Transmission Crunch, Grind, Stall when stopped at a traffic light....

[jimkennedy]

Happened on my Wife's 2011 RT Limited three times now. Twice yesterday, while stopped at a traffic light she noticed that the bike was still in second gear and hadn't downshifted to first. The first time it happened she tried to paddle shift into 1st and it wouldn't respond, it just stayed in 2nd. Then after a few seconds there was a loud crunch and grind as the trike finally engaged and went into first. The trike immediately stalled and the display indicated engine failure. Everything was flashing. Strangely enough, after a few more seconds the trike started back up again on its own and the display flashed check engine, before everything went back to normal. Again with the second incident she was at a stop and the trike remained in second. Again, she tried to downshift it into first and it responded with another crunch and grind, but this time it didn't stall and the display showed nothing out of the ordinary.
Any and all ideas and suggestions will be appreciated!

 

[Jeriatric]

When in doubt about proper SE shifting - #1 check the oil level.

The very first thing to check is the oil level. 'By the book'. Consult the owners manual for proper oil check procedure.

 

[samewok]

Mine will do the same thing if have to stop to fast. I hit the paddle and reverse and it down shifted to first. The other time I was low on oil because of dealer.

 

[Topshotta]

Where you able to pull any codes?

 

[jimkennedy]

I am sure it tripped a code at least on two of the occasions - BUT

I did not attempt to pull a code.

I checked the oil this morning - and although the oil level DID register on the dispstick [method per Manual] it did not register much.

I filled to the F mark when warm. Probably took half quart or so to top up.

Hopefully this will correct the issue.

MY experience is pretty much all Harley and they are not THAT sensitive to oil levels - But then a Harley doesn't share motor and tranny fluid.

Still - I will monitor levels more closely in future. I am sure the next good ride and my Mrs. will be sure to let me know.....

[I know "I" could here the awful mechanical crunch sound when I was at the stop light in front of her and my Harley is not stock AND I had earplugs in.......!]

 

[Jeriatric]

Just a thought

Jim,

If your wife is not using her 'B' Trip meter you could zero it out and recheck around 300 miles. Eventually you'll identify her spyders typical oil usage pattern. In the meantime. She can give you a heads up at 300 miles. Again, just a thought.

 

[jimkennedy]

Thanks !

Not really concerned about an internal combustion engine that uses oil....

As a normal part of the operation they SHOULD [and DO] "consume" a certain amount of oil....

If it was "Leaking" or "Burning" oil THEN I would be concerned...

Thanks again to those who took the time to post a reply!

Jim