Harley Shifter Shaft, Arm, & Linkage-Don't Get Stranded!

[@RyanUrlacher]

**IF YOU APPRECIATE WHAT WE'RE DOING TO HELP BIKERS WORLDWIDE-SUPPORT US-SHOP IN OUR STORE ==> shop.lawabidingbiker.com

[@melloello7057]

Ryan Urlacher do you sell the after market linkage you are using in your store?

[@ronaldross6001]

Last night riding 2 W NJ my ‘08 FLHR RKing remained stuck in 6 gear . Had to ride it in 6th. Noticed was the loose Shift arms. the toe shift was loose and from the shift shaft , same as the rear shift pedal.Did not get stuck, made home by shift manually with my L hand. Time to bring Baby Girl 2 Hannums for a good look over and repair. This problem is wi’ older models as well as ‘14’s and up.STUCK IN 1,2 3rd.And Hannums’s is shut down due to the bug. Oh well.

[@dennispluto456]

@@ronaldross6001 09 road king same problem.

[@duncanbeckham3453]

Instablaster.

[@ronwilliams2215]

2017 trike have same problem

[@HarleyLimited]

2014 Limited. Purchased from dealership in July epoch failure 60 miles from the nearest city in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. $336.00 tow, to city with auto parts store but no motorcycle shop. 2 hours later a crusty biker drove up looked at me trying to cobble together a solution, told me he would return, 10 minutes later he showed up with all the parts i needed, and said " we don't leave bikers stranded, mail me back the parts when you get home". Got home went to Harley dealership bought brand new parts and $100.00 gift card and sent them to my guardian angel. Scrag your the best Now i check it everytime I ride

[@RyanUrlacher]

Dang~!

[@melloello7057]

Awesome story!!

[@kh491]

When bikers talk about showing class, that's it right there. He treated you like his brother!

[@JohnnyC10071959]

DAMN - that is awesome I ride a Gold Wing so no experience with being broke down but I am impressed with the generosity of strangers

[@joelricobene4147]

Now that's a great story !!

[@Erpoicpo]

Had the same issue On my 2014 ultra Limited while on my way to a Patriot Guard mission for a fallen hero. My plan was to hand shift to get there and deal with it later. I was about 5 miles from where i needed to be. Fortunately a Good Samaritan handy man was stood up for an appointment at the residence I stopped in front of. He graciously not only took me to a dealership for parts but hung around to make sure she was fixed. Refused to accept anything for his time and just asked to pay it forward. My kind of guy.

[@royhall3760]

Mine came off on a country road with my wife. Just so happened we were in front of a couple of retired machinist sitting on the porch drinking beers. Had me back together in 15mins stayed and drank beers for 30 more!

[@RyanUrlacher]

Awesome story!!

[@jruppel46]

As I was at the last exit before home from a 4800+ trip, I lost the linkage. Fortunately I was in third gear and was able to limp the last 5 miles home. The bike is im the shop now for that and a couple of other things. I told my husband that I really didn't look at it close enough to see what part of it failed and truth is I have never looked at it well enough to know how it all went together. Now I know and probably could have fixed it myself with your excellent, well explained video! You are the best!!! PS I'm a female, 77 years old and I still plan on riding until I can't!!

[@dborthopt]

Heard a rattle on my bike in area of shifter. This video showed up and now I found why there was a rattle! Awesome. Thanks Ryan!

[@glenmcnew304]

This happened to me two years ago on my 11' RG Ultra with 22k miles. Today (7/23/23) the rear shift arm came off. I got it back on and kept a little pressure on the toe shifter to get back home. Wish I would have known about your channel back then, but you just taught me that I need to replace the linkage arm and what I need to do to fix my rear shift arm. Thank you. Funny that in 5 years I never had problems with my 09' Kawasaki Nomad 1700, so far I have had these issues and had to replace the ABS module. My riding friend told me that was a far superior bike....but it isn't a Harley.😆

[@skylersmith9363]

This linkage fell apart on mine I was able to rig it back together with hose claps and zip ties Finished the last 500 miles to home Even rode it to my local shop the next day. They all got a good laugh out of it. Hose clamps were always in my bag in my desert cross days and I always carry them on my street glide cross country rides. Love the content keep it up.

[@tomrock53]

Yep. Returning home to NY from Kentucky, in the middle of Pennsylvania, my 2015 Roadglide with 1700 miles just failed to shift. No warning, just stuck in 4th gear. Pulled into a Quick Fill and looked bike over. My toe/heel shifter lever was flopping around and thought to myself, "this can't be good." and I was right! Called AAA, waited 3 hours for the flat bed tow truck, me and the wife rode with the driver 92 miles to the Harley shop. Luckily they were open until 7pm, we got there at 5:30. The shop had to pirate the parts off an existing bike, 1/2 hour later we were on our way. Hats off to "Larry's Harley Davidson" in Pennsylvania on Rt.6 , they really helped us out. Hope this helps anyone in this situation.

[@robertrohrs9195]

After watching this I went out and checked mine, yep it's loose. Thank you for this video, might have saved me a huge problem.

[@TomGlander]

Harley Davidson has mastered the art of built in obsolescence. Strong work, HD. Immediately spend money on upgrades after every new bike purchase.

