Motorcycle Repair: Hard shifting transmission, panka, shovelhead

Question
Hi  My 1976 shovelhead motorcycle shifts fine on the upshift but when downshifting it's hard to engage the next lower gear as it grinds when trying to engage the gear. When I get down to lower speeds it will downshift a little better. It is the 4 speed transmission. If you have any ideas of some possible things to look for I would appreciate it.   Thank You

Answer
Hi Al,

I believe this is whats called a "3rd gear centering" issue. This can be quite difficult to adjust on your own. If you get to your local HD dealer, they should be able to fix this issue for you with only the cost of about an hours' labor plus maybe a new primary gasket and fluid.
If you call them up and let them know the issue, and have them adjust the trans for "3rd gear centering" this should take care of it. If on the other hand they don't have a clue what you mean....Take it to a bike shop who does know. Its not real common, however it sometimes needs to be done on older bikes as parts wear...

1st i would try tightening your primary chain to the correct specs (1/2 to 3/4 of play in 3 different spots on the chain)

Hope this helps!

~Mark Panka