wont downshift lower than 3rd....HELP!!!!

[07k9]

how is everyone doing. im new to big dog choppers and therefore, new to the forums. i was riding a few weeks ago and got caught in the rain. being hardheaded i wanted to make it home and ended up dumping my bike ('07 K9). not much damage just the headlight and left turn signal AND SHIFTER PEG. but even after all this i diodnt have much shifting problems. today i decided to change my trans oil and put in synthetic 75-140 as instructed by a big dog dealer. after about ten minutes of riding i noticed that the bike didnt want to downshift past 3rd gear unless i kicked down at least 7 or 8 times. i dont know if it is the fluid i used or what. it upshifts like a new bike. possibly clutch cable or slightly bent shifter? im in a bit of a pickle here fellas...thanks in advance for any advice or direction you can give
-Bill

 

[07k9]

also, i checked the helm joints and they werent locked solid but they did seem a bit tight. i got caught in the rain a few weeks ago like i said...possibly the helms even though they werent 100% siezed?

 

[Dozer1]

First try this...lube the ball joints on your shifter linkage arm, both ends, front and back. When they get too wet, once dry they have a tendency to stick. Upshifting is usually fine, but downshifting becomes a ROYAL pain in the ass!!! Can't even begin to tell you how many times I've had to downshift to first at a light by hand!!! :2thumbs:

Oh, yeah...and welcome to the site! When you get a chance, tell us alittle about yourself.

 

[Dozer1]

also, i checked the helm joints and they werent locked solid but they did seem a bit tight. i got caught in the rain a few weeks ago like i said...possibly the helms even though they werent 100% siezed?

Yes, lube those. That's prob ur problem

 

[thepearle]

It was the heim joints when that happened to me ! Twice I rode home with just two gears! That was a lot of fun!

 

[Dozer1]

I use a liquid graphite product by Dri Slide called Bike Aid. Use it everytime I wash bike, and pack with me on trips. Works great! Stuff like WD40 only works for a little while.

 

[BigDogBro1]

First thing I would do is drain the trans and put in 20oz. of Red Line V-Twin Transmission Oil w/ShockProof. I use it and their Redline V-twin primary oil as well. Made a noticable difference.

http://www.redlineoil.com/news_article.aspx?id=49

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=119&pcid=13

Lube your clutch cable as well with a GOOD! quality cable lube.

Bigdog also had warranty replacement heims for the "07" that were sticking due to being teflon lined.

 

[07k9]

thanks guys. i temp. lubed the helms up with PB. i have graphite powder that i use in ignitions in my box at work that im going to put all over these things. the closest dealer to me is an hor and a half away so goin there tends to be a bitch...thanks again...filling out the profile tonight

 

[BigDogBro1]

You can pick up chrome heims that should work from a HD dealer as well.

 

[Dozer1]

Even better solution!!! Forgot that. Thanks BDB1! :2thumbs:

 

[REMorris]

I recently changed from whatever the dealer put in my transmission to Amsoil Severe gear lube 75w-90. It did make for better shifting. (smoother, faster less effort required) I also intend to put in 1 ounce of slick 50 additive so the oil will cling better.

I think those real thick weights are going to make for more sluggish shifts simply due to the stiffness of the lube.