Motorcycle Repair: Harley 4 speed ratchet top problems, poor shape, late model

Question
late model 70s Glide.Has a 4 spd/ratchet top.
Trans internals look ok,replaced top(cracked)with
another ratchet top.Have nuteral and 1st gear only
and trans sounds like "Pop"when you try to get it into 2nd! Is it the shifter drum in the top,or the shifter fingers shot? The bike is in poor shape..just trying to figure out what I can do for a friend,to help him out! The old girl runs good,and many other people have been into the trans,so thats where we are at!
Thanks.
D.Storm/Texas

Answer
There are several things that can cause your problem. The gears need spacing correctly, bent shifter fork, drom not aligned with gears, shifter rollers bad just to name a few things. Its hard for me to say without seeing the trans, but you can start with these.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike