I have a 2000 sportster and after washing it, the shifter no longer "bounces" back to position. I can push it all the way forward as in going to first and then it stays. I can still cycle through all the gears but I have to do it by pulling up each gear and it just keeps coming back up until it won't go any further.

I am sure the pin sheared, that is why the shifter is not center. Push the shifter back to original position so that the hole would line up( using little force) Knock out sheared pin and replace with new one.
Regards
Phillip

It sounds like the linkages have let go. If this is the case, then drive it to a repairer straight away. If you turn the vehicle off you might not get it started again.

the shift lock is not releasing,try pushing the gear shift forward if the car is on level ground push the car forward and back look to see if there is a shift lock release hole next to the shifter

On a 2000 XL 1200 or 883 you would slide the seat through the seat strap and then locate the front of the seat on the tab at the frame and push the seat forward until the seat mount at the back of the seat lines up with the bolt hole on the fender and then screw the seat into place with a phillips screw driver.

Hi:
The shift pattern is pretty much the same on all 5 speed cars. The top row is the odd numbers, 1-3-5
the bottom row is 2-4-Reverse. The center position is neutral

Here is the key: The shifter is slightly spring-loaded to the center position. If you hold in the clutch pedal and pull the shifter to neutral, and let go of it, it will automatically be lined up in the position, that if you pushed it forward , it would go to 3rd gear, and if you pulled it back, it would go into 4th gear.
This way, to start driving, you start out in neutral, grab the shifter lightly, and push it first to the left, then forward. This is first gear, where you start out. when you want to shift to second, push in the clutch, and keeping left pressure on the shifter, pull all the way back . Here is the easy part, 2nd to 3rd. When you are ready, push in the clutch, and just push the gear shift forward , till it hits neutral, and is spring loaded to the middle. Then you just push it straight forward to 3rd, then next shift, straight back to 4th.
Last gear, 5th: push forward to the neutral row, then Push to the right till it lines up ,and forward to the 5th gear. Reverse should only be shifted into from a dead stop. Find neutral, push the shifter all the way right, then pull back towards you. Hope this helps.
Practice a bunch in the driveway!

Try rolling the bike backwards and forwards with the engine off while trying to shift the gears. It should shift through all the gears. If not, the problem is a broke shifter pawl. If it does, the clutch is not releasing properly.

The shifter pawl can be replaced fairly simply. The clutch is a different story. If the clutch is dragging, you need to determine exactly why it's not releasing. Bad cable, not adjusted correctly. Good Luck!

These wear out with time - I would consider putting a towel at the bottom of the shifter - and get a card board back up [ for the over spray] and spray right into the button - spray a lot - way way too much as only a tiny fraction will get past the button. Also push the shifter a little harder forward and then push the button.

Hi there,

There are multiple things that must all happen in order for the shifter to move from park.

1. Make sure the key ignition switch is in the "Run" position (the position just before the "start" position).

2. Brake pedal is depressed (usually pushed in a couple of inches or more at least to release the button on the shifter).

3. Push in the button on the shifter and pull back (you may need to push the shifter slightly forward or back a little for the button to move freely).

If the button on the shifter still doesn't push in freely, there is a problem with the mechanical lock-out linkage or electronic switch that releases the button lock. Check under the dash area along the brake pedal arm for anything that doesn't look correct.

4. If the car is on an incline/slope/hill, it will put a lot of pressure on the parking pin in the transmission. Usually a strong tug or pull on the shifter will pull it out while you're pushing on the brake pedal to prevent rolling when it releases. Make sure to set the parking/emergency brake first to prevent this next time .

Good Luck!!

Thanks

take it back as the trans and motor are one piece they did not align the innards right