DOC HARLEY: GEAR SHIFTER BLUES

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  • čas přidán 26. 06. 2019
  • Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he shares a tip on how you can avoid finding yourself with the gear shifter blues.
    SUBSCRIBE: / lowcountryharleydavidson
    Doc Harley is a motorcycle technician at Low Country Harley-Davidson with over thirty years working on motorcycles. Over the years at the dealership he has worked on Harley-Davidson, Buell, and Triumph motorcycles with a few other brands here and there from trade-ins. There are thousands of how-to videos out on youtube and other websites across the world. Doc’s goal is to help solve problems that people run into when using their service manual, share insights only found as a certified Harley® technician, and some of the tips he’s picked up over the years.
    Wondering if Doc is real? Find out what’s happening throughout the week: / docharleylchd
    What’s happening at LCHD? Check out our social media
    Facebook: / lowcountryharleydavidson
    Instagram: / lowcountryhd
    Looking to upgrade: www.lowcountryharley.com
    Looking to meet Doc and the other members of the LCHD team? Visit us at:
    Low Country Harley-Davidson
    4707 Dorchester Road
    Charleston, SC 29405
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 215

  • @JD-en6ph
    @JD-en6ph Před 5 lety +41

    Adding to the previous comment. When I checked the shifter lever it had a lot of back and forth play . I have a 2000 Heritage Softail and I do all my own work. The shifter lever was never on my radar to check but it is now. The Harley replacement bolt is part number 856A and the Canadian price is $2.25 taxes in. I use a drop of blue locktight and the Harley torque spec is 18 to 22 ft pounds. If the Harley Dealer does not have the part in stock a 5/16 - 24 x 1 inch thread socket head cap screw will work just fine. Again I would like to thank Doc Harley for a great video that probable saved me a lot of money and a lot of aggravation.

  • @roostercrow8076
    @roostercrow8076 Před 5 lety +62

    How many went and checked their bikes shifter after watching? ...lol

  • @tommyt2854
    @tommyt2854 Před 5 lety +37

    Doc, I'll tell you what. You're one of the best there is and I appreciate the knowledge you're handing out.

  • @olironrider8918
    @olironrider8918 Před 5 lety +11

    I don’t even own a Harley.. yet I’ve learned so much from all your tips. Thanks Doc.. and to all the guys at Low Country Harley for making these videos possible.
    Keep up the great work..!!!

  • @skitzdaniel3314
    @skitzdaniel3314 Před 2 lety +3

    Doc. You are really doing a good service to the public Harley owners. Keeps all of us safe.

  • @robertrosson1990
    @robertrosson1990 Před 2 lety +2

    Just got lucky and came across the video.I bought a 05 Soft Tail back in 2019.And I noticed a few day's ago my shifter seemed or just felt different.And sure enough.The bolt had started to become a little loose So I used a ball end and just put in a new bolt with a dab of blue lock tight on a couple of threads.And just went on and replaced the bushing on my foot shifter because it had a little more play in it than I liked.So I guess I caught it at the right time.I usaly inspect my bike nearly every time before I go riding Makes good since to check the nuts and bolts.Knowing everything is tight makes for a better ride.Was taught to check your bike by my uncle's when I was getting into bikes and that's always stayed with me.I just wish they were still around to ride with.

  • @JD-en6ph
    @JD-en6ph Před 5 lety +11

    Thank you for the information on the shifter lever. After watching the video I went out and checked mine to make sure things were tight.

  • @vet_rider-om9jl
    @vet_rider-om9jl Před měsícem +1

    I just went through the situation you were talking about. Had to remove the transmission inners to replace the shifter pawl assembly. Just now getting everything ready for assembly. Thanks Doc for all you do for us.

  • @miketrevino8761
    @miketrevino8761 Před 3 lety +2

    Once a week on my bike a week. Brake lever, shift linkage, go around put an allen wrench on each bolt. Every week some of them bolts are 1/4 turn to snug. So absolutely check your stuff.

