Shifter pinch bolts

[RKplus10]

Which method is better? Should the pinch bolts be installed with thread locker (hoping all stays secure) or just torqued properly so that they can be checked and retorqued regularly? Your opinions and experiences appreciated.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I use Anti seize, it fills in the threads like loctite but re tightening does not stretch the threads like loc tite does

 

[RKplus10]

Thanks Jack. That sure sounds better than either of my two options. That's an idea I hadn't considered,

...and that's why I love this forum.

 

[MDO]

I'm putting a link to some excellent free videos on the Law Abiding Biker website discussing the shifter & Linkage issues. Very informative.

https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/harley-shifter-problems/

 

[MDO]

I use Anti seize, it fills in the threads like loctite but re tightening does not stretch the threads like loc tite does

Jack, I need your help understanding how this problem relates to the 2017 & up M8's & our Freewheelers.

Just with our 2017's, what needs to be changed...is it just replacing the ends of the shift linkage with heim joints?

 

[Jack Klarich]

Jack, I need your help understanding how this problem relates to the 2017 & up M8's & our Freewheelers.

Just with our 2017's, what needs to be changed...is it just replacing the ends of the shift linkage with heim joints?

That is the first thing I always do , the stock joints are JUNK. The shaft that runs thru the primary cover is another weak point to watch. Once it gets sloppy the inner shifter arm can and will raise hell with the splines. I drilled and tapped my primary and put a grease fitting in. Every oil change I grease the shaft bushings. For years all HD baggers had this fitting from the factory. The MOCO has improved the shifter arm on the tranny so no worries there.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I'm putting a link to some excellent free videos on the Law Abiding Biker website discussing the shifter & Linkage issues. Very informative.

https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/harley-shifter-problems/

That is a good video, tho I do not use loc tite. I use anti seize. If used correctly it will give years of service PLUS you can take it apart easily on the road with out cussing

 

[Jack Klarich]

Michael, look here for heim joints. This is who I have dealt with for years

http://www.bungking.com/heim-joints/

 

[MDO]

Michael, look here for heim joints. This is who I have dealt with for years

http://www.bungking.com/heim-joints/

Thanks Jack. Our 2017's FW's are 5/16 24? I definitely want stainless steel.

 

[Jack Klarich]

Thanks Jack. Our 2017's FW's are 5/16 24? I definitely want stainless steel.

Yup

 

[RKplus10]

Another thing about that front inside lever, that's a smaller pinch bolt than the other three. I noticed that in the video, it was mentioned that the rear lever (at the tranny) was less problematic. The lever in the video sure doesn"t look like mine. Unless my eyes are tricking me, it looks aftermarket with a two piece design and two bolts.

Also, I feel that the adjustment of the two shift arms need to really suit your comfort. When they are too high, you may tend to stomp on them. It takes very little effort to click a gear change. That height can be fine tuned with the linkage at the heim joints.

I suppose that if you want to set it and forget it, use thread locker and hope for the best. I like Jack's suggestion of using anti seize. You cannot accurately check and retorque using thread locker.