[@michaelt5617]

If this happens to you on the road (and you should always have your travel tool kit) flip the shaft backwards and use the good splines under your heel toe shifters for the linkage and stick your toe shifter on the damage splines. The splines on the outward side don't have any play like the linkage side and won't wear, the shifter level clamp is wider and can hold the damaged splines without moving and get you to a garage. I was 50 miles from home with no open Harley when mine failed, I got her home without issue doing just this.

[@sleekassassin6067]

I got a 06 and just checked it and sure is loose just ordered all the parts thanks for the video

[@DonAppignani]

Mine fell apart this weekend when we were on a trip 250 miles from home on the interstate at night in a driving rain storm. Ducked under an overpass and when I went to leave I could not get it out of first gear. Had 14 miles to go to the hotel. Put it back together and made to the hotel. Checked it all in the morning and found it was worn. Harley dealer was about 12 miles away and made it there to buy new parts. I will definitely check this more often now, especially before I go on any long trips.

[@JustMe-f9s]

I have a 2014 Harley. Davidson, limited. Driving down the road shaft and shifter completely stopped. It was sloppy. I thought the bolts were loose nope. Head to go home, shifting with my hand down the freeway stuck in a traffic jam. Just lovely but I repaired it after watching your video. You guys rock.

[@davedeja]

My son's '13 Road Glide had this issue. Stripped out on him mid way between Detroit and BFE Kentucky. Luckily they were able to get it rigged well enough to complete the ride and get back home. Thanks for the video and the info!

[@RussGrunebach]

My 2014 Ultra Limited just failed this weekend. Amazingly it happend at the end of 146 mile ride! I was able to make it home initially the rear shifter was still working and then nothing, came down my strett in 3rd gear and drifted into my driveway! Very blessed. Now I'm watching vidoes like yours about this common probelm!

[@johnk9178]

Had a 2014 Ultra classic and had to Replace my shifter shaft and arm at about 14000 miles was 200 miles from home was able to jimmy it and it got me home.

[@fishslayersinc.5099]

I just picked up a 2017 Iron 883. Bike runs great and does everything I need for Intown use. Was watching this video on KZbin and went and checked my shift lever. It was Loose as hell and already working its way off. Probably would have fallen off on my next ride and I would have been stranded. Thank you and I appreciate that you're looking out for your fellow Riders

[@adambussell31]

2014 Street Glide and it just happened to me an hour ago. Watching to see how to fix.

[@samr.7975]

2014 Street Glide Special. 17k miles on the bike and yes it happened to us yesterday on our way home. about 7 miles from the house. I saw what was going on with the shifter shaft so i decided to get back on the road to try and make it home. My girlfriend worked the clutch while i reached down and shifted the linkage by hand. it actually worked and got us home. WE WERE LUCKY. The day before we were over 100 miles from the house. im not a religious man but someone was looking over us. I got the parts today and will change them tomorrow. i love this video. i dont even think i'll have to get my manual out the toolbox. Very helpful. Thanks Ryan

[@RyanUrlacher]

Rock on!

[@dalekrispin7091]

Had this issue 3 times even though I check tightness every year, once on my 2015 Road Glide special ridding through NH to Laconia, 2018 Road King Special on a local ride, and already replaced it on my 2019 Road Glide Ultra under warranty was only 9 months old.

[@careyfriesen6702]

Maybe a late report but I had this exact issue on my ‘14 Ultra Classic, with ~12000 miles. I was 400 miles from home on the morning of the last day of an 8 day, 3000 mile trip through SD, ID, UT, CO. Glad it didn’t happen while I was in the Rockies. Whew! After trying to tighten things up, I shifted by hand for the 400 miles back to Omaha, yes without the clutch. I think it cost me $200 and I honestly thought it would be a warranty or recall. Nope. Thanks for your great videos. Already taken advice and some info for my own repairs. Prob going to get heated grips this winter while the ‘17 RGS is in hibernation.

[@sharkrider4983]

Failed on my 2016 Roadglide Ultra on a a busy interstate 80 miles from home. Also on a 2011 Roadglide in the middle of nowhere. Both around 25k miles.

[@jaymclanigan]

Ryan, I have been a professional m/c mechanic for over 50 years. I’ve seen this as far back as the 70's on many brands of bikes its poor quality metal (very soft) and too fine splines. I’ve seen many very sloppy and the pinch bolts are tight. On Harleys I see it more on bikes with heal shifters. I cringe when a rider lifts their whole leg and mash down on that poor shifter, I can hear gears crashing over loud pipes. If rpms are right you can shift with NO clutch or gear noise, I do it often. My personal 04 RK have never had to tighten bolts. I do agree linkage rod is junk, I did replace mine. Love your channel, just subscribed.

[@bmcswusnavy]

Happened to me on the Foothills Parkway right before we went on the Tail of the Dragon in 2015. 2006 Road Glide w/ 24K miles.

[@twocents2557]

Yes happen to me on the way to sturgis in Casper Wyoming. There H-D shop did not have the parts, so I pulled the shifting arms off and put the back one on the front and made it rapid city South Dakota where they had the parts. O this was on a 2005 road king

[@cheech1450]

Happened last year on my '15 Limited. Replaced the shifter shaft (HD part) and the arm (Drag). This year I noticed the rear shifter was loose. I fixed this one with a repair I had read about years ago. I bought a grade 8 bolt to replace the original bolt so I could actually put some torgue on it.

