I am having trouble going through the gears. i can usually get neutral, first and second but the shift lever doesn't seem to be "coming back". it stays down or up

 

Sounds like a broken shift pawl return spring inside the transmission. This is from the Evo section, but contains more information.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...wl-spring.html

 

clean & lube the linkage

 

 

Disconnect Shifter Rod 31 by removing acorn nut 13. Verify free movement of Shift Lever. If it doesn't move freely you need to take apart..clean...lube., 29 and the shaft that
runs trough them. This may not be your bike but you will figure it out. Same thing happened to my bike also.

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....TER%20ASSEMBLY

If that doesn't do it. Then its probably in the transmission. Good Luck!

 

Thanks for everyone's help. I will start by cleaning the linkage. Can it have anything to do with the lubricant? I changed it at the end of last season with the syn 3 engine oil. The problem started before that, but seemed better initially. i didn't have a lot of time to ride before I put the bike away for the winter. I had the dealer store it over the winter and it worked fine when I brought it home. Then I went to go for a ride the night before last and it started acting up. I never noticed the lever hanging up like that before though.

 

I found this very helpful channel on you tube that seems to offer the same advice as everyone who replied to this post. Another thing I learned about while searching the web, was that the entire linkage needs to be periodically adjusted and/or tightened up. I feel a bit intimidated by the details. Would centering the pawl be something best left to the dealership or reputable mechanic? Thanks again for everyone's help. it is greatly appreciated.

 

Once again, I would like to thank everyone for their help. The problem was corrosion on the shift linkage. I replaced the bushings and coated the shaft with anti-seize. I am very thankful that it wan't a bigger issue. My bike is up and running just fine. I wish the weather would improve the same way. Thanks again for everyone's help. I learned a great deal.