Possible gearbox problem?
 

Another problem with my 650s...

Changing into neutral from 1st is extremely difficult when the engine is on. It hurts my foot trying to force the lever up into neutral. The clutch is fully in as far as it'll go and engine is idling. I've tried moving the wheels a bit in case its caught or something, revving it.. but its just too stiff.
When the engine is off however, it glides into neutral like I imagine it probably should.

Also, clicking down into first while moving is stiff.

Is there a synchromesh on the 650s gearbox? Could that be a possible problem?

Help :S

Re: Possible gearbox problem?
 

Clutch adjustment top and bottom including worm drive (many threads on this, use search) and check chain tension. HTH :)

Re: Possible gearbox problem?
 

Also make sure engine oil level is right and lube the gear lever where it pivots on the footrest.Any sticking there causes gear selection issues.

Re: Possible gearbox problem?
 

If you have never adjusted the clutch then remove the front sprocket cover for a nasty (mucky) suprise!

Re: Possible gearbox problem?
 

The oil level is low and another is the linkage between the lever and the shaft needs oiling as Biggles says.

When the gearchange on a SV plays up it's always normally because of one or both of those issues.

It can be a multitude of issues tbh. Theres a bit of mech involved to simply make sure the the sv gear changes run smooth!

Re: Possible gearbox problem?
 

It works fine with the engine off according to the OP so I'd lay money it's clutch drag. Loads of threads on here about adjustment, do a search. Adjust the lifter at the bottom first, then the cable.

Re: Possible gearbox problem?
 

I had a very similar problem to you, and it's because I had the wrong type of oil in the engine. Previous owner thought he'd do my a favour by doing an oil change before I bought it, he used a bog standard 10w40 CAR engine oil.

Car engine oils are quite different to bike engine oil, in that there's additives to make it more 'slippery'. This can cause clutch slip on bikes (although I didn't experience this) but it did make 1st to neutral and 2nd to neutral very difficult. As soon as I did an oil change and replaced with Castrol Power4 T1 10W40 I've never had a problem since.

You need to make sure the oil you're using doesn't say it contains 'additives for extra lubrication' or something along those lines, and has an API grade SF or SG.

It may have been an odd coincidence on mine, but if you don't know what oil is in your engine, or you know it's not the correct type I'd advise you changed it.

Hold up there! ...... This is a bit extreme..... It might just be a case of a bit of basic maintainence. Youll frighten them with this.

Re: Possible gearbox problem?
 

My 2004 sv 650 k3 is currently suffering exactly the same symptoms, 18000 miles on th clock recent oil change for the correct motorcycle oil chain checked and adjusted all pedal linkages lubricated but still the same problem, it's actually virtually impossible to select neutral when the engine is running, looks like it is a clutch adjustment problem but I have no drag symptoms at all. Will have to have a look at adjustments during the weekend, I also get. Hell of a clunk when I select first which again I think points to clutch adjustment problems.