1996 Sportster Shift Lockout Question

[Toronto Dave]

I have a 96 Sportster and it will allow shifting at any throttle position including wide open. I believe it should only work at Idle? I have made a cursory inspection and the throttle\shift mechanism seems to be simple with no external lockout unless it is missing? The part diagrams I have found do not seem to show any Lockout components. Can someone explain how the Lockout works if it does exist?

Thanks

 

[jts32]

 

[jts32]

 

[Toronto Dave]

Thanks JTS32. I am not sure this is the adjustment I need but then again maybe it is. The issue is I can shift regardless of the throttle position i.e. at full throttle you can shift from forward to neutral or reverse. That may be a design intent but I would assume it would be very hard on the reverse bucket etc. and there should be a lockout. The neutral electrical switch to prevent starting works correctly. The boat was used and inop when I got it but had had some creative things done to it. but run well now other than this.

 

[jts32]

You shouldn't be able to shift from neutral unless the throttle lever is at idle. Hopefully it's as simple as adjusting the shifter lock set screw

 

[Toronto Dave]

I will try that this weekend and let you know what the results are. Thanks for the help.

 

[Toronto Dave]

JTS32 I tried the adjustment and it does not change the function in any way. I can still shift regardless of the throttle position. I am now wondering if in it's former life someone removed the Lockout. I may go all out and dismantle it completely to see what is in it but I have been unable to find a detailed exploded diagram. The manual I have just shows it as a complete assembly.

 

[jts32]

Yeah, I got curious about how each set screw changed operation, so I pulled the controls on my Challenger. The Challenger controls have the VTS lever, so a little different than the Sportster but should have the same throttle/shift safety function. I messed with every set screw, but no matter how I changed adjustments, I was never able to replicate your issue. I was never able to shift from neutral unless the throttle was at idle. I'm not sure what to have you look for at this point.

 

[Toronto Dave]

I am really beginning to think someone previously removed some of the lockout mechanism. I did find an exploded diagram and there are 3 possibly related parts. I think anyone of them alone would cause this if removed. I may wait till the fall before pulling it apart.