  • @tomdean8416
    @tomdean8416 Před 2 lety +2

    I replaced this lever with a Beueller's Better Lever. It is a 2 piece instead of the pinch bolt. I still check it routinely, but it has never loosened in over 10 yrs.

  • @goyeabuddy
    @goyeabuddy Před 3 lety +1

    i had this fail on my 1989 FXLR lowrider while on a roadtrip.. my parking lot repair was, clean shaft/arm with spray cleaner,
    use 271 {red} Loctite, new bolt and torque bolt as much as i could. since we were at the motel, i let the Loctite 'set-up' for
    12 hrs or so.. this repair worked well, so well that i used the bike for 8 more years before i sold it with this repair!

  • @WardInstruments
    @WardInstruments Před 5 lety +8

    This is a great video. Thank you! Just checked mine and it's very loose. (Not for long, though.)
    Edit: If you need a new screw and don't want to go to the dealership, it's a 5/16 - 24 by 1" Grade 8 fastener. Takes a 1/4" Allen wrench.

  • @jobeta22
    @jobeta22 Před 5 lety +3

    Great tip. Thanks, Doc and Low Country HD. Keep up the great work.

  • @miketodd8640
    @miketodd8640 Před 5 lety +4

    Another great service tip from the "Doc". Thanks.

  • @200hit
    @200hit Před 5 lety +2

    Excellent DOC!!! Thanks for helping us save money and riding safe!

  • @wessonsmith1373
    @wessonsmith1373 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Great video. Clear and to the point. Thank you.

  • @jlc904ubc
    @jlc904ubc Před 5 lety +2

    Thanks Doc. Great info. I've heard that can be something to check regularly.

  • @aroutz2
    @aroutz2 Před 5 lety +2

    Excellent advice, thank you!

  • @clarencewilliams7207
    @clarencewilliams7207 Před rokem +2

    Great information Doc small things can turn into costly repairs 😮

  • @stephenmoretti3528
    @stephenmoretti3528 Před 4 lety +1

    Hey doc, so appreciative of your knowledge, a hundred and three thanks.

  • @hazmat6866
    @hazmat6866 Před 5 lety +1

    Great advice. Learned a lot from you Doc.

  • @rickcastillo3573
    @rickcastillo3573 Před 5 lety +1

    Great tip. Thanks Doc!

  • @BusterKitten
    @BusterKitten Před 5 lety +2

    The Doc is my hero!!

  • @bobclapper2672
    @bobclapper2672 Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks for the tips

  • @jmeyer58
    @jmeyer58 Před 5 lety +1

    Great video of a real world problem and solution. Keep up the good work.

  • @Davidm1956
    @Davidm1956 Před rokem +2

    Really basic but essential information, Doc. Thanks a bunch

  • @cliffordperanio9929
    @cliffordperanio9929 Před 3 lety

    Thanks for the heads up. Going to check mine right now

  • @meinolffrenzel3302
    @meinolffrenzel3302 Před 3 lety +1

    As a german i really appriciate your clean english👍🏻 there are many technikal Support Videos in the net, but unfortunately I don't understand them . Also your Support is still the best.
    Would love to work with you together. Should I ever come back to the US, I'll take time for a visit. Best regards from Germany👍🏻😎

  • @scottgorman7166
    @scottgorman7166 Před 5 lety +1

    Doc great tip! Gonna check it in the am when I change out my leaking stater plug.

  • @davidnanze8697
    @davidnanze8697 Před 5 lety

    I will be taking a look at mine. Thanks Doc.

  • @kmeades43
    @kmeades43 Před 5 lety +1

    Great video Doc. Thanks for the heads up!
    Ride safe from Sydney Australia.

  • @BoxofRain-ff4td
    @BoxofRain-ff4td Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks! Good job

  • @robtempleman1139
    @robtempleman1139 Před 5 lety +4

    Another good tip! I enjoy all your vidoes & have learned either how to repair various issues or to know that maybe I need professional assistance. Thanks!!!

