Motorcycle Repair: Shift linkage: Lose lever on transmission Shaft, transmission shaft, splined shaft

Question
QUESTION: I have a 98 Road King.    I recently noticed a gouge in the back side of my inner primary case where the rear of the linkage had plowed a furrow as it moves back and forth.   I found the vertical flat lever that slides on the splined transmission shaft was loose and had play side-to-side, along the shaft.  I found the allen bolt still tight.  I tried to bear down a little tighter but no movement.  I can slide the lever to one side enough to see the splines are still in good shape so don’t see why it is loose.   My question is:  Will I have to pull the transmission shaft, as one shop suggested, or is there a better approach to remove the rear of the linkage (lever)?   I don’t want the damage to the back side of my inner primary to get worse and I don’t want to trash my transmission shaft either.

ANSWER: In order to replace the shifter you need to remove the inner primary. It will not fit coming off or on if you dont. You do not have to remove the trans or the trans shaft.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is this a common problem?  If the splines appear intact (which they do) and if the nut seems tight, which it is, why does the lever become lose?  Is there any other option you know of for tightening in place, like a longer bolt, etc?

Answer
The problem is that the splined shaft is a harder metal than the lever. Over time from vibration and shifting the you get wear. Since the lever is softer it will be the one that wears. Trying to tighten doent help. What has happened is the splines are worn off the lever
Good luck and happy riding
Mike