Trans Won't Downshift

[hp960c]

I have read through many post and I haven't found anything that seems to be just like my issue.

06 Mastiff - 5,500 miles - I am definitely mechanically inclined but this is the first American bike I have ever owned. Tinkered with my older brothers Harley's when I was a teenager but nothing very in-depth.

I was on a ride the other day and got rained on heavily (rain may not have anything to do with it, just thought I would mention it).

I noticed that from 3rd gear to 2nd and 2nd gear to 1st it felt like the shifter was not returning to its "central" location - like it was bottomed out when trying to down shift. I could pull the shifter back a little, sort of like returning it to that central (neutral) location that I assume springs should be returning it to and then I could downshift. Other than that the bike runs great, no drive train noise. No clutch issues other than its a little harder to pull when compared to the hydraulic Jap bike clutches but that ain't a problem.

Do these transmissions have shifter return springs in them like a Jap bike does? Has anyone else encountered this?

 

[bruce]

OK, I hope this helps, I had same problem year or so ago, you have linkage just above your primary which is the shift linkage from your foot lever to the trans. on each end of this long rod you have a joint that should be able to swivel around they freeze up, you can take off and free up (lube) and may work, but better to replace the ends they just screw off and a little adjustment . when this happens it will shift but you keep having to use your foot to pull lever back, the shift lever does not return on it own.

 

[hp960c]

I am currently overseas right now with my job. When I get home in a few weeks I will try your input on the linkage. What your saying makes sense, that's why I wanted to mention my ride home in a heavy down pour. My bike was covered in road grime and there's a good chance the links got impregnated with grit and grime.

It will be a while but I will follow up on this thread when I can.

 

[woodbutcher]

yes, the heim joints do sound like the culprit. clean and lube or replace.

 

[hoat]

most definatly the heim joints

 

[bruce]

mine happened in bad rain also, heading to myrtle beach

 

[toomanybikes]

Cleaning and lubing the heim joints will work for a while, but eventually they will need to be replaced. I just soaked mine in penetrating oil for a couple of days, but 1 is still stiff (it was not moving at all before the soaking). The first time it happened was when we rode to Annapolis for Fibersnake's birthday last year, with half the ride in the rain.

 

[hp960c]

Thanks for all the feedback! Can anyone recommend where to get the new heim joints? I also need a new "button vent" for the inner primary. Thats another story...

 

[bruce]

should be able to get at almost any cycle shop

 

[archangel1usa]

Me too

I am grateful for the post on downshift difficulties. My 05 Ridgeback is doing the same thing. I'll definately be replacing the Heim connector.

Thanks to all who shared their experience.

 

[KnotSo]

My dealer replaced mine under a "red flag' alert a couple years ago. Their might have even been a recall, might want to check with dead one on that.

 

[stinger1]

Had same prob, heim joints have to be changed.

 

[twowheel99]

Also on some bikes the lever attached to the spline on the transmisson will come loose letting the lever creep out against the inner primary case and causing the same problem that your refering to.....But my bet is on the heims also!!!!

 

[Brew]

I posted this problem several months ago chek it out. I also took my foot control off and lubed it also. I havent had any problems since. http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/general/18084-sticking-shift-lever.html

 

[Roaddawg]

I had the same exact problem. I first used oil to lubricate it, but found that it still attracted dust and dirt. However, since I have taken to using anti-seize on it (just once at the beginning of each riding season) I have never had another problem

 

[JimNubs]

Thanks for all the feedback! Can anyone recommend where to get the new heim joints? I also need a new "button vent" for the inner primary. Thats another story...

Found out the hard way that the heim joint located at the back of the shift linkage is reversed thread. Wish I would have known about this when I tried to remove it. I did get it off and replaced it with a new one. Cost under $10.

 

[toodie]

Same issue here but seems more prevalent after riding for a while and bike is hot. Bike has not seen rain yet not sure that is a factor in diagnosing the problem. Does anyone have pics of the HEIM JOINT(s), breakdown and lube??

 

[Dawgboy]

I use a dry lube

 

[alphadog]

Jim. Thanks for the info on the rear joint being reverse threaded. Am I correct in that the joint spins with the bolt together like mine is doing?