[@tmltmltml6]

2015 Ultra limited Low. Shift linkage failed in summer of 2016. I had to manually get the bike into a highway gear range to reach my destination of approx 500km away. Ended up cooking off my clutch assembly, but I did manage self recovery at least. Another issue: A brother rider has a 2014 Ultra limited and his linkage splines went in the summer of 2015 when we were coming back from Sturgis. On our return from Sturgis that year, we met with 3 other bikers with the exact same problem. We were heading back home to Ontario Canada. Thanks for your videos and commitment to share with us. Excellent coverage of everything you do.

[@yayagazab4449]

I think the problem is having a heel shifter to begin with. Using your heel probably creates too much force overtime on on the potential failure points. I just stick with the toe shifter because you can be more delicate & precise.

[@RyanUrlacher]

I don't use a heel shifter and it happened to me. Many don't use heel shifters and take them off. Still happening.

[@johnnylightning1491]

I didn't have that issue with my shifter I had the bushing wear out. I replaced the bushings, bought an new shifter shaft which I center drilled and cross drilled between the bushings. I tapped the hole on the outboard end where I center drilled the shaft and put a screw in that hole to keep dirt and water. Now once year I give the shaft a squirt of grease and all's good. I use the rubber tip on my grease gun but I guess you could put a zerk on it if you wanted to. I just thought it was cleaner looking with the screw. 2007 Ultra bought new. One more thing, I don't use Loctite for a thread locker I use clear silicone. You can get it off without or undue effort and I've never had it fail in 40 years of riding. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@coyotelarry]

Thanks for the heads up on the shaft... the one on my 17 RG was very loose after 14k miles...

[@gmarcos95]

This happened to me 15 mins off the showroom floor on a new 2021 road glide special. And of course it was 8 PM, the dealer had just closed and I was about 25 miles from home on the 5 freeway. Glad I carry a roadside repair kit everywhere I go!

[@KMK122802]

Great video, I’m on the motor unit at work and this just happened to me 2 weeks ago on one of our 2009 Electra Glides. NOT GOOD! Especially when people laugh at the broke down policeman on the side of the road.

[@RyanUrlacher]

Ooooh man, that sucks. Hasn't happened on my 2018 Police Electra Glide, but I'm checking it often. We'll see. Fingers crossed.

[@williamjohnson6517]

@@RyanUrlacher anything with the M8 Mr HD made getting to the shifter shaft bolt and transmission shaft bolt a breeze.Plus the M8 motor is so much smoother especially at idle. Your Streetglide like mine vibrates a hell of a lot more hence these and other bolts work loose . Plus our bolts are a BITCH to get to. Go to any HD dealer with pre M8 motors and wiggle the shifter shaft linkage. I bet most of them are loose!😎

[@jim911fire]

15' SGS mine went out at midnight 50miles from home at about 14,000 miles. I now carry a spare shaft and arm in my saddle bag in case I or another club member need one. Approaching 50,000 miles with no other issues.

[@ropedb]

2015 Street Glide Special had to do some Southern engineering to get home at 15,000 miles

[@richardrowe6200]

FIRST OF ALL ,,THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS VIDEO!! I have a 2014 Road King &am. having the finding neutral problem right now. After watch a couple of videos about the" neutral " problem I found yours & now I have the confidence that I can do the job myself . Just now watching the video again & seeing how much play Lurch es heal toe shifter had it it.I stepped into the garage to check mine ,any it barley has any slack at all ,but it is in first gear.I ordered the shift lever and shaft ,and hope that takes care of the problem. THANKS AGAIN!!!!!

[@vernonpoweakabolo]

Had this happen to me about 3 years ago on my 2011 Street Glide.

[@stevenfrith5454]

2009 Super Glide shift shaft arm bolt came loose, unable to shift.rode home in 3rd gear !!

[@ronaldrutan4981]

2015 FLHTK Ultra-Glide (66K miles). Shifted to 1st and felt the shifter move further down than usual and couldn't get my toes under the shifter - I removed the heel shifter in 2015. I 'gear-jammed' the rest of the way to work through DC traffic. Thanks for this video! My tools are 'on the way' and I expect to fix this afternoon.

[@lou704]

Ryan, if the component is not one that requires monthly, quarterly or even yearly maintenance or adjustments, go with the Red Loctite. And more importantly, the torque spec on all bolts and nuts must be adhered in order to get the right stretch on the threads. Stay safe.

[@justinhohlbein6657]

13 RGC less that 10K miles. Happened to me on the hilly streets of Seattle when I was stationed in WA. Did a roadside fix that got me home but obviously had to replace. I started using my heel shifter only to find neutral after that. If you shift with your heel all the time this is a very known issue. Once I started using the toe shifter exclusively, I never had this issue again, I still have the same RGC. Stay safe out there everone!

