What causes the gear lever to not return properly?

[northwind]

Just tonight, I've been having a bit of trouble with changing gears, the lever doesn't return right after I shift (in either direction). If I give it a wee tap, it does, and I can make the shift... I've not looked at it at all just yet, it's peeing down! But I figure first thing is t check that the lever's not stuck itself, ie damaged bushing or similiar, and that all the external parts are moving freely. After that, presumably I'm looking at an internal problem, but I've no idea what to expect. Not looking for detailed troubleshooting here, just some ideas for me to mull over- it might turn out to be fine tomorrow so I don't want to waste people's time but at the same time, it's not a part of the bike I've had to deal with before so I'm a wee bit clueless.

[Lissa]

In our case ,it was the bush in the lever that had siezed. Pete just ripped the nylon bit out and had a floppy lever after that. But it worked fine for 40k miles after that.

You're on the right track.

Make sure the shift pedal pivots freely on it's peg (grease it) and that the ball-type joints on each end of the linkage rod are moving freely.

If that checks out and you still have a problem, it's time to have a look at the left-hand side of the shift shaft where it emerges from the left crankcase (look for any bends or damage from a tipover, etc.) and at the right-hand side where it moves the gearshift cam (inside the right-hand side crankcase cover, behind the clutch).

lever itself binding or of internally return spring behind clutch.

If I remember correctly you have Valtermoto rear sets! Have you been oiling them regularly? You might have a bit of dirt stuck in the hanger pivot point.
.

[northwind]

THe brass bushing had fallen apart At least, I think it's brass. Managed to make a wee replacement spacer out of some stainless tube so that's it back to normal, wee bit flappy as I didn't get the size quite right, might need to have another go. Wasn't expecting that, to be honest I didn't think it was just seized up as it was so sudden, went from fine to knackered in one shift, which made me think something had broken. Which it had, but I didn't think it'd be the bushing.

Sorted now anyway, cheers folks

[Spanner Man]

Morning all.

That was a relief I'll bet!

Your best bet for bushing is Phosphor Bronze, there are several grades available, you need one suitable for bushing.
You'll probably find that a stainless steel bush will wear quickly, & may wear the footrest spigot that the gear lever pivots on. It'll be good practise for you on that minature lathe you've got.

Cheers.

[northwind]

Aye, that's what I used, it's ideally suited for really really really really tiny stuff I'll see what I can track down material wise, I only had a choice of stainless or copper and I didn't fancy my chances of tapping a copper one in without it squashing- that's very helpful though, I dropped Valtermoto an email but no response yet.

Speak to Martin at PDQ (Valtermoto distributers in UK), I dont think the Bushes are available seperately, when you buy spare pegs they come with bushes, but he may have some kicking about.

01628-667644

[northwind]

Yep, I'd be surprised if they're generally available but it can't hurt. Joke is, I have a spare lever. Somewhere.

Cheers Rob