Shifting Issues

[thewright1]

Hi All,

Got some weird shifting issues going on with the bike. I just got it back to the point of riding again and decided to take it around the complex for some testing. I noticed that a few times I would shift the gears up, I think from second to third, the shifter didn't quite go into gear, and it sounded like the gears were spinning but the shifter was just kind of bouncing around in there (it wasn't catching). Naturally, I stopped the bike and messed around with the shifter and realized I couldn't even down shift it, like it was stuck. I couldn't put it in first at all. Then I shifted back up again to second, then back down to first and it did it again. Then I finally got it in neutral, and from there, I was able to get it back in first again. I was thinking maybe 2nd gear fix issue, but I didn't really have a problem shifting into second so i'm not sure. Does that sound like something anyone here has experienced? Is that a sign of a dying transmission?

[mro]

Before worrying about major surgery I'd pull off the shift cover and check the adjustments there and also check if the return spring is "OK".
Info is in your manual, might be in the tech tips too. I'd also insure that the clutch is adjusted properly.

mro
PS, shifting an XS requires a little more force than you might have had experience with on other bikes.

[CatatonicBug]

PS, shifting an XS requires a little more force than you might have had experience with on other bikes.

Yep. It has been said that the XS shifts like a Russian Tractor. Make sure to give it a firm kick for each shift.

Try puting it on the centerstand, with the rear wheel off the ground (don't start the engine), and use just the shift lever (no clutch) to shift through the gears while spinning the rear wheel by hand. You should be able to easilly shift through the gears.

[thewright1]

Yep. It has been said that the XS shifts like a Russian Tractor. Make sure to give it a firm kick for each shift.

Try puting it on the centerstand, with the rear wheel off the ground (don't start the engine), and use just the shift lever (no clutch) to shift through the gears while spinning the rear wheel by hand. You should be able to easilly shift through the gears.

I did that and I can get through the gears fine, but there is still something fishy going on... This problem only seems to happen while the bike is on though. I'll try it again tonight when I get home and let you guys know the outcome.

[ambidextrous]

ive had that 'mystery area' shift a few times myself

seems to happen when i dont shift with authority

my suggestion, and what i do now, is when im gonna shift, SHIFT!

[slow mo]

i used to have some troubles with my shift until i realized don't let the bike lag run the gears out and shift like you mean it,. ride safe,. slow mo!

[WMarshy]

Try preloading the shifter before you make the shift, that will help ensure a good clean shift. Before your ready to shift up just put a little pressure on the shifter lever so the "slack" is gone then make the shift. If/when Im power shifting with no clutch this is a must for me.

[thewright1]

Try preloading the shifter before you make the shift, that will help ensure a good clean shift. Before your ready to shift up just put a little pressure on the shifter lever so the "slack" is gone then make the shift. If/when Im power shifting with no clutch this is a must for me.

When you say put a little pressure on the shifter lever, you mean with your foot, press up a little, then make the full shift. Is that right?

[DGXSER]

IMO and from personal experience, these bikes shift hard. You have to pull that shift lever hard till it will not move anymore, everytime. Whenever I forget that, I miss a shift everytime and end up in a false neutral.

One thing you can check out is the shift lever spring under the shift cover. It can get worn and make shifting tougher. Cheap money to buy one. JAT.

[WMarshy]

When you say put a little pressure on the shifter lever, you mean with your foot, press up a little, then make the full shift. Is that right?

Yeah, just use your toe to pick up on the shifter a little bit untill you feel some resistance. It shouldnt move very far and you wont knock it into gear if your easy enough. You should be able to get a feel for the free play and know how much pressure it takes after a few tries. You could even try it with the bike off, in 2nd gear just lift the shifter with your toe and see how far it moves. I wont go into 3rd without it runing or the clutch pulled in but you will get the idea.

In the past a few times, if I was driving in town and shifting with low RPM's and I not using a clutch and 2nd gear has poped out on me before. Since then I always use a clutch for casual driving and only use no clutch when Im driving it hard, but I always preload... You can also adjust the lever position down one click on the slpine so you get a good shift.