[@andyvanveen8750]

It happened on my 2016 Ultra Limited at 49,000 miles when I was in the middle of no where! LOL

[@RyanUrlacher]

Naturally!! 😂

[@waltercrovo1264]

FLH’s since at least 1997 have had this issue. Worse when the splines on the shaft at the trans gets worn. Transmission needs to come out to replace shaft. I check them at oil change intervals. I engineered a longer shifter and had a custom broach made to close the tolerance on the shifter splines. Sold thousands of them. In 98 HD eliminated the grease fitting for that shifter shaft. I always used high impact grease. When I assemble. They are destined to fail. Even tho I maintain them I carry a shaft with an extended front shifter welded on when traveling. When I assemble I pinch the inside linkage and the front shifter and then tighten. That rubber spacer and vibration dampener gets beat up and allows the whole thing to rattle itself to death. Good video. Folks should find it very helpful. Thanks!!

[@RyanUrlacher]

Rock on! Good info

[@melloello7057]

2018 Ultra Limited, fine so far

[@adminadmin9997]

Any update 10 months later?

[@melloello7057]

@@adminadmin9997 nope, still good

[@daviscot71]

Great video. To your comments around the 7:00 mark, GREAT point. I've had the stock shift linkage (the front pressed ball joint) fail on me on a 2014 FXDL around 20,000 miles. Prior to that, I was unaware it was such a common point of failure. In hindsight, I cannot believe the stock linkage lasted 20k miles. I was able to get back on the road because I had some basic tools and tie-wraps to keep the ball in the socket for the remaining 600 miles home. Otherwise would have been stuck. The stock design is lousy, perhaps because they know so many people customize the shift linkage, they decided to build the stock shift linkage with the "minimally viable" product.

[@arlie505]

i love my harley but wonder wtf is with the engineers sometimes ! lol

[@JefferyT]

I've been asking the same question. Harley just doesn't care. They love the service costs.

[@jamiefultz5937]

Engineers design stuff so it will break and make it hard to work on so that u have to bring it in harley wants people that have to much monet to burn to buy their stuff not cheap people bc cheap people find ways to fix things bc they don't have the money to buy or pay someone to do it for them

[@ssgoku1983]

They make it to where you gotta spend money to fix instead of making it where will last for long time

[@dustincleary8161]

On this point... the little rubber captive piece in the hydraulic clutch line where it enters the bike on my 2019 road king special was not designed to come off, and further up the line was a clamp deal that had that line forever in its clutches also 😂 I had to snip my damn clutch line, it was wild. So unfriendly to owner mechanics

[@Charlies_Riding_Adventures]

@@ssgoku1983 after you already spend a lot of your hard earned cash for a bike.

[@jm1tm2]

I checked mine after watching this video. We are on our way to Colorado next week. My shift linkage is just about ready to fall apart. It looks just like lurches does in the video. I have the parts and I’m replacing it tomorrow. Thanks for the information.

[@RyanUrlacher]

U bet. Glad you found it. Ride safe & Ride Often! Here is a link to a bunch of our useful Free vids: www.lawabidingbiker.com/freevideos Here is a link to some of our useful for purchase videos: www.lawabidingbiker.com/buyvideos Want Answers & Information Fast? And help support us at the same time? Do you like the content we provide? Our patrons get answers to their questions/comments/feedback in less than 24 hrs and are part of our Private Facebook Group. If you are interested in being in this exclusive group you can get all the details at ==> www.lawabidingbiker.com/patreon If you haven't subscribed to the Law Abiding Biker Podcast make sure to do so. Listen in as we talk weekly about issues/items like this & so much more. You can listen on iTunes (Apple/IOS), Stitcher Radio (Android), or any other Podcast App ==> www.lawabidingbiker.com/podcast Join our free email club at /www.LawAbidingBiker.com/EmailClub. Only relevant content will be sent from time to time. Email club members are the first to find out about free or for sale content are given special coupon codes.

[@johnkobbi259]

After it’s fixed . Get rid of heel shifter . With out noticing. We hit or shift heel shift . Too hard . That is what makes them ware out so fast.

[@RyanUrlacher]

I never used a heel shifter at all and mine went.

[@joshbeat6279]

2014 flhtp. I'm currently in the process of changing all of mine out. It became extremely loose this past season, and it's time to freshen it up with all new parts.

[@kennethwise7108]

I might add that where I live (Pa) THIS IS THE VERY FIRST PLACE THE TECHNICIAN GOES TO WHENEVER YOU PULL YOUR BIKE INTO THE STEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION PURPOSES! Hmmm, I wonder why???? BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY CAN CHARGE THE CUSTOMER BIG BUCKS FOR FIXING IT!! CROOKS!!!!!!!

[@nobrainahmainah9160]

This just happened to me yesterday after a day ride around northern maine on a 2005 dyna low rider. I knew the shifter flipped around but it wouldn't pull off so I thought it might be normal. After failure to allow downshift I removed the shifter and noticed they had pounded the bolt up through and wasn't lined up with the groove for the bolt. I had to grind the back side of the shifter to allow it to go on far enough to ride in the groove. It may be too late as the splines are fairly screwed now. I tightened it up with some serious force and will hope for the best until my new shaft arrives. Thanks for the video!! Great job

[@ronaldmartin6483]

I have a 2014 FLHTCK yes my shifter broke while riding through Sac Ca at about 10:00 pm. Not a good time or place, I did pull over snd saw what broke. I just had to reach down and shift it. I Trailered to the Folsome shop and it was under warranty. I bought it in SPokanne Wa used with 9,000 mi on it. I’m still riding it with 57,000 on it. Still it’s great ride with a new set of Barnett clutches and new transmission bearings also. Thank u for ur great videos and passion for the fun it brings to the biker community. My Nefew retired in Everet as a motorcycle police officer about one year ago. Brian is his first name. Good man. He did have a run in with a run away Deer 🦌 the Deer one. Lol.