  • @Easyliving2009
    @Easyliving2009 Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks for the great information! People like you taking your time to do videos like this sure helps people more than you think. I think I seen mine loose, and was going to take it to a shop. But now I can just do it myself on my time & dime. Thanks!!!! 👍🏻✌🏻

    • @tommyt2854
      @tommyt2854 Před 5 lety

      @Dissident Aggressor lol, thanks. An amazingly simple fix for a problem I've been overthinking for days....
      You know what's really funny (in an "oh, just kick me in the ass cuz I'm stupid" way), is that I vaguely vaguely remember taking a slicing wheel on a 4" grinder to do just that, as a kid on a dirt bike I had....

  • @jackplace993ify
    @jackplace993ify Před 2 lety +1

    Thanks great information

  • @rayf534
    @rayf534 Před 2 lety +2

    Great info for new riders! You must! Do a precheck or preventive maintenance on your bike before every ride so you can be confident that your bike will perform and endure so you can focus on the road and enjoy the ride .Great vid Doc ! 👍✌😎

  • @gucci4871
    @gucci4871 Před 5 lety

    Great tip😀thanks Doc Harley

  • @Splicer1970
    @Splicer1970 Před 4 lety

    Thanks for the tip!

  • @CSMIRC
    @CSMIRC Před 5 lety

    Great informative videos . Thanks for sharing

  • @hatfieldmccoy2359
    @hatfieldmccoy2359 Před 3 lety +6

    If the splines go bad, you don’t have to remove the transmission from the case. Jims makes a tool where you can easily change it out while the transmission is still in the case, saves a lot of time and work! Btw I enjoy all of your videos and am a huge fan of yours!

    • @darrinleazer6784
      @darrinleazer6784 Před 11 měsíci +1

      Can you be a little bit more Pacific about Jim's. Is that a manufacturer or a dealer? Just in case it ever happens to my bike

    • @Raspi454
      @Raspi454 Před 17 dny +1

      @@darrinleazer6784 tool manufacturer, makes a lot of specialty tools for Harley's

  • @johnnyturbo8460
    @johnnyturbo8460 Před 5 lety +2

    Thanks Doc Harley

  • @61espo
    @61espo Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks Doc!

  • @mjkingmike
    @mjkingmike Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks Doc I didn't know until your video. New bolt fixed.

  • @dougfresh1341
    @dougfresh1341 Před 4 lety +1

    Great video. This is near the top on tech tips. Also search "5 things to tighten on a Harley".
    We appreciate all you guys helping us keep 'em runnin'.

  • @Johnr37us
    @Johnr37us Před 5 lety

    Thank you Doctor. I’m also the person that suggested that you do the Video on the throttle tube

  • @toro5338
    @toro5338 Před rokem +1

    Serious and professional as usual ❗
    The best Harley YT channel which really cares 'bout riders and their bikes 👍💚

  • @TrueSkoolMusic
    @TrueSkoolMusic Před rokem +1

    Perfect thank you!

  • @whizkeyman2022
    @whizkeyman2022 Před měsícem +1

    Once again great info Doc!

  • @joshuaherndon7380
    @joshuaherndon7380 Před 3 lety +2

    Doc, I just discovered your channel recently and love the tech tips. This one hits close to home for me. I ride a 2012 Road King. In 2016 I took a road trip from Charleston to California and back. In Jamestown, CA my shifter fell off the transmission shaft. I was able to get it back on and ride it to the Harley dealer where the techs were very helpful in replacing the bolt with a new one. I think this is a major oversight on the engineers part. Why do they use a completely threaded bolt instead of using a shoulder bolt. The thin threads are subject to compression from the vibration thus allowing enough room for the lever to slide off the shaft. Fortunately the splines on my transmission shaft were not damaged. I made it back across country with no more issues although I checked the play of the lever many many times out of paranoia. When I got home I replaced the lever and the OEM bolt with a proper length shoulder bolt and installed with lock tight. That was close to 25,000 miles ago now and it has not loosened. Thanks again for producing these videos. I have learned a lot watching them.

