Motorcycle Repair: 2001 Hugger Sportster 883 Transmission, whick, sprocket

Question
I have owned a 2001 Sportster 883 Hugger for four years - I am
a single owner and ride it every day.  A few days ago I rode it
back home and parked it in the garage.  As usual I started it the
next morning and took off on first gear and shifted up to second
and then tried shifting to third but the gear wouldn't shift.  I
tried several times, but to no avail.  I pulled over and stopped
the bike and tried shifting from neutral up to second, no
problem but it does not go to third.  

I have never had a wreck. I have not had any problems with
shifting the gears until now.  I recall last year it felt tight but
then shifted up to third after a couple of attempts.   I have been
riding motorcycles since I was 12 and I got my Sportster for my
50th birthday from my wife and daughter.  Any suggestions
would be very helpful.

Thanks.

Sonny

Answer
First, check the sprocket coming off the trans to make sure it is not loose. If it is tight then the only thing you can do is pull the trans and inspect it for a problem. you might have a bent shifter fork whick will cause this problem.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike