I just bought a 2002 xlh1200 sportster from someone out of state and I was unable to test ride it before I bought it. Now that I have it I noticed when you come to a stop and downshift back into first gear that the shifter can still move down. it goes and gear and does not pop out of gear or anything but on my other bike once you are in first gear the shifter will not move down at all. Does anyone know if this is the sign of a problem or do you think that the linkage just needs to be adjusted.

 

That is normal for the older Sportsters My wife's 02 does the same thing...

 

Yep. Mine does it too. The cam/lever moves, but it doesn't rotate the drum, so there is nothing to worry about. Helps me make sure I'm all the way in 1st if I get distracted and forget to count gears.

 

ok cool, every other bike that i have owned once it is first that shifter will not move down at all.

 

Nope. You're good.

 

As they say, a Harley is more like an AK47 than an AR15. A little bit of wiggle in the shifter is OK. If you ever pull the primary cover you'll find it has even more wiggle.