• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Anyone else's Shift Linkage keep falling off? Any solutions?

G

GeorgeHanson

New member
I have a 2013 ST Limited. The shift linkage where it connects to the splined shaft has literally fallen off my bike four times! I even had a dealer fix it but it's a recurring issue. Has anyone had this happen? If so, what could be done for a permanent solution.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yeah, used to have that problem with an old Harley Sportster. Shifter got loose and wouldn't stay on the shaft. I took the bolt out of it, and sawed one kerf wide with a hacksaw to let it close up tighter. Put the shifter back on the shaft, tightened down the bolt. Then drilled a hole through the shifter and shaft about 90 degrees from where the bolt goes. Drove a roll pin in it, and it never came off again unless I wanted it too.
 
Hi George, I see you've been around for a while, but Welcome to finally posting! :ohyea:

That shift linkage issue you've got isn't all that uncommon, and the answer often isn't just 'put it back on & tighten the screw on the linkage', which is probably what you've been doing so far?! :dontknow:

So if you type 'shift linkage' into the Search field up toward the Top Right of the page (just under the Lamonster Garage logo ;) ) then click on 'Search Titles Only' in the drop down list below that before clicking on the Magnifying Glass to submit the Search, you'll get to see quite a few helpful threads on the subject on the results page. :thumbup: It always pays to Search & check out what's already here. :2thumbs:
 
GeorgeHanson said:
I have a 2013 ST Limited. The shift linkage where it connects to the splined shaft has literally fallen off my bike four times! I even had a dealer fix it but it's a recurring issue. Has anyone had this happen? If so, what could be done for a permanent solution.
Click to expand...

Ah yes. The old shift arm falling off of a SE5 trick. First, buy yourself a new shift arm and throw the other one away. Then drill out the threads of the new shift arm. Don't make the hole any larger, just drill out the threads. Get an M6X30 metric bolt and nut. I used a SS flanged bolt and nut. Inspect the shaft splines for any buildup of shavings. Clean out with a small wire brush. Install the new shift arm - the dot on the end of the shaft lines up with the slot in the arm - put the bolt all of the way through the new arm, and tighten down the nut. Torque it to "plenty tight". 60 minute project max. It will never come off again.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1618.jpg
    IMG_1618.jpg
    40.3 KB · Views: 87
Last edited:
Bfromla,I live in Spring.

Snowbelt Spyder, your repair idea looks great. Thanks for including the picture. I am going to repair mine just as you did.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I repaired my shift arm tonite using your recommendations to use the M6x30 bolt and nut. I tightened it very well. The bolt didn't squeeze the shift arm down tighter on the shaft but it did fit well with the groove in the shaft. It was too late for a test ride so I'll try it out tomorrow. I will let you know how it works for me.
 
If after tightening the bolt tight, you are still loose on the shaft, maybe it's time for a new arm! Are the splines good on the arm? That arm should not wobble on the shaft!
 
Last edited:
GeorgeHanson said:
I repaired my shift arm tonite using your recommendations to use the M6x30 bolt and nut. I tightened it very well. The bolt didn't squeeze the shift arm down tighter on the shaft but it did fit well with the groove in the shaft. It was too late for a test ride so I'll try it out tomorrow. I will let you know how it works for me.
Click to expand...

Mikey said:
If after tightening the bolt tight, you are still loose on the shaft, maybe it's time for a new arm! Are the splines good on the arm? That arm should not wobble on the shaft!
Click to expand...

Hey George. Yes there are two keys to this fix. Use a brand new arm. The old one is already worn out inside. And just to review in case it was overlooked, You drill out the threads that are in the arm itself so that the bolt passes cleanly through. Don’t make the bolt hole any bigger, just clear out the threads. The bolt and nut do all of the tightening / squeezing. Something about the difference in leverage or surface area. Heck, I had barely put any torque on mine at all, and it was tighter than the OEM setup ever was. Once it was good and tightened down it was on there rock solid. If yours is still flopping around, it will just fail again someday.
 
Last edited:
I think my linkage may have failed yesterday at the worst time, commuter traffic, where is the shift linkage located maybe a phot would help me out
 
msherwood said:
I think my linkage may have failed yesterday at the worst time, commuter traffic, where is the shift linkage located maybe a phot would help me out
Click to expand...

You haven't told us what transmission you have .... I see it's a 13 RT LTD. .... If you have an SE Trans. you don't have "SHIFT LINKAGE " of the outside of the case ..... so why do you think it failed ..... Mike
 
msherwood said:
I think my linkage may have failed yesterday at the worst time, commuter traffic, where is the shift linkage located maybe a phot would help me out
Click to expand...

Likely the shift arm.(soft metals) Will be lower LH side (sitting on bike) Maybe even visible from underneath
 
2 things on the shift arm repair. 1 use a new one. The used one won't last. They are about $35.00. 2 going straight up from the slot I cut all the way thru so now my lever has room to compress. I can't really see it compress, but it is a lot tighter.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
While coming home from work it would not shift up or down automatically or manually, it is now stuck in 5th gear according to the gauge cluster.
 
Since you have a 2013, my guess would be that the splines have striped out on your shift lever. Get it home as best you can and order a new one (about $35). Then do as Snowbelt describes in post #9 and I describe in #14. You can try to tighten the bolt some more right now just to get it into neutral. That may or may not work, I have had it go both ways. The only permanent fix is to do as post # 9 suggests. Oh, and be sure to put a wrench on that bolt every so often............. just in case.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I have no idea. I take a 10mm wrench ( maybe it's a 12) and unscrew the tab while attached to the rod. Just be careful not to cross thread it when putting it back.
 
Can anyone provide the part number for that shift arm? It sure sounds like what has failed on a friends' 2013 ST yesterday. I've looked on the parts diagrams and am having trouble locating the arm...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Does anyone know of a Foot-Shift Pedal Extension for 2013 RS SM5? Any advice?
Replies
2
Views
7K
racoon
racoon
justsmile0808
USB In Glove Box Not Charging - 2020 F3 Limited
Replies
5
Views
590
justsmile0808
justsmile0808
ferrasr
Brake Lights Staying on after ignition turned off?
Replies
8
Views
2K
BLUEKNIGHT911
BLUEKNIGHT911
G
Loud grinding/growling noise in 5th gear.
Replies
1
Views
891
CopperSpyder
CopperSpyder
R
2018 F3 Limited shift issues
Replies
5
Views
2K
ARtraveler
ARtraveler
Back
Top