no longer pinned to the shifter shaft. You'll need to pull your primary/clutch and your transmission to correct it. Have the ball end welded onto the shaft and you'll never have this problem again.

[gibsonsmu]

Originally Posted by doodah man

The most likely problem is the shifter ball is no longer pinned to the shifter shaft. You'll need to pull your primary/clutch and your transmission to correct it. Have the ball end welded onto the shaft and you'll never have this problem again.

Thank you. That does not sound like a small deal. How big of a job is that?

[gibsonsmu]

Originally Posted by doodah man

The most likely problem is the shifter ball is no longer pinned to the shifter shaft. You'll need to pull your primary/clutch and your transmission to correct it. Have the ball end welded onto the shaft and you'll never have this problem again.

Thank you. That does not sound like a small deal. How big of a job is that?

[doodah man]

It sounds bad when you've never been in a bike that far, but it really isn't as bad as it seems. You'll need to remove the kicker arm and spring, and the sprocket cover and sprocket from the right and possibly the rear exhaust if it's in the way of the cover. Then remove the primary cover. Remove the chain tensioner, the motor sprocket, clutch and primary chain will need to come off together. Then four bolts hold the transmission trap door to the case, and now you can remove the transmission by tapping on the main shaft on the right while catching the trans with your left hand. The motor sprocket, clutch hub nut, and the main shaft sprocket (right side) have rather large nuts, not what comes in smaller socket sets. You may or may not need a gear puller for the engine and main shaft sprockets, sometimes they're on there to tight to wiggle off.

[gibsonsmu]

Originally Posted by doodah man

It sounds bad when you've never been in a bike that far, but it really isn't as bad as it seems. You'll need to remove the kicker arm and spring, and the sprocket cover and sprocket from the right and possibly the rear exhaust if it's in the way of the cover. Then remove the primary cover. Remove the chain tensioner, the motor sprocket, clutch and primary chain will need to come off together. Then four bolts hold the transmission trap door to the case, and now you can remove the transmission by tapping on the main shaft on the right while catching the trans with your left hand. The motor sprocket, clutch hub nut, and the main shaft sprocket (right side) have rather large nuts, not what comes in smaller socket sets. You may or may not need a gear puller for the engine and main shaft sprockets, sometimes they're on there to tight to wiggle off.

Well I must say that is quite a bummer after going on its maiden voyage. If I had the proper tools is that a one day job? Thank you again for all of your help. And I guess the ball that came loose is in the transmission?

[doodah man]

A well equipped, mechanically minded guy could probably tackle this in less than a day. The large nuts come off easy with an impact gun. And yes, the ball end is inside the transmission. It might be a good idea to have a new tabbed lock washer on hand for the main shaft sprocket and the clutch hub. The factory service manual and parts book are indespensible.

[gibsonsmu]

Originally Posted by doodah man

A well equipped, mechanically minded guy could probably tackle this in less than a day. The large nuts come off easy with an impact gun. And yes, the ball end is inside the transmission. It might be a good idea to have a new tabbed lock washer on hand for the main shaft sprocket and the clutch hub. The factory service manual and parts book are indespensible.

Ok - I'll have to read through this area in the manual and try to get a list of tools I'll need. I'm mechanically minded but my toolset is lacking. Thank you so much fior your help/

[GA_Ironhead]

Did you get the ebay bike you asked about last week?

[Iron Mike]

Check first that the actual lever is clamped down tightly. It may just be slipping on the shaft.

Shifter only change?? Couple hours for an unintimidated confident mech.