skipping out of 1st gear

Hi guys,

I read this a lot, but, one of my first posts, as I've only had this fun machine ('99 SVnaked) for a few months.

She's great all around, but, lately I've noticed it bouncing out of 1st gear occasionally while under load. I thought it was my clodstomper boot accidentally tapping the lever without me knowing, but, it happened as I pulled hard out of a stop with both feet out to the side, engine revving madly afterward. Maybe I didn't have it fully engaged when I started off. Is this the symptom of too much oil? Oil level looks high, but, came that way when I bought it.

Any word on this behaviour before? No obvious posts after a cursory search here. Thanks -Dave

[Biker Biggles]

Basic checks for gear problems are----Oil level (How high is it?)
Chain tension and condition.
Sticking gear lever where it pivots on footrest.This needs periodic lubing as it causes poor selection if ignored.
Clutch adjustment.

If all that is ok then you can start to worry about problems inside the box.

I know the chain tension is about right. I will verify the oil level specifically. I did adjust the clutch cables when I first got it. I'll also look at the shifter lever.

How does oil level play a role, other than when you are completely out of oil?

Cheers -Dave

[Biker Biggles]

I don't know the ins and outs of it but the engine oil is also the gearbox oil on the SV so too high a level will interfere with the gearbox workings.My bike gets a bit iffy on selection when the oil is old and needs changing as well.

Originally Posted by ELR4ever

I know the chain tension is about right. I will verify the oil level specifically. I did adjust the clutch cables when I first got it. I'll also look at the shifter lever.

How does oil level play a role, other than when you are completely out of oil?

Cheers -Dave

Clutch cable adjustment is not the only adjustment. This only adjusts the cable play. The main clutch adjustment is how far the clutch is thrown out. Although I don't think this would be the problem.

When you pop it in 1st, does it clatter or does it just quietly pop in? Clattering in my own experience would indicate the clutch is not fully out or disengaged which would be adjustment. If it pops in fairly quietly I can't see any other minor problem. I just hope there's nothing wrong with the box.

When I adjusted the clutch cable, I realized that the actual clutch adjustment is different and double checked that per the manual.

No clattering, and I swear my mind could be playing tricks on me, but, I am sure that after a smooth shift from neutral to 1st, it can just pop out sometimes. There is a chance, and I mean the slimmest of chances, that I have bumped it 5 or 6 times in the last week with my leg or foot, but, I am almost POSITIVE that it's happening on its own. I'm stumped. I'll check the lever boot for dirt etc, and check the oil this weekend, otherwise, I'm at a loss. Cheers for the tips.