@@paulcadby6925 I've had dozens of dual sports in my life but never a nice comfy Harley Davidson touring bike. I got an 02 Road King Classic with a 103ci engine with a stage 3 kit done. I never thought an 860lb bike could be so quick 0-60mph. Its a rocket when you need it to be. The brakes kinda suck but that'll be fixed soon enough. Harley Davidson bikes aren't known for great brakes. In fact the brake system actually sucks BIG TIME!
Wo thats cool, my dad let me ride his 97 ultra classic and 2011 103ci street glide since I was 16 y.o and I feel very grateful. Damn my dad is awesome 🔥🔥🔥
I’m not very mechanically inclined but this video did help. I’d want to sit down and watch it a few more times to be able to listen to him and watch the gears at the same time. Bought my first Harley at 58
I always downshift as I am slowing down, so in case I need to accelerate, I am in the proper gear. Downshifting one gear at a time while slowing also helps slow the bike down when coming to a stop. Don't they teach this in Motorcycle training classes?
flyboy1ron - I downshift as well to be in the proper gear. To answer your question - In a beginner course some students never been on a mc. No they didn't teach downshifting. To stop, regardless of gear or speed, they teach you to pull in the clutch go into first, square up the handlebars and evenly apply the front and rear brake to a full stop.
@flyboy1ron took a class a month or two ago... we didn’t get out of 2nd gear. We did not go over engine braking or anything like that on purpose. We were told to use the brakes as it’s a skill that needs finesse and practice. Our emergency stop drills were basically an aggressive version of what your talking about. They asked us to go from around 15-20mph down to a stop, making sure to go thru all the gears (2-3 gears max) before we came to a full stop, probably in 3 seconds. The idea was to do the full stop and then quickly get out of the way of an obstacle, in case there’s traffic behind us.
Hi Doc good information as always. One of my bikes a 2001 police Electra Glide 5 speed always gave me a problem going into first gear after it was warm. At the suggestion of the dealer I switched to bell ray 140W trans oil. Instead of the 20/50 in all three holes. It fixed the issue for the most part. My other bike 2018 ultra limited 6 speed is one of the noisiest transmission I have ever driven. After it’s warm it quiets down an smooth out but cold clunky bangs into first and don’t try ease it in just grinds.
After learning to ride in the seventies on a Moto Morini 3 1/2 and a Ducati 900SD it became second nature to select neutral when coming to a stop - and to ignore the neutral light. 🙂
Kumar Varun downshifting is made easier while coming to a stop as the transmission is turning. You can down shift while at a stop but it takes a little work. Not much. To make it easier roll your back back and forth and shifting backdown to 1st or neutral makes it a bit easier versus just being at a standstill.
Thanks for the vids Doc. In this scenario, it appeared the person asking the question would leave the bike in 5th until they stopped. Couldn't the angled cuts on the dogs also contribute to the resistance to come out of gear? Even with the clutch lever in during deceleration, the dogs would still be engaged and trying to keep the gears in place, wouldn't they? Thanks again for taking the time to put these videos together!
Doc, any possibilities of going into the history of Harley Davidson? For example, talk about the V-twin development Shovel Head, Pan Head, and knuckle head, etc versions. That stuff is probably out there, but you have a distinct way of putting stuff out there. Thanks.
What would shear in the transmission going inbetween 2nd and 3rd gear and now I have no gears at all? It moves in and out of neutral, light goes on and off. 2004 Harley Davidson sportster 883 custom, thanks
I just told my kids this, I said it’s not like a 5 speed manual in a car where you can go from 1st to 5th when you are stopped. You have to move through each gear successively.
How about a XG 750 with a False Neutral? Mine would do it when it was Hot. Shift 1st to 2nd. No N Light on. And go nowhere. Pull the clutch, And mash the pedal 3 times to get back into 1st. One of the reasons I traded for a 2018 XL1200C.
Tried revving up clunk, tried revving down clunk, it works so the hell with it. Mainly N into 1 . Not sure how to rev match ? I need to watch this video more than once to see what is happening. Does not clunk everytime mainly first ride. Tried to engage clutch a second longer still clunk, may investigate maybe to loose clutch slightly or another oil. Love my new 1200 48 but maybe the trans could of been refined better, I relize some like the clunk just not myself. Seems safer to keep 1ST at a light to have a faster escape time. Some drivers don't see a bike , how they got their license is a mystery.