[@Goldencountry63]

In 1983 going downhill rural Wi. I was looking to downshift and found out the shifter fell off. Locktite everything and make sure your brakes are in excellent working order!

[@bgdog1960]

I have had this issue with my 13 Trike at 16,000 miles and now my 14 Ultra Limited at 20,000 miles. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@tophermatt0834]

Ryan, it happened to me in 2016 with my 14 FLHXS. I was only five miles from home, but had to use some zipties and duct tape to limp home. When I got home I pulled the linkage and shifter arms apart and inspected the parts. my shifter arm screw had backed off and fell off along the road. I had to get a new one; HD gave me a new one (at no cost). I torqued everything down. No issues since, but during my monthly inspections I check the linkage and torque as needed.

[@cowboydale]

2015 Ultra Limited. My heel shift lever fell off many times, the shaft and inner arm failed and I had to replace all components. Oh! And just outside Cody, WY the water pump failed. Come to find out Harley has known about that recurrent problem too. I figure Harley owes my about $1000 for having to fix sub-standard parts, why have they not been told to do a recall on these issues? Come on Harley, we all pay top dollar for these machines and you can (and must) do better!!!! Great website Ryan and thank you for all you guys do!

[@michaelhobson9589]

2015 Street Glide Special with just over 51,000 miles on it. I am in the middle of replacing mine as I write this. Just waiting on parts to be shipped. Great video Ryan, thanks for clearly explaining how to fix this. You saved me a bunch of money.

[@gjcab09]

2006 Dyna, bought this past January, checked it after watching your video just on gp's, sure enough it's getting ready to go...thanks! you gave me the opportunity to take care of something that I probably wouldn't have considered otherwise!

[@edwallenborn5049]

Shifter linkage failed on my 2005 Harley Road King (FHRCI) in downtown Alexandria, VA (thankfully) after participating in the Washington, DC Rolling Thunder ride. Had to reach down and shift by hand back to Quantico, VA HD dealership, about 20 miles away, that could get me for repairs that day. Thank you for the great informative videos on the related failures. I will definitely no replace the stock shifter on my 2016 HD Ultra Classic.

[@Southpaw70]

Rode from Denver to Key West, 2013 Street Glide. This issue happened to me on the way back to Denver, in Texas. No need to panic. Just kept it in 5th gear and got home. Just feathered the throttle and clutch on take offs. Haha! Bike has 21,000 miles on it. Thanks for the video. I was preparing myself for ramming job from the dealer but now I’ll fix it myself. Thanks!

[@stevemeiners2226]

Mine popped off on the way home from work last week. I was able to repair on the road side. I then bought a higher grade bolt added blue loctite to the threads and anti seize to the washer base and torqued the crap out of it. Best part is we just returned from a 3600 mile trip without any problems.

[@rachelweaver1832]

I bought a 2015 street glide special and I was left on side of road because my the malfunction described in this video, luckily I had my husband help me and with his help and watching these videos we are able to fix my bike. I will always check my gear shifter every ride to make sure. Thank you guys

[@RyanUrlacher]

Oh no!

[@ulyssesotero4681]

2014 Street Glide Special...Mine failed on my way home from work. Used my heel against the linkage arm to up shift and my hand to down shift. Great Vid...much appreciated.

[@jamesm6859]

I just had to replace mine on 2013 Electraglide Classic at 24,000 miles. I was about 10 miles from home cruising at 60 mph and just happened to look down and notice that my heel and toe shifter was resting on floorboard. I was able to get back together and ride home. I had noticed a little play a month prior but did not think much of it. I definitely will be giving it plenty of attention in the future. Cool video. You guys are great with the how to videos. Thanks for all of your efforts to improve the motorcycling experience and save us some $.

[@toddmercer369]

2015 FLHTK. Has happened twice! First time, in 2017, on the last day of a 12 day ride to Scotland and Ireland. Broke just after a rest stop in France heading back to Germany. Together with the others I was riding with, were able to rotate the shaft and have it hold the rest of the way home. Of course, replaced it once home. Second time happened last year in September, about 50 miles into a 150 mile round trip to a Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association chapter meeting in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Despite a couple brothers coming to help me on the side of the autobahn, had to call ADAC to haul the bike home. Replaced it this time with an aftermarket (not OEM H-D) shaft, and carry a replacement shaft with me. I tend to go on long rides, in multiple countries, and like you say, they tend to fail in the middle of nowhere. (I ride through a lot of nowheres).

[@Vacayfromhome]

I just bought a 2014 street glide a week ago and noticed rattling in my shift shaft while driving tonight. Thanks to this video im going to harley and getting a new one tomorrow and fix it.

[@mjay6567]

Happened twice on my 2015 Road King. Used a zip tie to offset the spline and let it grab the teeth an 1/8" over, since the teeth didn't get worn where they cover the groove. Got us 1500 miles home from the Keys.

[@dennispluto456]

Also happened on my 09 road king, kinda wish I was permanently morooned in the keys!