    • @LowCountryHarleyDavidson
      @LowCountryHarleyDavidson  Před 3 lety +2

      Josh can you put in an application at H-D? We could really use your On The Road experience in the engineering department. Thanks ~ Doc

  • @justatoolgaming3776
    @justatoolgaming3776 Před 2 měsíci +1

    THANKS DOC

  • @BruceLee-xn3nn
    @BruceLee-xn3nn Před 5 lety

    This is important on any atv or motorcycle

  • @longdaysandhardworkatramra8260

    This guy's voice is amazing.

  • @Alemonian86
    @Alemonian86 Před 5 lety +5

    Doc Harley, your videos are excellent and your instruction tremendously helpful. Look forward to meeting you in person one day when visiting your dealership.

  • @dannyburgess2781
    @dannyburgess2781 Před 2 lety

    Thank. You. Doc. Steps

  • @ChristianXProper
    @ChristianXProper Před 17 dny +1

    Literally this is my problem! Thank you

  • @chrisphilhower6029
    @chrisphilhower6029 Před 5 lety +1

    Had a 2015 Street 750. Had to tighten my Shifter Pedal. The part where it connects to the input side of the Trans. If I remember correctly, I felt it when shifting gears.

  • @waynesiminski8268
    @waynesiminski8268 Před 5 lety +10

    Great tip. Most people would never think of checking that till it’s too late. Do you put a little blue thread locker on that bolt? Thanks.

  • @josteinhisen75
    @josteinhisen75 Před rokem +1

    Wow. I like your video. I just by my first Harley a Electra glide 2012. And god tips to look true your bike its nice. Thanks a lot.

  • @Otis884
    @Otis884 Před 5 lety

    Gonna check mine right now.

  • @dannyburgess2781
    @dannyburgess2781 Před 2 lety

    Thank. You. Doc.

  • @39simpleman
    @39simpleman Před 5 lety

    Thanks, I just had a problem with something similar to that on my trike.

  • @mattmattes3913
    @mattmattes3913 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Last year I had to replace shifter pawl assembly on my 87 Heritage Softail (broke the stock shifter pawl spring - replaced it with a Baker unit). I replaced the allen pinch bolt on the shifter lever coming out of the tranny with a 12 point bolt. Same grade of bolt as an Allen but far easier to properly torque without the risk of stripping the hex of socket head cap screw.

    • @LowCountryHarleyDavidson
      @LowCountryHarleyDavidson  Před 10 měsíci

      Well done…..Doc

    • @mattmattes3913
      @mattmattes3913 Před 10 měsíci

      Thanks Doc. Just so folks know, the flange on the head of a 12 point bolt is the same as the head diameter of a socket head cap screw. Just check your McMaster-Carr catalog. They give you all the specs and dimensions of any hardware they sell. If you get one of their catalogs, never loan it out, you may never see it again.

  • @deantaylor1512
    @deantaylor1512 Před 3 lety

    Will check mine asp...
    brilliant tips here ...appreciated...

  • @SmoothRuffian
    @SmoothRuffian Před 4 lety

    Dang, I'm going to check mine right now!

  • @stephenmoretti3528
    @stephenmoretti3528 Před 4 lety

    Thanks doc.

  • @darrinleazer6784
    @darrinleazer6784 Před 11 měsíci +1

    I have actually seen this on my own bike. And yes' I noticed that it is loose, so' Doc I definitely appreciate you sharing this little bit of very important message. Because tomorrow morning I'm definitely going to fix that problem before it becomes a bigger problem.

    • @LowCountryHarleyDavidson
      @LowCountryHarleyDavidson  Před 11 měsíci +1

      That makes it all worth it 👍….Doc

    • @darrinleazer6784
      @darrinleazer6784 Před 11 měsíci

      @@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I actually would like to ride down there and visit the shop sometime. I live here in Lexington NC. But' since I used to have to drive through SC, to get to a job site, ( I'm a welder by trade) I know that right after you start getting pass Charlotte, just as you are starting to get on the county line, the traffic is bad. It actually gets me nervous to even drive through there, because of them doing road work in the area. I'm trying to find a different route to get there riding my bike, and just visit the shop or store there. Anyway' I really enjoy watching your videos, and I have learned so much about what needs to be done to keep up the maintenance on my bike. I will definitely try to get down there soon though.

