Hey GoodSpirit,

You need to make sure that you have the clutch pulled in completely and that you push the gear shifter down with authority when shifting past neutral. It is real easy to not put enough pressure on the shifter when shifting. I have done it a few times myself...and not realize that I am in neutral when I try to take off.

Joe

 

goodspirit, these bikes can be tricky to shift. For one thing, I always try to shift into neutral (at a light for example) while I am still rolling. That makes it a lot easier. When coming to a stop in second or 3 gear I've had it happen where I couldn't shift into neutral without having to let my clutch out slightly while stopped and then shifting.
Also, while still slowly rolling to a stop in 2nd gear I will hit 1st gear half of the time when I'm trying to hit neutral. The transmission just won't go into neutral from 2nd gear. No big deal, just go from 2nd to 1st while still rolling and then it's easy to find neutral from 1st gear up.
I don't think there is anything wrong with the transmission it's just the way the beast works and after you're used to it it's no big deal.
Cheers

 

For one thing, I always try to shift into neutral (at a light for example) while I am still rolling. That makes it a lot easier.

I agree and also do the same thing.

 

Spirit and Sas,

+ 1

Jim

 

Thanks guys (Joe and Jim) for responding...it's nice to know that I am not alone. Goodspirit

 

Why are you shifting into neutral when stopping? From a safety standpoint, as you slow to a stop you should downshift into 1st (or even after you're completely stopped) and sit there with the clutch in, keeping a close eye on your mirrors. That way, you are ready to move out RIGHT NOW should someone not paying attention come up behind you (or from anywhere else for that matter). It takes a second or two longer to move out from a neutral position - which could be a life & death difference.

 

Or you could shift into nuetral and if you see a car coming that doesnt appear to have enough time to stop you run like hell and leave the bike there. Thats what I do LOL. Do keep a check on those mirrors because I just had a friend that got rearend and he was stuck with no where to go because of the guy in front of him so he left his bike and well you can imagine....now he has a nice cool looking Harley...LOL leas he walked away without a scratch.

 

Hi guys. Shifting "problems" caused by the construction of the gearbox. If you can't shift into neutral fom 2nd gear when you stand, it's not a problem. Try it: stop in 5th or 4th gear and try to shift down into neutral. Maybe you can shift down to 3rd, and push the lever, but nothing happens! The reason is, that at least one of the mainshaft and countershaft in the transmission have to rotate if you want to shift gear. If you pull the clutch lever, the mainshaft nearly stops, but if you keep rollin' with the bike, the coutershaft is rolling too, and you can shift between the gears. If you stand, pull the clutch and try to shift, none of the shafts rolling in the gearbox -> you can't shift. So if you stand at the red light and can't switch into neutral, just release the clutch a little bit and push down the shift lever.