Difficult shifting

ErikU · Post by **ErikU** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 1:24 am

I have noticed some unusual difficulty shifting up over the past few rides. It seems to require so much effort to shift up that I think I have shifted when it actually doesn't change gears. Also, it clunks in pretty hard when I get it there. Sometimes I can't get it to shift up unless I let our the clutch while pulling up on the shifter. Shifting down seems ok.

The clutch action seems normal, and I changed the transmission fluid within the past 3 or 4k miles.

Any ideas what's up?

NHighCotton · Post by **NHighCotton** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 8:31 am

What type to fluid did you use?

I suspect that you didn't use Redline's Heavy Shockproof gear oil.

http://www.myoilshop.com/MotoPrds.html

Spookymonster · Post by **Spookymonster** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 12:00 pm

Preloading the shifter has worked wonders for me: slight pressure on the shifter, pull in the clutch, shift, release clutch. I practiced it all day this past sunday, and the difference is quite noticible. It goes from an 'agricultural' clunk to a silky smooth snickt.

Post by **towerworker** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 12:11 pm

I would also ask the question concerning the transmission oil that you used. Not familiar with the Redline oil referenced earlier.

I have 30K on my 03 and the only real problem I had with the transmission was after changing to synthetic at 16K. Had to replace a leaking output shaft seal at 18K. Replaced seal and went back to standard gear oil and no issues since. Changed gear oil out last weekend with Lucas 80W90 (non-synthetic).

What did you use in yours?

Wayne

madbinkster · Post by **madbinkster** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 3:31 pm

I was just thinking about the shifting issue this weekend as I burned up the backroads on my '04 RA. I finally have the process down.. the secret is to pull in the clutch so slightly that you'd think the tranny wouldn't shift. A little preload and practically no clutch and the shifting is absolutely quiet and instantaneous (at least for me). just tickle the clutch and you'll be moving in the right direction. If you try this and still rough shifts, there might be an issue elsewhere.
I know this process works, cause I have ridden with Japs, Italians, Brits and others, and my shifts are as smooth and silent as the best of them.
Some BMW transmission engineer is quietly smiling somewhere, thinking....
"The idiots are finally figuring it out."

ErikU · Post by **ErikU** » Fri Mar 30, 2007 2:13 am

Sure, preloading works fine, but this is a new problem. Something has really changed, and it's much worse than "normal".

I honestly don't remember what I put in, but I got it at the BMW dealership for my bike. I guess I will change it again. What is the suggestion for gear oil? What else could this problem be?