I have 2012 FLHR with 2000 miles on it. Twice yesterday the gear shifter locked up downshifting. I went to downshift and it would not move, let the clutch out and then back in, still nothing. I shifted up let the clutch out, then in and it started working again. Never happened before, maybe It wasn't in gear just right or something. Anybody had this happen before?

 

I have had this happen once in a while on our 2011 Ultra, If it doesn't shift I let the clutch out, but not all the way & then hit the foot shift & she usually goes in, then everything is good, I have never been able to find the cause of the problem, I have adjusted the Clutch, Change to a differant gear oil But I guess it is just the nature of the beast.

 

Sounds like it's time for some warranty work.

 

I've also got a 2012 FLHR with 3500 miles on it, Happened to me last week, I did about the same as you clutch in and out, tried to shift up or down then it decided to work. Hasn't done it since, but I was a little freaked out.

 

Mine never did that but it was hard to shift when new. After approx 5K the trans shifted alot better and with the redLine ShockProof in it now........it shifts sweet

So hopefuly it will improve once broken in, sorry that all I got

 

warranty, take it in.

this can happen if the shifting mechanism is damaged- such as by using air impact tools on the clutch hub- which can damage the alignment of the internals, or it could be the external linkages.


I got trapped in 2nd on a rented M900 200 miles from my destination- a combination of revs, stomping and a bump free'd it up after about 40 minutes of sweating

mike

 

When it happened, where you downshifting a bunch of gears all at once stopped or going real slow? Both of my bikes have done that in those situations. Get's caught between two gears. Playing with the clutch and the shifter has always fixed it. I'm not sure the cause but it's got to cycle through each gear before it will shift into the next. If it's shifting fine now, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Even though its running fine now, I'd still take it to the dealer and have it looked at. If they find nothing, you're good to go. If somethings amiss, you can get it fixed. Also, if they find nothing, and you have trouble after the warranty's up, you have a paper trail that there was a problem.

 

Mine did that once. I don't know if this was the problem, but my rear connection (don't know what its called) on my shift linkage lever down at the transmission was loose. It was sliding in and out on the shaft that was connected to the transmission. There is a spring over that shaft. I took it in and the mechanic said the pinch bolt holding that lever on the shaft was loose. He tighten it and have not had it happen since.

 

Yes Edwardk, I was downshifting a bunch of gears just like you said. I think it is just something that happens and maybe if I pay attention a little more and don't downshift all at once it won't happen again. Thanks, not gonna worry bout it for now. Thanks to all that responded.