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson, thanks for the reply. Since my cable was completely out of adjustment I loosened it, removed the primary cover and adjusted the clutch there according to the service manual then readjusted the cable. All good.
Ok doc. I'm stumped. 03 883 first gear (only) slips only when making a 90° right hand turn. Shift forks are not bent, gears are not stripped... But there's a good amount of slop in the entire set up (based on having the trans out and moving gears laterally by hand on the shafts). Any ideas?!
You are doing this with a Service Manual Right? #1: Torx screw at the end of CS. Comes loose. Remove and reinstall with loc-tite Torque to correct spec. 2: First gear shifter fork placement pin is damaged or bent. Remove and replace. 3: Counter shaft 3rd gear is a sliding gear with dogs. Condition of these and the pockets in CS first gear. 4: Are bearings good in transmission door and in right side engine case? Thanks ~ Doc
Yessir on the fsm. Dogs are sheared on the edges... No longer a crisp edge but more of a 45°angle. Bearings are good, placement pins as well. Thank you very much for getting this answered Doc. This has been an exhausting internet search with no definitive answer... Until you. I appreciate it man. Going to replace 1st gear set.
Hey doc Harley I have a question and I know this video is a year old hopefully you see my comment. I have a 2000 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL and I have trouble downshifting in the first gear and sometimes fun and neutral this is as I'm riding
Several items can effect shifting. Primary oil condition, Primary chain adjustment, clutch assembly, clutch plates, clutch cable adjustment. The shifter Prawl has a lot to do with how easily a XL shifts up and down. I would suggest removing Primary cover and inspecting all these...with of coarse a Factory Service Manual...Doc
Hi Doc and Thank you for all the great information. Quick question just a little off topic but still with the transmission. I always down shift so getting the bike to first gear is not an issue with me...Where the issue comes in is getting the bike in neutral and only when its hot. When the bike is cold it shifts from first to neutral easily...Hot is a bitch...to far your in second gear and then to far your back in first....Hitting the middle is a PITA....I checked all the linkage and my linkage does not have any end play or side play on any of the levers. Im wondering if when the engine gets hot if its not binding on the shifter shaft that runs between the two bushings. Have you ever seen anyone drill the casting and install a zerk grease fitting...Im thinking about doing that.
I don't understand. Because when the clutch is pulled in then all the gears are not turning. I do not have this problem this guy has in down shifting from 5th to first. I didn't have any problems when down shifting today on my 200 mile ride. I have a 2015 Iron.
Have issues with 1st. gear clunk. Gears clashing metal to metal. Solved most of the problem on my 09 FXSTC. Start engine in neutral clutch lever pulled in. With clutch lever in let bike roll down drive way to the curb holding clutch lever in. Frees up clutch plates of oil. Rev engine to 1500-2000 let it return to idle. 90% of time drops into 1st with barely a clunk. Proper clutch adjustment is important too.
Too many people are learning to drive with automatics. Have no clue how to use clutch and gear box. Read few events new drivers cant operate a gear box and have walk home or call mommy.
Were can I get what is done on all the regular service intervals after 50k my owners manual only goes to 25K. I would like to know what is needed so i can do it or look over my bike after the dealer serviced it. Your videos have helped me fix things that the dealer did not do, like my front engine mount, had the 50K done they did not change it was broken? I did it! now i am at 55K would like to know whats next thanks. john
good morning doc. love your videos. but I have a question. I have a 99 Fxdl. and when the bike is cold even after warm up my bike doesn't want to shift to 2nd. I've had shops look at it an the feel the same thing but don't see the problem. after I've ridden the bike 10miles or better she shifts great to 2nd. is there something that everyone is missing? I'm thinking it could possibly be a slightly bent fork in the trans gear selector
I have seen videos where the mention that if you replace your clutch plates and dont soak them throughly before installing them when you put them in - until the trasmission warms up the shift from first to second will or could feel clunkly. not saying this is your problem, but it might be something to look into. for best results soak your clutch discs for at least 24 hours in trans fluid, 48 would be even better. the video i saw is on youtube - may have been John Maxwell or Doc Harley.... hope you find the solution.
