I am considering the purchase of a 2002 H-D FXD from a private seller. It is in great shape and has less than 4,000 miles on it. The seller let me test ride it. It was difficult to downshift from 3rd to neutral. It was not impossible, but it took noticeably more effort to shift. Since I am not a seasoned Harley rider, yet, I am not sure if this is typical or if there is a serious problem. Any advise?
2006-09-07 18:23:03 · 10 answers · asked by BikerBob 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
CLARIFICATION TO PREVIOUS DETAILS: I am considering the purchase of a 2002 H-D FXD from a private seller. It is in great shape and has less than 4,000 miles on it. The seller let me test ride it. It shifted fine from neutral to 1st, 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th and 4th to 5th. It also shifted fine from 5th to 4th and from 4th to 3rd. It was difficult to shift from 3rd to 2nd, 2nd to 1st and from 1st into neutral. It was not impossible, but it took noticeably more effort to shift. Since I am not a seasoned Harley rider, yet, I am not sure if this is typical on Harleys or if there is a serious problem. Any advise?
2006-09-08 02:11:30 · update #1
To begin with, you can't downshift from 3rd to neutral. What about 2nd?? A 5 year old bike with only 4,000 miles on it I would check the tranny fluid, its probably never been changed or could be low. Clutch could also be out of adjustment.
2006-09-07 18:28:52 · answer #1 · answered by Uncle Joe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may have a worn shifter spring in your gearbox the spring sadly enough are worth about 4.50 Aust. To check this lift shift lever by hand up and down if it feels excessivly loose that would most likely be your problem. If it was clutch problem it would be hard to shift up not down. These springs have a bad habit of wearing out. Cost involved would be around 600 AUST dollars as the gearbox has to be removed.
2006-09-08 06:36:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, all bikes are different...but it usually doesn't take long to find the right pressure to apply to get it into neutral, it's just a matter of being one with the motor beneath your legs.
.....although, if the clutch was out of adjustment a little bit, that could make it hard too
2006-09-08 01:27:56 · answer #3 · answered by Slap Happy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is common for the shifting mech to get a bit out of adjustment. I have an 02 fxdwg and it is a pain to find neutral. Every now and then I get it serviced and it shifts easily for a bit. I wouldn't really worry about it.
2006-09-08 12:11:27 · answer #4 · answered by Sportsterjohn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Been ridin' H-D for 40+ years & have owned 12. Each & every one was an SOB tryin' to find neutral while down shifting. Nature of the beast. You otta hear the clutch plates rattle in my '55 Panhead!
2006-09-08 16:36:14 · answer #5 · answered by preacher55 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bike has been sitting a lot. Lot of riders I know are using the synthetic oils - so far have heard of no problems - they claim it really smoothes out the changing of gears.
2006-09-08 02:17:43 · answer #6 · answered by 3DDD 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if possible try test riding a similar bike to see if it reacts the same. all brands have different traits, you may just be used to a different bike.
2006-09-08 02:23:14 · answer #7 · answered by drbum 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
possible clutch adjustment inside the primary cover
2006-09-12 13:01:01 · answer #8 · answered by Chris B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hell to find neutral going down and you really don't need to always been that way always will
2006-09-12 18:21:22 · answer #9 · answered by gary_george48 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't know what's wrong with it but that isn't normal
2006-09-08 01:25:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