[@adamjohnson1502]

The shaft is made to wear out. So that it’s replaced before the splines inside wear and you have to tear it apart. If it wears out while you’re on the road a quick “temp” fix is to take a beer (or coke ) can ,rip a small piece of Metal off,tightly wrap around shaft ,slide lever on and tighten down.

[@Shepp6769]

@@adamjohnson1502 why can’t critical parts like this just be made to last?

[@theafultz183]

I have a 2012 Tri Glide. Mine came off at the very top of Tennessee Mountains. We got it on and made it down. Lines it up tightened it up AND added tie straps for security. Got home tightened and it was ok (so I thought) for over 4,000 miles. The other day I went to hear down and nothing was under my feet 👀. It’s out again and stripped. The interesting thing this time, we could not get the shaft through the back are at all! A friend sent me this video. I leaned a lot and will be replacing more than I thought I needed to! This will be my new DIY instruction manual for my bike🏍🏍🙌🏼

[@jamesdevine3504]

Ryan, Thank you. I happen to stumble upon your videos as I lay stranded in my home due to the recent Pandemic. I’m a primary officer at my local HOG chapter and I had to include this specific topic in our monthly newsletter. With many out of state rides planned by our road captains I’m sure our members will heed your advice as I did. I will continue to watch your videos and support your website with my recent subscription.

[@RyanUrlacher]

Thank you so much James. Happy to help your local HOG chapter. Be safe and take care of family and friends during this pandemic. Ride safe & Ride Often! Check out this KZbin Channel as we have a ton of free videos for you! Check out our useful for purchase videos: www.lawabidingbiker.com/buyvideos BECOME AN EXLUSIVE MEMBER-GET BENEFITS: www.lawabidingbiker.com/patreon Leave a flat donation: www.lawabidingbiker.com/donate Shop in the Official Law Abiding Biker Store: shop.lawabidingbiker.com Subscribe to the Law Abiding Biker Podcast: www.lawabidingbiker.com/app Join our free email club: www.lawabidingbiker.com/emailclub

[@pdxharleysled4673]

Very common problem. Happened to my 2015 Road Glide Ultra CVO riding back from Bend, Oregon. Had 18,000 miles on it. Had my buddy check his- a 2015 Road Glide Special. He also had way too much play but wasn't stranded- yet. Parts are $25 and $50 and obviously easy to change, so it pays to replace if you pull it apart to inspect. Thanks for the videos!!!!

[@hervebujold7512]

I had this problem with my electra glide cvo 2011 with 33000 miles this summer. Manage to tighten the back bolt to return home. Going to the dealer tomorrow to replace shaft and arm as they show bad wear. Thanks for video. Very helpful.

[@livelovehollister-jerrychr6970]

2015 ultra limited with 60k miles stripped splines on inner in Salinas on way to Santa Barbara. Pulled into a farm warehouse and the mechanics tightened the pinch and I was on my way. Carrying more tools now, lock tight and gonna replace shaft, arm and now the linkage thanks to this video. And check if bolt is stripped 👍🏼

[@TkdCenterNJ]

Same issue on way to Rolling Thunder in D.C. from Savannah on a 2015 Ultra Limited Low. Shift linkage started getting sloppy and stopped in a Virginia dealership. Just didn't feel right and had no idea about issue. Tech said it's a common problem and have an upgraded replacement kit and was a warranty item.

[@RyanUrlacher]

Thank you for the info. The replacement shaft and arm we purchased seemed to be higher quality. Ride safe & Ride Often! Here is a link to a bunch of our useful Free vids: www.lawabidingbiker.com/freevideos Here is a link to some of our useful for purchase videos: www.lawabidingbiker.com/buyvideos Want Answers & Information Fast? And help support us at the same time? Do you like the content we provide? Our patrons get answers to their questions/comments/feedback in less than 24 hrs and are part of our Private Facebook Group. If you are interested in being in this exclusive group you can get all the details at ==> www.lawabidingbiker.com/patreon If you haven't subscribed to the Law Abiding Biker Podcast make sure to do so. Listen in as we talk weekly about issues/items like this & so much more. You can listen on iTunes (Apple/IOS), Stitcher Radio (Android), or any other Podcast App ==> www.lawabidingbiker.com/podcast Join our free email club at /www.LawAbidingBiker.com/EmailClub. Only relevant content will be sent from time to time. Email club members are the first to find out about free or for sale content are given special coupon codes.

[@nicholasstyant-browne2871]

Thanks for the great video. In a weird way, it's reassuring to know this has happened to many others. I think the dealership service guys are trained to make it look like it's the first time when you bring in these common problems. I think they worry it might become a recall if word gets out it's an issue. Happened to me on my 2015 Ultra Limited. The bike was only 4 months old. The toe shifter arm stripped the spline of the shaft, and I was stranded on Whidbey Island, WA. I had to rethread the hole for the hex bolt to allow me to tighten the spline clamp on the shifter arm enough for a temporary hold. When I say "I", I mean with help from a couple of total strangers from the motorcycling community who stopped, and hung out for an hour or so to assist including providing tools. Very grateful for that. Harley replaced the whole lot under warranty. I asked for the stripped spline shaft as a memento of how some Harley parts on a brand new bike could wear in a mere 4 months. They never gave it to me.

