Newbie Gear change issue

Hi all,
I’ve just stepped up from a 125 stroker to a curvy 650s.

(Outline)

I’ve had a couple of worrying moments out and about with shifting up, particularly 2nd to 3rd, I’ve gone to change up to 3rd and it’s not engaged and stayed in 2nd unknown to me. So when I release the clutch the bike locks solid due to the rapid rev increase (more info on this below).
The bike is a 2K 650s, it has a 47BHP restrictor kit, KnN filter and a dyno jet kit. If these things have any bearing on it

(Question)

Ive noticed that the engine speed drops instantly to about 1k revs during changes (a lot faster than any other big bike ive ridden). Is this just the nature of the bike, is this something wrong with the bike or just a rookie error?

Ive tried to give as much detail as I can if more is needed I will provide where I can. Also won’t be offended if you all tell me it’s just me not knowing how to ride it right yet.

Cheers Toff

The sudden rev drop is just the nature of the bike.

Not going in to gear could be as simple a problem as the clutch lever not being adjusted properly, I'd say unscrew the clutch lever adjuster slightly, then try it out and get back to us.

Originally Posted by Toff244

Hi all,
I’ve just stepped up from a 125 stroker to a curvy 650s.

(Outline)

I’ve had a couple of worrying moments out and about with shifting up, particularly 2nd to 3rd, I’ve gone to change up to 3rd and it’s not engaged and stayed in 2nd unknown to me. So when I release the clutch the bike locks solid due to the rapid rev increase (more info on this below).
The bike is a 2K 650s, it has a 47BHP restrictor kit, KnN filter and a dyno jet kit. If these things have any bearing on it

(Question)

Ive noticed that the engine speed drops instantly to about 1k revs during changes (a lot faster than any other big bike ive ridden). Is this just the nature of the bike, is this something wrong with the bike or just a rookie error?

Ive tried to give as much detail as I can if more is needed I will provide where I can. Also won’t be offended if you all tell me it’s just me not knowing how to ride it right yet.

Cheers Toff

To solve your problem what you need to do is "Go and buy a pointy"

If you're short on cash (as lets face it, you won't get much back for that antique) then here are my suggestions.

As mentioned, check your clutch cable adjustment. There is not just the cable at the lever, but also the one by the shifter. Get a Haynes manual if you haven't already done so.

An easy suggestion (as you're relatively new to the bike) is to shift faster! Whilst heavy engine braking is a characteristic of the SV the revs shouldn't drop especially quickly unless you're taking too long to dump the clutch. Otherwise it could indicate that you just need to adjust the biting point as above.

Id love a "pointy" but passed my test 6 weeks ago, fancy the insurance is better on the antique @ £90 a year

Cheers for the comments guys i will try a few things and let you know the results, hopefully i dont fire it down the road in the process

Haha, my teasing was tongue in cheek by the way. I'm trying to provoke another Pointy v Curvy war Good luck.

i know, no offence taken. im just glad to be off a 125

Sounds a little odd. Suzuki have a generally good reputation in the gearbox department. My SV is easily the best of the bikes I've ridden.

How is the chain adjustment? Too tight can make changing gear difficult. 2nd - 3rd from my limited experience is an unusual issue. Most clutch problems manifest themselves as not being able to get into neutral.

One thing I'd say, if you are giving the bike enough time for you to notice the revs drop then you are almost certainly changing too slowly. A little clutch and a moderate boot-full on the shifter at practically the same instant should see it pop into gear very smoothly. Totally unlike a car where smoothness comes from being gentle and progressive.

Also, make sure you are fully releasing the shifter between gears, otherwise the ratchet mechanism won't work, try being quite deliberate about this and see if it helps.

Where are you located? Maybe someone nearby can take it for a spin.

[jambo]

Here there are maybe 2 issues. Perhaps.

1) Why are gears getting missed. This could be any number of things, but I would check that the gear shift lever is at a comfortable level, such that you can easily reach the top and bottom of its travel when changing. Sometimes these things are just down to the control position. Check the clutch out as well if you are unsure if the clutch is fully disengaging when shifting (search "clutch adjustment" by Sid Squid on here).

2) RPM and engine braking. The SV650's engine is quite unlike a 125 2T motor. More power, and more engine braking. Enough to make a difference on down shifts and missed gears. As others have said, practice your shifting, including blipping the throttle a little on down-shifts to match rpm / road speed, and not letting the revs fall off completely when shifting up. It'll take a little time, don't worry about it.

Jambo

Chain was set just before it went for an MOT and my levers were all done after my 1st few miles, when i knew what felt right and wrong. Perhaps im just taking too much time shifting and not being positive enough on the lever. ill take it out for a blast after work and see if it makes any difference, then start looking into clutch adjustments if its still an issue.

once again, thank you all for you help and advice

[Biker Biggles]

Probably technique,but it might be worth ensuring the gear lever is lubed up where it pivots on the footrest.Any sticking here will cause poor shifting and is a common fault on older bikes.