Shifting problem

[Rrider]

I have an 04' R1150R and am curious to know if others have this same problem. If I don't push extra hard with my foot going from 1st to 2nd, the gear will go into neutral. It happens about 1 out of 10 shifts. Is this common and can anything be done about it?

[Buckster]

I had the same problem until I changed my final drive and tranny to synthetic. Has worked wonders. I also rev up higher than I used to before changing gears. It still happens, but it's more like 1in a hundred now!

[Rrider]

Thanks for the input. I also use synthetic, so maybe I'm just not revving it up enough.

[jfslater98]

Still have that problem myself. Use less clutch when doing that shift, that's what helped me. Search a bit on this topic and you will find a plethora of advice.

[DSKYZD]

I can shift my bike like butter between any two gears other than first to second. It shifts differently at different rpms. It shifts differently at different operating temps. It shifts differently with the amount of clutch used. It shifts differently with the amount of shifter preload.

You are not the only one.

My secret?

Don't roll off the throttle as much, actually don't roll off at all, just pause a little.

I have not perfected this technique...but I've only got 40,000 miles on my bike.

DSKYZD

[Beemeridian]

65

[Rrider]

Many thanks to you all for the helpful and creative responses! Sounds like I need to be more "artistic" in my 1st to 2nd shifts. Now if the snow and ice would just melt away.....

[Canyon Runner]

Thank goodness! I thought it was only me! :-)

Well, at least it is one challenge I can look forward to practicing.

[dnat928]

OK, here it is. And I found it here. It made riding SOOOO much more enjoyable. When shifting from 1st to 2nd, put some upward foot pressure on the shifter prior to shifting. When it comes time to shift, with that bit of upward pressure held on the shifter, pull in the clutch and back off the throttle (just a little bit), then push up on the shifter more, it will engage into 2nd easily, smoothly and most of all, ALWAYS - without hanging in neutral. I do that pretty much with all shifts now. And get this, you can also try shifting without the clutch using this technique.

[Rrider]

Thanks dnat928. Looks like I need to get in the habit of putting upward pressure on the shifter. I can't wait to try it out!

[DYNAMICS]

Hi.

A lot of the time bad shifting can be caused by the "Top hat" bushes in the gear lever being dry. My Rockster had no lube at all in these bushings and it had a very vague selection and a lot of the time wouldn't change down at all!

I stripped and repacked these bushes with silicone grease and now the change is an absolute pleasure. It's a 30 minute job too.

http://www.r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.p ... &sk=t&sd=a

Brian.

[MikeCam]

As you approach 3,000 RPM in every gear...

Dave, We need to talk.

Rider, just an additional thought - this tractor style, old mechanical transmission has a long distance to move the shift dogs from 1st, through neutral, to 2nd. So keep that image in mind when you set up the pre-load (light upward pressure) and feel for the subtle double click-snick as the shift passes through N to 2. Try it a time or two without the clutch, just throttle quickly off-on while applying pressure - you'll feel it.

[Rrider]

Thanks Dynamics. I'm directing my husband to your suggestion, as I'm mechanically deficient in every way.

[Beemeridian]

77

[GJBushman]

My technique that I learned from this board a number of years ago:

1) - preload
2) - quick and short clutch pull
3) - always above 4800rpm, usually I am above 5K.

Works 100% of the time when I am not lazy. Lazy shifts (between 1st and 2nd) will fail almost 100% of the time. If you're shifting below 4K I think you need to ride your bike harder.