It happened to me, and it could have easily killed me because I was merging into 70 mph interstate traffic and suddenly there was no third gear.

Mine went out about 20K miles, and there's no warning it's going bad. Mine shifted fine from 1st to 2nd, then it was broken when I went to 3rd. Everybody worries about cam chain tensioners these days, and this should be on the list too.

By all means, go to an auto parts store and get replacement heim joints, also called "rod ends". The cheapo ball-in-socket ones that come stock are deadly. Almost.

 

Look what I found...

http://www.landmarkmfg.com/Linkage_Rod_End.html
http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=166

I'm goin' for the Midwest Control part #CTF-5S, it has the stud as per the drawing... part #CTF-5 does not have the stud.

 

Anyone have a pic of the actual part that fails on the shift linkage? Is it just the bolt running through the shift peg arm?

 

I dont have a pic, but I can tell you what fails, and why you have no idea it will till it does. Theres a stupid little spring clip inside the socket that breaks under pressure (and wear). Since its inside the socket, you dont know its broke till the socket falls off the ball. Then you'd better pray you have some bailing wire handy to mickey mouse it back together or you'll be stranded on the side of the road.

The reason everyone switches to heim joints is theyre bullet-proof. They cant break, and even if the nylon wears out, all they get is sloppy.

And for those of you that havent had a stock joint break yet, just wait. Tomorrows another day....

 

yer scarin' me I'm gonna order one now!

lol

 

It has nothing to do with the shifter arm. It's the joint where the linkage connects.

Go HERE, and when the picture comes up, you'll see the linkage as part #130. Zoom into the ends of the linkage and you'll see the POS ends with a bolt sticking out. Those unscrew off the ends of the linkage. That's what you want to replace with heim joints.

edit-that link is to a 2006 Road Glide, but that's not the only bike that the MOFOCO "saves money" on by scrimping on a $10 part.

 

Yeah ok, those two ends (I referred to as bolts I think) are the pieces I was picturing. Thanks man

 

Is that the correct threading on part CTF-5S? It shows 5/16-24

 

I think so... I found those links after searching through several posts from HD Forums & V Twin forums. It looks like this mod has been done many times over. I did notice the majority of info was comeing from the Touring group.

Every post I read mentioned 5/16-24... I'd go out to the garage & measure the one on my Dyna if it weren't for my broken leg that has to stay elevated.

 

You rest up bud!

If I have time between work and my little guy's boyscout stuff tonight I'll try to confirm.