Servicing Question

[Leadbelly]

Guys I bought a 1200 03 sportster from a harley agent last October.
It had 2300 miles on the clock and the dealer said it would be serviced.

Its been a bit noisey recently and getting gears was embarassing.

Its done 4600 today.

I took it to a guy in Aberdeen who services Harleys he said the oil in the gear box was too thin and was surprised.

Do you think there will be damage to the gear box?

Thanks

Leadbelly

[Ukkid76]

It depends if you have synthetic or mineral oil supplied by the dealer, synthetic is much thinner than mineral gear oil but it is a much better oil so stick with it and check out the clutch adjustment.

[BaZa ®]

Did your mechanic think there could be any damage? I doubt it if the amount in there was good. Did he replace or just check it.

As UK Kid says check your clutch cable for adjustment it should go into first easier if properly adjusted.

[Ming the Merciless]

Originally Posted by Leadbelly

Its been a bit noisey recently and getting gears was embarassing.

Surely getting graunching noise when selecting first gear from neutral is a Harley trait? I have regularly had this on a Sporty and also on Big Twins and, while it can make pedestrians look, it has never been a problem.

[Limey_Dave]

Originally Posted by Leadbelly

Its been a bit noisey recently and getting gears was embarassing.

The whole thing or just the box?

Getting all gears or just first?

Is the problem mainly near the start of a ride as fast idle during warm up will make it seem worse.

For peace of mind you could take it to some one who knows their stuff and have the 5k done a bit early.

[The Dude]

I know that we're all wiser after the event, but any bike that I buy automatically gets new oil, filters, plugs etc...
Just something that I do, not having a pop. What people say and do can be two totally different things!

TD

[Leadbelly]

Well thanks for your help guys.

It was just the gear box oil that was thin, but as Ming says it now only makes a bad sound going from neutral into to first for the first time.
After that it just seems to be a clunk.

Limey said about during warm up and he is correct as far as my bike is concerned.

The guy did adjust my clutch and the bike ran well on its 30 odd mile run home last night, got it back in at work today.

As The Dude says I maybe should have given the bike a service after purchase and I suppose he is right.

I suppose as they say in my part of the world every day is a school day.
I learnt a bit yesterday and from your emails.

Leadbelly

[HOG maniac]

My has always clunked into first when its cold for the first time. A good stamp is needed.

Its not a fault. Its character.

[Chris L]

I find a couple of squeezes on the clutch makes the initial shift less clunky.