The Victory motorcycle is a very well built piece of machinery. I have owned a Victory Kingpin since 2004. I have had no problems with motorcycles and am very satisfied with my motorcycle. This article will address the only issue I had that is related to a failed switch part. The dreaded Victory Shift ratchet.

One day while riding my bike, I began to experience problems slowing down my bonnet. It only happens once in a while and it feels like I’m hanging when I try to slow down. I adjusted the clutch cable and changed the oil without resolving it. I am using AMSOIL 20W50 full synthetic motorcycle oil in the transmission and I thought the oil was too thick for the clutch plates. After changing the oil for the Victory OEM multi-blend synthetic, the problem with the changes still existed.

I decided to run a few more tests to diagnose the problem. I found that if I push the shift ratchet shaft in (it has about 1/8 inch movement in and out) it seems to temporarily stop the problem. I went to the Victory Motorcycle Solutions community site and have read that people talk about the shift ratchet as the culprit. After reading multiple posts about this information, I contacted my favorite Victory motorcycle dealer, Santa Rosa VeeTwin. They confirmed that I need to replace the shift ratchet. The reason is that the spring break fails over time.

The Victory dealer explained that Victory changed the pawl in some way after 2000 due to hard shift complaints. They also stated that they have seen more issues like this with Victory riders with driver’s floorboards. Drivers with floorboards will normally take a lazy shift. Regardless, the ratchet will wear out at both ends, allowing the derailleur to continue downward and not engage.

Since I am handy with a wrench and always up for a challenge, I ordered the OEM replacement parts from Victory. I needed to get the shift ratchet and new transmission gaskets. I have the Victory Kingpin service manual but it doesn’t explain exactly how to do this shift ratchet replacement. So I took my time and videotaped everything.

The basic steps involved in making this shift ratchet replacement are as follows:

1 – Drain all the oil from your Victory motorcycle. Trust me, I didn’t do this and made a big mess when I removed the transmission cover.

2 – Remove all the screws from the transmission cover.

3 – Now the hard part, pull the transmission cover. Keep in mind that the magnet on the clutch is very strong and you don’t want to leave the deck too easily. Pull out and watch your fingers.

4 – Once the cap is removed and the remaining oil is spilled, note how the shift pawl is positioned. Keep this in mind when taking a photo or videotaping it. You will need to install the new derailleur pawl in the same position with the star wheel properly engaged.

5 – Make the replacement and do not clean the old gasket of the transmission cover and install the new one. This is essential to avoid leaks.

6 – Install the transmission cover. Again, be aware of the magnet, it will suck on the cover and remove your finger if you are not paying attention.

7 – Install the cap bolts evenly and check the torque settings.

8 – Fill the bike with AMSOIL 20W50 V-Twin Full Synthetic Motorcycle Oil.

9 – Start the bike and check for oil leaks.

10 – If everything looks good, test drive the bike and see how wonderful it is to have the gear stick working again.

He is now one of the few proud Victory motorcycle owners to do this incredible maintenance activity.