[@RNett0506]

This happened on my '14SG. $70 and 15 minutes later I was on the road. Just a quick heads up. I drove it 60 with my heel kicking and pushing the shift arm. Don't have it towed.

[@WhiskeybentWoodworksNC]

I've got 185 miles to get home and if it losens again that how I'm doing it

[@RNett0506]

You can shift the bike normally with your heel. I did it 60 miles until I got to the 1st HD dealership that I could find and got the part and fixed in the parking lot.

[@WhiskeybentWoodworksNC]

Thats what I did. Its back in my garage. Mostly interstate travel so I didn't have to shift often.

[@RNett0506]

Glad you made it home safely.

[@motty118]

2016 Street Glide - FLHSXE. JUST HAPPENED to me yesterday on my way home from work: front arm came off the shaft. Was gonna order so I don’t have to drive 45 mins into the city to pick up the parts, but shaft and chrome arm not available through the website: only black arm. Don’t want to go after market on this so I’m going to have to drive. Happened to me at 75 while on cruise. I went to downshift approaching a lighted intersection and the shifter was limp (dammit Lurch) so continued hey speed as long as I could and had to reach down and manually shift so I could drive in town. PITA but doable. Thanks for wrenching advice. Just gonna replace the dang thing and lock tire blue everything. Your vid’s are a good source and I appreciate you. Gracias from Arizona!

[@tomdean8416]

I ditched the heel shifter, which I think makes this problem worse. I also replaced the crappy ball and socket connectors with heim joints. The rear linkage is a real pain if it wears. You need to remove the primary to gain clearance. I went with a Beueller's Better Lever. which has a bolt on both sides rather than just one pinch bolt. Real quality product that has served me well. My bike is an 04.

[@rosstomes9211]

Surprised the heck out of me driving back from the Patron LAB meetup I’m Papillon Nebraska. Was about 100 miles outside of Chicago.Had to reach down and shift the linkage with my left hand. 2014 Ultra Limited. Had just over 20 k miles at the time.

[@RyanUrlacher]

Yah buddy. That's what I had to do to get into Cheyenne~~ Good to hear from ya bro

[@jwkirshy]

2019 roadking special mine wobbles badly. It's going back to the shop, only 7 k miles, I have been experiencing hard shifts and no shifts unless I kick the toe shifter. what a great video and perfect timing. Funny the first week I got I had to take it back to the shop, the tightened the shifter rod both nuts were loose. It going back now.

[@tonydelgreco8242]

Mine failed on my 2011 Ultra Limited while on a run at the front of the pack with 50 other bikes on the back roads of New Hampshire. Luckily a couple bikers saw the parts fall off my bike and turned around to help. Took about 15 minutes to collect the parts and figure out how everything went back together. Continued the ride and fixed the rite way when I returned home. Good rule of thumb to have some tools with you at all times.

[@RyanUrlacher]

Good info. thx

[@dnirvine]

1996 FLHR Road King - Had my shift pedals and my arm slip on my way home from Sturgis this year. I was able to tighten the Allen bolts as they were a little loose which got me home and still riding. Ordered a few replacement parts so I don't have to worry about it in the future and checking out a few "fancier" options while I'm at it... MORE CHROME!!!

[@davidwaltz8498]

My 2008 street glide toe shifter failed at Sturgis during this years rally. I replaced both shifter levers and cross shaft when I got home. I was able to move the heel shifter to the toe shifter to complete the rally.

[@Terrordyne]

Man, I'm a few years late but this basically happened on my ride home. Zip ties got me home. Thanks for this video.

[@RyanUrlacher]

Glad it helped! Ride safe & Ride Often! Check out this KZbin Channel as we have a ton of free videos for you! Check out our useful for purchase videos: www.lawabidingbiker.com/buyvideos BECOME AN ECXLUSIVE MEMBER-GET BENEFITS: www.lawabidingbiker.com/patreon Leave a flat donation: www.lawabidingbiker.com/donate Shop in the Official Law Abiding Biker Store: shop.lawabidingbiker.com Subscribe to the Law Abiding Biker Podcast: www.lawabidingbiker.com/app Join our free email club: www.lawabidingbiker.com/emailclub

[@andreameehan2408]

I have a 2014 Streetglide special. Last summer on a day ride, pulled over several times to put the shifter back on. I have the new parts and will be putting on myself. Really appreciate the videos you do.

[@BraceyNet]

Having this same issue, 2015 Ultra Limited Low FLHTKL. Stranded me once on my way to work, and caught it happening again during a pre-ride inspection a couple of months later before a big ride.

[@daviddowdle4687]

Yes, 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Limited Last summer about 4 miles from home. I was coming home from a road trip to Twin Falls Montana. Had to finish the last few miles in 2nd & 3rd. Replaced with the stainless steel rod with the grease zerk.

[@Alfred_Goebels]

I had the exact same issue in August 2019 on my trip from Germany to Spain. It happened fortunately at the outskirts of Clermont Ferrand where a t least a HD dealership was available. Anyway, it costed me 3 days of waiting for spare parts and for getting it fixed. Yesterday, I thought it would be a good idea to check again, and guess what, same mess as last year. Far too much play between shaft and leaver after slightly mor than one year. Obviously worn out again. I am riding a HLHTK from 2014. Great stuff guys! Thx a lot and best greetings from Hannover, Germany

[@banndit81]

This failed on mine today, on the way to work.(2014 Street Glide Special). Had to stop twice and mess with it but was able to get to work and home.Went to Harley as soon as I got home and bought shifter shaft & shifter shaft lever all good now....

