Shift Fork by Polaris

Precision Gear Engagement: Indian Transmission Shift Fork, 2Nd/4Th Gear by Polaris (OEM Part #5138520) – Available at buywitchdoctors.com

The smooth, reliable shifting of your Indian motorcycle's 6-speed transmission is largely thanks to the shift forks. They are the internal components that physically slide the gears into place. When the Indian Shift Fork OEM part# 5138520(specifically for 5th and 6th gear engagement) wears out, you immediately notice difficult, harsh, or unreliable shifting. This wear not only ruins your riding experience but can lead to severe damage to the entire transmission.

At Witchdoctors.com, we supply this genuine Polaris OEM part #5138520to ensure the crucial dog gears lock up perfectly. This gives you the factory-smooth shifts and full confidence in your motorcycle’s drivetrain. Don't risk catastrophic failure with a compromised fork—restore the precision of your Indian transmission with the exact OEM replacement.

Why Your Shift Fork Needs Immediate Replacement

Shift forks operate under immense pressure and friction. As they wear, they lose their crucial, precise thickness, leading to incomplete gear engagement. This part is critical for maintaining high-speed stability and preventing the transmission from destroying itself.

Here are the most common symptoms and reasons the Indian Shift Fork OEM part# 5138520must be replaced:

• Slipping Out of Gear (Popping Out): This is the clearest sign of a failing fork, particularly in 5th or 6th gear. A worn fork cannot push the sliding gear into full engagement, causing it to slip back out under load.
• Hard or Delayed Shifting: If you experience abnormal resistance or a noticeable delay when shifting between the high gears, the friction pads on the fork may be excessively worn, binding in the shift drum groove.
• Unusual Grinding or Clunking Noises: Worn forks can allow the engagement "dogs" on the gear to clash or rub, creating metal-on-metal noise that indicates internal damage is occurring.
• Bent or Burnt Fork: Aggressive, non-clutch shifting ("power shifting"), low transmission oil, or contaminated oil can cause the fork to bend or show scorch marks from excessive heat and friction against the gear collar.

Genuine OEM Quality for Internal Reliability

When performing internal transmission work, only the component engineered by Polaris for your Indian motorcycle can ensure dimensional accuracy and long-term durability.

• Precise Metallurgy: Made from hardened, high-strength steel alloy, the Indian Shift Fork OEM part# 5138520is designed to withstand the tremendous force required to move gears under power.
• Critical Thickness: The OEM fork is machined to the exact thickness tolerances necessary to push the gear into its fully locked position, eliminating the slop that causes gear-slippage.
• Direct Replacement: Guarantees proper alignment with the shift drum and the 5th/6th gear collars, ensuring a seamless, worry-free installation (within the context of a complex transmission repair).

Compatible Indian Motorcycle Models

The Indian Shift Fork OEM part# 5138520is designed to fit the 6-speed transmission found in the Thunder Stroke 111 and related platforms. This includes, but is not limited to, the following models:

• Indian Chieftain (All variations)
• Indian Roadmaster (All variations)
• Indian Chief (Classic, Vintage, Dark Horse, Bobber)
• Indian Springfield
• Indian Challenger
• Indian Pursuit

(This part is specifically the shift fork for the 5th and 6th gear position. Always consult your service manual to confirm fitment for your specific model year. Also verify which forks you need to replace, as 1st/3rd and 2nd/4th use different part numbers.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: If my motorcycle is slipping out of 5th gear, should I replace all three shift forks? A: If the issue is exclusively with 5th or 6th gear, replacing the Indian Shift Fork OEM part# 5138520may be sufficient. However, if the transmission is already open, it is highly recommended to inspect the 1st/3rd (5144214) and 2nd/4th (5138520) forks, as well as the dog gears themselves, for any signs of wear.

Q: Is low transmission oil a cause of shift fork failure? A: Yes. Insufficient or contaminated oil dramatically increases friction and heat within the transmission. This rapidly accelerates wear on the shift forks, gears, and bearings.

Q: Do I need special tools to replace this part? A: Replacing a shift fork requires extensive mechanical knowledge. It requires specialized tools to safely open and correctly reassemble the transmission case. This is generally considered an advanced repair best left to certified technicians.

Q: What is the most common cause of shift fork damage? A: One of the most common causes is rider input. Things such as aggressive or "lazy" shifting, or resting a foot on the shift lever while riding, which applies constant pressure to the fork against the gear collar.

Don't let gear troubles leave you stranded or damage your high-end V-Twin. Restore confidence and precision to your gearbox with the exact OEM part.

Order the Indian Shift Fork (OEM #5138520) from Witchdoctors.com today and shift perfectly every time!

Fitment Disclosure

This fitment information is provided to you based on the manufacturer's information. Consult manufacturer publication(s) and/or website(s) for specific fitment and other important application information. This fitment information is based upon the stock version of the motorcycle or unit referenced and any accessory added or other modification could invalidate the information provided.

General Safety Warning

Failure to follow manufacturer's recommendations and requirements can cause product failure resulting in serious injury or death. While effort has been taken in collecting accurate fitment information, Witchdoctors Billet Specialties LLC accepts no liability for loss or damage resulting from errors or omissions. If you believe any of the information provided is erroneous, please email: Fitment@buywitchdoctors.com

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