Gear change problem
 

Hi all, I recently bought an 03 with 18800 miles on the clock and overall the bike is performing brilliantly. However, I have noticed a problem with the gear change. I can go from 1st to 2nd without problems, but going into higher gears I often have to perform my gear shift twice to get the bike to actually change gear. At first I thought this was just my technique, but the smooth first to second transition every time has made me think that it's something else. The lever doesn't feel stiff, but when I lift it up to change gear I can feel that it doesn't always click into place to signify the change. Downshifting doesn't have a problem.

Does anyone have any idea what the problem might be and what I need to do to fix this? Huge thanks in advance!

Re: Gear change problem
 

Check your oil level, when was it last changed. Take front sprocket cover off and clear all the gunk and build up of rubber and chain oil....then see if its different afterwards. It used to happen rather often in the first years of SV ownership. Couldn't get in higher gears, then it was cleared of crap and it was fine after that. I check behind there periodically now.

If its not that......I aren't technological enough to answer :)

Re: Gear change problem
 

Have you tried adjusting the lever - I found when I got my curvy that it wouldn't always change up on demand, especially with a sequence of changes when accelerating. The problem, big feet....! I wasn't moving my foot down far enough after each change to get the mechanism to re-set ready to change gear again.

Five minutes with two spanners to adjust the length of the rod (and thereby the position of the pedal) problem solved....

Re: Gear change problem
 

Thank you both very much for replying, it's much appreciated by a newbie biker!

LankyIanB thank you in particular as you have found the problem, it really was as simple as my foot preventing the lever from being able to reset. Will be moving the lever up slightly soon. Problem solved! :D