Motorcycle Repair: Sportster not shifting, shift lever, linkage

Question
Hi Mike,

I have an 07 Sportster 1200 with 15000 miles.  All of the service has been done at the suggested intervals.  Yesterday it began giving me fits when shifting.  It will not shift up past second or third.  In order to get it to shift you have to move the shift lever up and down to get it to catch.  It seems to just travel up and down in its normal range with out shifting.  Down shifting is the exact same and I cant seem to find neutral.  I have pulled the linkage apart and there is no binding.  I have to believe its internal and possibly a spring or shift pawl issue.  I have never removed the primary cover but am mechanical enough to get the job done.

Answer
Your going to have to remove the primary cover and do an inspection on the trans. You may have to remove the trans to inspect it as well. At this point it could be several things. A broken shifter spring, bent shifter dog, or a bad shifter cam.

Good luck and happy riding
Mike