I've been working in the primary of my 1991 sportster 1200 I took it completely apart all the way even pulling the gears from the tranny I've gotten it back together but now I only have 1 down and 3 up while shifting what could be causing it to not go into forth any help is appreciated thanks

 

1 down and 3 up is four gears .

 

Come on , don't be embarrassed . We've all done it . 😁

 

I always jack the rear end and run through the gears after shifter pawl adjustment. I Make sure it shifts through all of the gears multiple times.

why did you tear everything down?

 

I often wonder whether my posts are invisible .

 

I see them but then I am wearing special x-ray glasses I got years ago from the back of a comic book.
1 up 3 down is 4 only if you don't start at 0.

 

But the OP reports one down and three up which is exactly what you would expect to find on a four speed bike . One down , one up through neutral to second , up to third and up to fourth . Anyway , thanks for the reply . 😁👍

 

Yeah, They count funny in some parts of Ohio!

 

I think a 91 Sportster would be a five speed transmission.

 

FYI:
https://bikez.com/motorcycles/harley..._1200_1991.php

Displacement: 1198.0 ccm (73.10 cubic inches) Engine type: V2, four-stroke Power: 58.0 HP (42.3 kW)) @ 5200 RPM Top speed: 155.0 km/h (96.3 mph) Compression: 9.0:1 Bore x stroke: 88.8 x 96.8 mm (3.5 x 3.8 inches) Valves per cylinder: 2 Fuel control: Overhead Valves (OHV) Cooling system: Air

Gearbox: 4-speed Transmission type,

final drive: Belt