Motorcycle Repair: 1986 sportster, cam follower, weak part

Question
i have an 86' evo sportster with a 4 speed transmission. when upshifting their is a lot of play before engaging. i have to pull up very hard to get it to up shift. there is no grinding. can you help?

Answer
The 86-90 sportster transmission has a weak part in the shifter area. There is a spring loaded cam follower that is cast metal and it is usually the cause of the shifter problems on these models. The problem is that the cast cam follower breaks and the 2 springs fall to the bottom of the case and then you notice no spring tention on your shifter arm. You'll have to pull the tranny and replace this part.