[@RyanUrlacher]

That sucks! Glad to hear you got it fixed. Ride safe & Ride Often! Here is a link to a bunch of our useful Free vids: www.lawabidingbiker.com/freevideos Here is a link to some of our useful for purchase videos: www.lawabidingbiker.com/buyvideos Want Answers & Information Fast? And help support us at the same time? Do you like the content we provide? Our patrons get answers to their questions/comments/feedback in less than 24 hrs and are part of our Private Facebook Group. If you are interested in being in this exclusive group you can get all the details at ==> www.lawabidingbiker.com/patreon If you haven't subscribed to the Law Abiding Biker Podcast make sure to do so. Listen in as we talk weekly about issues/items like this & so much more. You can listen on iTunes (Apple/IOS), Stitcher Radio (Android), or any other Podcast App ==> www.lawabidingbiker.com/podcast Join our free email club at /www.LawAbidingBiker.com/EmailClub. Only relevant content will be sent from time to time. Email club members are the first to find out about free or for sale content are given special coupon codes.

[@scottbell8173]

I have a 2014 Ultra and it happened to me today on the way home from work. Reached down shifted into 5th and just fanned the clutch to get her rolling and cruised home. Luckily it was only 10 miles home with only 1 stop! Thanks for the video!!

[@dwaynecooper3787]

Thank you for the video. Wife and I was riding in the Ozark’s this past week. 2 days before heading home I noticed a lot of slack in my shifter on my 15 Ultra Limited. Was going to ride the next day but was searching videos and yours popped up. It probably saved us from being stranded somewhere in the Arkansas Ozark’s. Thank you. Never subscribed till today

[@kerryoconnell5203]

This has happened to us on both of our 03 Road Kings. The shifter shaft and the linkage. I found that the stock linkage fails first and is junk to begin with. So when I bought my 13 Road Glide Ultra the first thing I did was change out the linkage. Also I found that when washing and changing fluids it's smart to check the shifter shaft and tighten all connections. It is when the bolts become loose that the wearing starts. If that can be avoided then the shaft can be preserved.

[@kerrianchambers4409]

2015 Street Glide Special. My wife & I were riding from Denver to Las Vegas. I felt it getting loose, we made it to our hotel. The next morning, I take to the HD shop in 3rd gear entire way.

[@tugsoutdoorprod]

It happened to me. I learned a valuable lesson, I started carrying an extra one, Saved a fellow biker on a long ride, . Thank goodness for riding with friends and having tools

[@RyanUrlacher]

Many of us around here carry a spare as well! Ride safe & Ride Often! Check out this KZbin Channel as we have a ton of free videos for you! Check out our useful for purchase videos: www.lawabidingbiker.com/buyvideos BECOME AN ECXLUSIVE MEMBER-GET BENEFITS: www.lawabidingbiker.com/patreon Leave a flat donation: www.lawabidingbiker.com/donate Shop in the Official Law Abiding Biker Store: shop.lawabidingbiker.com Subscribe to the Law Abiding Biker Podcast: www.lawabidingbiker.com/app Join our free email club: www.lawabidingbiker.com/emailclub

[@mofo6435]

My 15 FLHTKL splines stripped out on the shifter going up an off ramp, leaving me in 6th gear. I struggled with the shifter arm to get it into 1st gear and luckily I was about 2 miles from home and limped back in first gear. Only 20k miles on the bike. If only I had seen an educational video such as this, I may have caught this issue in time. Thanks for making these videos.

[@marklewis822]

yeh, happened around 35k miles, 2015 FLHTCU "in the middle of somewhere," but 50 miles from H-D dealer. got replacement shaft/lever & installed gimble link to trans input lever. plus, ride with left heel/foot on shift levers to prevent vibration which is cause to failure.

[@huntersgarage0311]

Good info! The stock linkages are practically worthless. The shaft gets a lot of crud built up inside the case, gets sticky and more pressure has to be applied to shift, which wears the splines. Clean out that case and shaft, put grease in there. There used to be a grease fitting on the case for that shaft put I’m sure HD cost cutting efforts did away with that. Clean it and keep it lubed and a lot of shifting issues can be avoided.

[@javierchaves5449]

Notice mine was a bit sloppy but wasn't sure what normal was for this linkage. At my next visit to the bike shop I checked out the ones in the showroom and noticed that these were nice and snug. Went home and tightened the hardware as much as was reasonable and the next day my heel shift lever just fell off. Ordered a new shaft and rear lever. Also purchased a spacer that lets me eliminate the heel shifter since I don't use it anyway. Installed new parts and now works the way it's intended. No more sloppy. 2016 FLHXS.

[@CRATESHAKER]

Happened to mine. 2011 CVO Roadglide. Shift shaft fell off on the road. Found it and put it back on to get home. Replacing the shaft today.

[@toddplank8355]

Yes it happen to twice now. 2014 Road king CVO First time I just replaced the shaft. This time I'm watching this video. Thinking of replacing the shaft and front arm.