It's a constant mesh transmission..you don't go from 5th and stop and then go-to 1st. I didn't need watch the video for that info. If your doing this better relearn how to ride
@@filthyanimal874 HA HA HA!!! I have a 675R track only. Its 1000% better made then my Superglide. Harley could never hope to be as well made as my Daytona. Sad but true.
I just got my first Harley Davidson at age 49. I love it more than words can express!!!
I know how you feel man, I didn't get my ticket until I was 54 and my first Harley at 57. Now l get it 😀
@@paulcadby6925 I've had dozens of dual sports in my life but never a nice comfy Harley Davidson touring bike. I got an 02 Road King Classic with a 103ci engine with a stage 3 kit done. I never thought an 860lb bike could be so quick 0-60mph. Its a rocket when you need it to be. The brakes kinda suck but that'll be fixed soon enough. Harley Davidson bikes aren't known for great brakes. In fact the brake system actually sucks BIG TIME!
Me too but age 52. 2005 road king. Hell of an upgrade from my 1996 virago 750 that ive had since new
Wo thats cool, my dad let me ride his 97 ultra classic and 2011 103ci street glide since I was 16 y.o and I feel very grateful. Damn my dad is awesome 🔥🔥🔥
At 49, me too! I bought my first HD in August of 2020. I treated myself to a 2020 Heritage Classic and love it big time.
I’m not very mechanically inclined but this video did help. I’d want to sit down and watch it a few more times to be able to listen to him and watch the gears at the same time.
Bought my first Harley at 58
I always downshift as I am slowing down, so in case I need to accelerate, I am in the proper gear. Downshifting one gear at a time while slowing also helps slow the bike down when coming to a stop. Don't they teach this in Motorcycle training classes?
They did @ the one I took years ago.
Exactly. If you’re in 5th gear AT the red light, you’re doing it wrong. Well, several things wrong, actually.
flyboy1ron - I downshift as well to be in the proper gear. To answer your question - In a beginner course some students never been on a mc. No they didn't teach downshifting. To stop, regardless of gear or speed, they teach you to pull in the clutch go into first, square up the handlebars and evenly apply the front and rear brake to a full stop.
@flyboy1ron took a class a month or two ago... we didn’t get out of 2nd gear. We did not go over engine braking or anything like that on purpose. We were told to use the brakes as it’s a skill that needs finesse and practice. Our emergency stop drills were basically an aggressive version of what your talking about. They asked us to go from around 15-20mph down to a stop, making sure to go thru all the gears (2-3 gears max) before we came to a full stop, probably in 3 seconds. The idea was to do the full stop and then quickly get out of the way of an obstacle, in case there’s traffic behind us.
Yes. Thank you.
VERY well said. I would bet if you explained the clutch etc,.. a LOT will instantly know how to approach a car and motorcycle clutch engagements.
Miss the Buel line of bikes. HD should have kept a couple of those models. Great info Doc as always 👍😎
Hi Doc good information as always. One of my bikes a 2001 police Electra Glide 5 speed always gave me a problem going into first gear after it was warm. At the suggestion of the dealer I switched to bell ray 140W trans oil. Instead of the 20/50 in all three holes. It fixed the issue for the most part. My other bike 2018 ultra limited 6 speed is one of the noisiest transmission I have ever driven. After it’s warm it quiets down an smooth out but cold clunky bangs into first and don’t try ease it in just grinds.
Now I know why my 17 tri glide does this, thanks Doc
That’s a 90th Anniversary 1993 FXLR on the shelf. Looks great. I’ve got #420 of 800.
After learning to ride in the seventies on a Moto Morini 3 1/2 and a Ducati 900SD it became second nature to select neutral when coming to a stop - and to ignore the neutral light. 🙂
Nice video👍 so does that mean that I must downshift while the bike is slowing down and not after I have come to a complete stop ?
Kumar Varun downshifting is made easier while coming to a stop as the transmission is turning. You can down shift while at a stop but it takes a little work. Not much. To make it easier roll your back back and forth and shifting backdown to 1st or neutral makes it a bit easier versus just being at a standstill.
Thanks Doc, good information 🇺🇸
Hi Doc enjoy your videos ! What is the best thing to use to lubricate the rubber grommets on the quick detach windshield and backrest system?
It's like shifting gears ⚙ on a 10 speed bike.
