Question about '75 & '76 models...

[CrazyRay]

How much do you hate that shift linkage?

What have you done to make it better?

Ray

[eglideic]

 If you don't like it, do what I did. Just get rid of it.
All the stock parts from the right hand shift bikes will work. You'll have to install the shifter shaft bushing in the cam cover and pull the tranny to swap the shifter shaft, replace the brake linkage, and a few other things, but it will all be good.

[CrazyRay]

I thought about that, but really don't want a right shift bike. That linkage gets so sloppy though.

[eglideic]

 The ironhead Sportster was designed as a right hand shift. That is the way to go. It was the DOT that decided different. Your only other choice is to sell and buy a 1977 or later ironhead.

[fulldress79]

You can also replace it with '77 and up linkage.You'll need a 77 up primary cover,shift shaft from the same,you'll need to either notch the trans door (not a big deal) or get a 77 up door (cause the shaft needs to got through it) and of course block the original shift shaft through hole on the right.Thats pretty much it,because the rest of the trans is the same.a Its a real slick setup that works as well as the right shifter because it eliminates all the extra linkage.

[fulldress79]

BTW you'll only need to block the right side shift shaft hole enough to keep the oil in the trans.(maybe a pipe plug or tap it for a short bolt.) you still need the inside of that hole ( or boss) to support the later style shaft