Gearchange question...

Not particularly happy with the gearchange on my bike and not even sure whether the gearbox is damaged - if it is i reckon its my fault. today it just seemed a bit sloppy but its not just today. Bike history - SV650SK3, 14k miles, good weather use only, original chain (slightly tight in places but nothing excessive).

My first daft question: When changing gear how much force do you lot use? I reckon part of my problems might be down to not using enough force as i tend to just push it lightly for fear of damaging it. This could have been doing more harm than good? Should i really be giving a reasonably firm whack so that you hear it "engage"??

Daft question 2: I tend to have my chain adjusted on the loose side i suppose, not that loose though. Would this have a bad effect on gearchanges as I would have thought a tight chain would have been worse??

comments appreciated
thanks

[yorkie_chris]

Chain tension, oil condition and quantity all affect gear change.


The way I do it is to lightly press down just to take the slop out and preload it a little bit, then as I pull the clutch and blip the throttle, when the revs match you'll feel it slip in nicely (fnarr)

IMO anything that gives big bangs and clunks from the engine aint good for it!

Edit: same on the upshifts, light pressure on it, when the load on it is rght itll pretty much put itself in gear, with power going through the gearbox it won't come out of gear easily. Doesn't matter if you use the clutch or not like this really.

[jambo]

OK, check the chain tension all the way round with the bike on a rear padock stand or side stand (Not Aba / NWS). The acceptable limits are in the book but 30-35mm rings a bell... Make sure it's not tighter or looser than this at any point. if it is your chain's probably had it. Make sure it's properly lubed too.

Check your oil level is between the upper and lower limits.

Check the gear lever is moving smoothly, sometimes these can gum up and make the change feel horrible. You put quite a bit of force through it without trying anyway, but you may not have noticed it getting stiff. Disconnect the gear shift linkage and check you can move the gear lever up and down smoothly with one finger, if you have to force it remove the lever, and clean & lube it where it pivots.

Check the gear lever isn't too high or low, think about how high you have to lift for up changes and how low for down changes. makes a difference if it's wrong.

Check your clutch is moving smoothly not sticking, and that it has the correct amount of play at the lever. if this isn't right, the gear changes will feel awful too.

I know there's quite a bit to go through above, but all of them can make the gear change feel rubbish, and none of them involve a new gearbox

Jambo

You can adjust the movement in the lever via the threaded rod to allow for bigfeet/little feet.

Gearbox should been almost silky smooth IMO.

[yorkie_chris]

Suzukis have always had a good reputation for gearboxes, the SV's is alright so long as you don't neglect it too badly except for a bit of a weak spot in them.

Just do as mentioned with the basic maintenence and greasing stuff etc and see if that helps.

You can adjust the movement in the lever via the threaded rod to allow for bigfeet/little feet.

didn't know that. will look at all your suggestions.
thanks

[yorkie_chris]

Remember one end of it is a LH thread.

Sounds like its all down to the chain for me . 14K miles on an original chain is a a touch exsessive . I change my chain and sprockets every 8-9000 miles . It all sounds like a too familiar worn out chain problem .

I've got a quick gearchange Q:
If I accelerate really hard, I dont use the clutch when I shift, just release the throttle, and shift. Is this too hard for the gearbox, or not a problem?

[Lissa]

I know many people do a clutchless upchange and don't appear to have a problem.

It may become a problem at a higher mileage, but most people don't keep a bike that long anyway!