  • @oswardg15
    @oswardg15 Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks for sharing these videos! I have an harley 48 2016 when i ride for long periods i can not find the N, it does not appear the N light but the bike it moves in neutral.

  • @richcanfield1387
    @richcanfield1387 Před 5 lety +1

    SO simple....and SO important....Thanks Doc! Just send me your bill......

  • @danbrown5746
    @danbrown5746 Před rokem +1

    I absolutely love this guy. He should be teaching mc techs

  • @kakarote2277
    @kakarote2277 Před 4 lety

    I’m gonna do that NOW!!!

  • @Mikego55
    @Mikego55 Před 4 lety +1

    I had this exact problem, after buying a used motorcycle, it’s a “pull the primary, yank the transmission, a variety of specialized tools and for me 3 days of walking back and forth and around the bike. “ not including $500 for parts and tools.

  • @raylouis
    @raylouis Před rokem +1

    I bought a used bike with starter problems, every dealer said it needed a starter. (CLICK CLICK & kick back) One day it would not start when far from home. (TOW TRUCK TIME) Jumped the bike off the battery, still click click. Then used Jumper cable, One side to battery and the other to frame. Bike started up, then I knew there was a bad ground. Got Home and took seat off, cleaned both ground wires, Bike runs great with full voltage and starts great with full AMPS. Maybe you can say something about the ground wires under the seat. (KEEP THEM CLEAN AND TIGHT)

  • @greggcavalier9171
    @greggcavalier9171 Před 3 lety

    I invented a part called the grease eliminator, it's a bushing that fits on the shift shift. Keeps grease in and rattles out

  • @terryschieble6248
    @terryschieble6248 Před 5 lety +10

    That bolt should receive blue loctite as well.

    • @Mikego55
      @Mikego55 Před 4 lety +1

      New bolts from the dealer come with factory applied locktite

  • @simplex4297
    @simplex4297 Před 2 lety +1

    Doc, If you have the primary covers off and the shift lever exposed ,I remove the lever and drill a 3 mm hole that just touches the spline bore opposite the clamping slot on the lever, this allows more clamping compression and takes up any slack ( the lever Is softer than the axle spline).I do this mod to all Harleys that require removal of the primary cases when they are in my shop. Have not had a failure yet.

  • @ricardoquijano8501
    @ricardoquijano8501 Před 5 lety +1

    One damn screw can do a lot of damage! Man this sucks if it ever happens. Great video.

  • @freizeitvideos5739
    @freizeitvideos5739 Před 4 lety

    it's a bad thing that Doc's service clinic is so far away from central europe, my serviceman of trust.

  • @nateryan7041
    @nateryan7041 Před 4 lety +1

    Hi Doc harley i love the videos im a big fan 👍 im watching all the way ireland i have a 200y dyna and im putting mid mounts back on her for a differient look can you pleade help me with a tutorial of how to in stall the new shift shaft for the mid controls do i need to remove the primary ??ive just bought a second hand set of mid mounts and linkages and i need to buy a shift shaft but If theres anything you can help with that would be great thanks

  • @snomobila
    @snomobila Před 5 lety +1

    Universal Joint...YOUR BEST FRIEND!

  • @archer4556
    @archer4556 Před 5 lety +2

    Hey Doc, great vlog...is this your way of giving us the gears on keeping things tight, lol

  • @bobrosso9147
    @bobrosso9147 Před 3 lety +1

    Doc.....what tool do you recommend for drifting out the shift shaft bushings in the inner primary cover? Would it be best to replace them when the engine is hot?

