I have new RKC (about a month old). I took off the heal shifter so only use the toe. Sometimes when I shift up it's smooth as could be (with the normal clunk). But sometimes it takes considerably more effort. Is this just another Harley quirk?

 

I just got my RK on 4/4. I was surprised when I got it how much noise there was when I shifted compared to my old shovel, although I put a lot of time into the shovel trans while I was in it. I noticed it was smooth sometimes, rather noisy and more effort at others. Now, almost 1000 miles later, it is getting very consistent, much quieter and smoother. I'm thinking maybe a little wear in? If you have to physically "push" to get it into gear, I suggest a quick trip back to the dealership.

 

Is this when shifting through all of the gears or just certain gears?
I would think the dealer would have ensured all the lubricant levels were correct before going out the door.

 

The few times it happens it is in all the gears (although I haven't gotten to sixth yet). Then I come to a stop, start all over again and it's smooth again. As I said, it has only happened a few times and maybe after a few more miles it will work itself out. I have about 250 miles on it.

 

I think this is the key. My RK really smoothed out and ran much better once I had 7-8,000 miles on it. Give it some time and some miles.

 

This may be silly, but I will ask. I test drove an 05 Road King Classic that had the exact same problem you discribe. When I got back to the dealer I looked it over and discovered that when they removed theheal shifter they did not put the spacer in and that was causing the shift linkage to be pushed over into the motor causing a spot to wear into the motor. Just checking..................