The gears need to be moving and with almost a neutral tension on the chain.
Another complex concept reduced to simple terms. Your use of visual aids is excellent.
Thanks for the vids Doc.
In this scenario, it appeared the person asking the question would leave the bike in 5th until they stopped. Couldn't the angled cuts on the dogs also contribute to the resistance to come out of gear? Even with the clutch lever in during deceleration, the dogs would still be engaged and trying to keep the gears in place, wouldn't they?
Thanks again for taking the time to put these videos together!
Good point Andrew...Doc
Doc, any possibilities of going into the history of Harley Davidson? For example, talk about the V-twin development Shovel Head, Pan Head, and knuckle head, etc versions. That stuff is probably out there, but you have a distinct way of putting stuff out there. Thanks.
Very helpful. Thanks again. Always appreciate your videos.
Another great video Doc always learn something useful from your videos
What would shear in the transmission going inbetween 2nd and 3rd gear and now I have no gears at all? It moves in and out of neutral, light goes on and off. 2004 Harley Davidson sportster 883 custom, thanks
I just told my kids this, I said it’s not like a 5 speed manual in a car where you can go from 1st to 5th when you are stopped. You have to move through each gear successively.
Very helpful! Does this include going into neutral?
FYI I ride a 2017 Roadking.
Thanks
Yes, I goto neutral while I am rolling the last 3-1 meters. It is a breeze to find Neutral when the bike is still rolling.
How about a XG 750 with a False Neutral? Mine would do it when it was Hot. Shift 1st to 2nd. No N Light on. And go nowhere. Pull the clutch, And mash the pedal 3 times to get back into 1st. One of the reasons I traded for a 2018 XL1200C.
Thank you for this.
Tried revving up clunk, tried revving down clunk, it works so the hell with it. Mainly N into 1 . Not sure how to rev match ? I need to watch this video more than once to see what is happening. Does not clunk everytime mainly first ride. Tried to engage clutch a second longer still clunk, may investigate maybe to loose clutch slightly or another oil. Love my new 1200 48 but maybe the trans could of been refined better, I relize some like the clunk just not myself. Seems safer to keep 1ST at a light to have a faster escape time. Some drivers don't see a bike , how they got their license is a mystery.
A true mystery.....Doc
Thank you seeing that really makes sense.
Doc, I'm considering a new touring bike, but I have to have a heel shifter. Is it a big deal to add the heel shifter onto a new bike? Glen
No big deal. You got this. Thanks ~ Doc
Thanks Doc. That does explain things.
Sometimes hard to find Neutral on Harleys
Yes it is..Thankfully my speedometer displays all the gears
thanks doc..
My 97 Evo is hard to find Neutral and hard shifting into Second. Any ideas?
First bushing that holds shift shaft
Next linkage, Tight or worn out?
Shift forks could be worn out 🤷♂️
Last but not least. Oil or no oil😆…Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson, thanks for the reply. Since my cable was completely out of adjustment I loosened it, removed the primary cover and adjusted the clutch there according to the service manual then readjusted the cable. All good.
Muito bom. Parabéns.
Great video Doc!
Ok doc. I'm stumped. 03 883 first gear (only) slips only when making a 90° right hand turn. Shift forks are not bent, gears are not stripped... But there's a good amount of slop in the entire set up (based on having the trans out and moving gears laterally by hand on the shafts). Any ideas?!
You are doing this with a Service Manual Right?
#1: Torx screw at the end of CS. Comes loose. Remove and reinstall with loc-tite Torque to correct spec.
2: First gear shifter fork placement pin is damaged or bent. Remove and replace.
3: Counter shaft 3rd gear is a sliding gear with dogs. Condition of these and the pockets in CS first gear.
4: Are bearings good in transmission door and in right side engine case?
Thanks ~ Doc
Yessir on the fsm. Dogs are sheared on the edges... No longer a crisp edge but more of a 45°angle. Bearings are good, placement pins as well. Thank you very much for getting this answered Doc. This has been an exhausting internet search with no definitive answer... Until you. I appreciate it man. Going to replace 1st gear set.
What is your opinion about clutchless shifting on a iron 883?
