Gear change issue

I've not passed my test yet, but I've been having a little ride on my bike down my alley way which is quite long and wide so i've been able to build up some speed.

I've noticed yesterday that going from second to third is quite difficult.
I've really had to lift my toe up quite high on my second attempt to make sure it gets in. I THINK it got better as the bike warmed up more but I can't confirm that's right as I wasnt riding for long as I didn't want to annoy the neighbours.
Also I've noticed the gear lever is very tight onto the top of my boot. Is there a way to bring this up a bit as its making my foot angle seem quite unatural compared to the bikes ive ridden on my lessons? Could this also be a contributing factor as to why it's difficult to shift up as it has further to travel?

I am a complete noob so I don't have a clue.

Thanks in advance.

Also just to add, at speed and clutchless it will pop in no problem at all. It's just when im pootling about slowly it's difficult to get in.

Iv heard not enough or too much engine oil can cause gear selection issues.

[rictus01]

indeed check the engine oil level is correct, you also should checl the chain adjustment as that to can have an effect, to change the lever position, loosen the two nuts on the shift rod (connects the lever to the gear output shaft, note one is lefthanded), then by twisting it will raise or lower the toepeg bit.

It'd be wise to also lubricate the rose joints (ball & socket type things) and the lever pivot points as well.

Cheers Mark.

Is the clutch cable properly adjusted, when you feed the clutch out, how far is the biting point away from the handle bar? Could be that you need to just wind the clutch adjuster at the lever, out a bit? Or....
Could be that you just need to alter the height of the gear lever.
Clutchless gear change is easy at speed (going up) so that is normal, so I would hazard a guess that the clutch itself is probably OK.
There are far more knowledgeable people on here than me though so maybe someone else can shed some light.
Regards
Jim

[rictus01]

the adjuster at the handlebar is not the primary clutch adjuster and should be used more as a span adjuster, under the front sprocket cover is the main adjuster if you need to adjust the bite point.

Cheers Mark.

Hi guys,

Thanks for the info.
The clutch itself seems fine and the bite point isn't too far away.
The oil level is justtttttt under the full mark when stood up straight so that should be ok.
I'll try adjusting the lever when I'm back off holiday as I go tomorrow - hopefully that'll sort it.

Thanks again guys!

[Juju]

My last SV started to get shifting issues when the chain had become worn.

Started to need a decent kick to get it in there. How old is the chain and whats the condition of yours like?

the other thing is the gearbox shaft can get crudded up and stick a bit, clean any gunge where the shaft goes into the engine and then lube with acf-50 or summat

I clean mine with wd40 and a toothbrush and then spray acf-50 on to protect and lube ith

I had similar issues,
I had too much oil in mine when I purchased her..... Did a full change including filter (took 3 litres 10w40w).... no issues instantly