  • @michaellomazzo7776
    @michaellomazzo7776 Před 5 lety

    Great video doc.would blue loctite be applicable

  • @kennethparton7463
    @kennethparton7463 Před 3 lety

    Can i move my shifter closer to me. I have an 03 anniversary edition HD super wide fxd? Thanks for the help

  • @Bushgator
    @Bushgator Před 4 lety +2

    In what gear do you check for the free play like you showed in the Video? Also Doc what is the size of the bolt that I need to replace if needed?

  • @Kevin_747
    @Kevin_747 Před 5 lety +3

    That bolt should be routinely checked. I have tightened them on the side of the road for riders who think thats where you do preventative maintenance. The whole gear shifter set up sees a lot of use, obviously.

    • @chucksplace1
      @chucksplace1 Před rokem

      What’s the name of that bolt when I call Harley?

  • @christhomas4521
    @christhomas4521 Před 4 lety

    Hi Doc I like your your u tube videos. Do you have a utube video out on how to remove the transmission from its housing while still bolted to the rest of the motor and frame?

  • @Jc-ei7hz
    @Jc-ei7hz Před 3 lety

    There is a aftermarket lever from better lever for this problem that will prevent the need of disassembling the transmission.

  • @QBama100
    @QBama100 Před měsícem

    Doc do you have a part number for shift lever?

  • @stevek8829
    @stevek8829 Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks for that. For want of a nail the shoe was lost.

  • @EARDRUMASSASSIN
    @EARDRUMASSASSIN Před 2 lety +1

    My shifter lever kept getting loose, changed it to an arp bolt and hasn’t loosened up since.

  • @Knuckledragnation
    @Knuckledragnation Před rokem

    Doc what size Allen is that?

  • @vinnypandolfo6195
    @vinnypandolfo6195 Před rokem

    I understand that our bikes wear. Yet the entire shift assembly setup needs to be addressed once and for all! This is a constant issue and it's sad that the engineers haven't addressed and remedied it. This issue continues to plague even the late model touring bikes more often than not. I get it, I've added it to my monthly checklist of things they may get loose. It's happening far too long for the engineers not to do something about it.

  • @MrHornetom
    @MrHornetom Před 3 lety

    I have a 1998 fatboy and that shift lever is loose. I tightened it and it is still loose. I went behind the primary case with a bore scope and the rod moves when I move the lever back and forth which indicates to me that it’s tight and something is going on inside the transmission. I know it’s hard to say without seeing it yourself but any idea of what it could be?

  • @jeffreyengle2762
    @jeffreyengle2762 Před 5 lety +5

    Blue locktite on that bolt?????

  • @KATTHUNDER
    @KATTHUNDER Před 3 lety

    Checked mine and it's was loose..... Thanks "Doc".....

  • @NealHartsChannel
    @NealHartsChannel Před rokem

    The correct torque is hard to find in my service manual for my 2006 Fat Boy. I think its supposed to be 18-22 ft-lbs 24-30 Nm

  • @rogerbaldwin8498
    @rogerbaldwin8498 Před 4 lety

    You have great videos, thank you.
    I have a question: people with other videos are saying to:
    Pre loading the shifter on a Harley Davidson when shifting gears (applying light pressure on the shifter), it will make quicker and smother shifts?
    I would think this will cause premature ware on the transmission.
    What is your view on this method?

    • @LowCountryHarleyDavidson
      @LowCountryHarleyDavidson  Před 4 lety +1

      Why is anyone in a hurry to shift? There is play in the shift assembly. So taking up that free play is ok without hurting any parts. Note: I did this “Internet” suggestion until I rode a 120R built Harley. When I hit the gas my body rocked back and foot shifted into the next gear! What a ride😆 Thanks ~ Doc

  • @twsmith221
    @twsmith221 Před 4 lety +1

    Great video! How do you feel about starting the bike in gear, clutch in sitting on the bike. Is there potential damage being caused?

  • @scrumthebum2451
    @scrumthebum2451 Před 5 lety +1

    Anyone know the bolt size & thread ?

  • @chrispybattyone5937
    @chrispybattyone5937 Před 4 lety

    Can we put blue Loctite on that thread?