Sounds cool 😎 but if you miss and bend a shift fork the whole motor must come a part, out of the frame (split cases) $$$$. Thanks ~ Doc
Hey doc Harley I have a question and I know this video is a year old hopefully you see my comment. I have a 2000 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL and I have trouble downshifting in the first gear and sometimes fun and neutral this is as I'm riding
Several items can effect shifting. Primary oil condition, Primary chain adjustment, clutch assembly, clutch plates, clutch cable adjustment. The shifter Prawl has a lot to do with how easily a XL shifts up and down. I would suggest removing Primary cover and inspecting all these...with of coarse a Factory Service Manual...Doc
Hi Doc and Thank you for all the great information. Quick question just a little off topic but still with the transmission. I always down shift so getting the bike to first gear is not an issue with me...Where the issue comes in is getting the bike in neutral and only when its hot. When the bike is cold it shifts from first to neutral easily...Hot is a bitch...to far your in second gear and then to far your back in first....Hitting the middle is a PITA....I checked all the linkage and my linkage does not have any end play or side play on any of the levers. Im wondering if when the engine gets hot if its not binding on the shifter shaft that runs between the two bushings. Have you ever seen anyone drill the casting and install a zerk grease fitting...Im thinking about doing that.
Yes go for it..Doc
Hi DOC ' I am using Herley Davidson heritage 2015 model how many km to change transmission oil and engine oil '
Please help me regards
I don't understand. Because when the clutch is pulled in then all the gears are not turning. I do not have this problem this guy has in down shifting from 5th to first. I didn't have any problems when down shifting today on my 200 mile ride. I have a 2015 Iron.
Helpful as usual
I've got a trans problem, riding hard going into 4thit like ships and doesn't go in. W up
Have issues with 1st. gear clunk. Gears clashing metal to metal. Solved most of the problem on my 09 FXSTC. Start engine in neutral clutch lever pulled in. With clutch lever in let bike roll down drive way to the curb holding clutch lever in. Frees up clutch plates of oil. Rev engine to 1500-2000 let it return to idle. 90% of time drops into 1st with barely a clunk. Proper clutch adjustment is important too.
Why wasn't that rider down shifting as he slowed down on the ramp? Save your brake pads! Engine brake!
Too many people are learning to drive with automatics. Have no clue how to use clutch and gear box. Read few events new drivers cant operate a gear box and have walk home or call mommy.
Were can I get what is done on all the regular service intervals after 50k my owners manual only goes to 25K. I would like to know what is needed so i can do it or look over my bike after the dealer serviced it. Your videos have helped me fix things that the dealer did not do, like my front engine mount, had the 50K done they did not change it was broken? I did it! now i am at 55K would like to know whats next thanks. john
When in 3rd and go to 2nd it doesn't go have to stop to downshift why is that
clutch is not disengaging fully, primary chain too tight, push rod bearing is failing, just a few areas to check...Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks
good morning doc. love your videos. but I have a question. I have a 99 Fxdl. and when the bike is cold even after warm up my bike doesn't want to shift to 2nd. I've had shops look at it an the feel the same thing but don't see the problem. after I've ridden the bike 10miles or better she shifts great to 2nd. is there something that everyone is missing? I'm thinking it could possibly be a slightly bent fork in the trans gear selector
I have seen videos where the mention that if you replace your clutch plates and dont soak them throughly before installing them when you put them in - until the trasmission warms up the shift from first to second will or could feel clunkly. not saying this is your problem, but it might be something to look into. for best results soak your clutch discs for at least 24 hours in trans fluid, 48 would be even better.
the video i saw is on youtube - may have been John Maxwell or Doc Harley.... hope you find the solution.
@@scott917 If the clutch material would actually soak in the oil then they would swell to a larger thickness and that would be a problem.
Hard to find n . You think oil ? Too think
Traduction please!!!😎
It's a constant mesh transmission..you don't go from 5th and stop and then go-to 1st. I didn't need watch the video for that info. If your doing this better relearn how to ride
👍 🎅
Harleys are basically 2 wheel tractors.
This video didnt explain a whole lot as far as proper downshift technique. Most anybody who knows what theyre doing realizes.
Buy a Triumph instead.
Yeah and make the dealership rich. Those things are in the shop more than on the road.
@@filthyanimal874 HA HA HA!!! I have a 675R track only. Its 1000% better made then my Superglide. Harley could never hope to be as well made as my Daytona. Sad but true.
Or just buy a Honda motorcycle