Poor gear selection. What gives?

Howdee!

I've tried searching about this, but I dont think I'm a very good searcher. I couldn't really find anything that sounded like what I was looking for. Please don't bollock me if I've missed this in another thread!

My gear selection has deteriorated. The move from 1st to 2nd particularly is very clunky. Sometimes I miss 2nd completely and end up in neutral. I've also managed to find 'false neutrals' between other gears. That has only happened two or three times, but it's not nice.

Anyone know whassup?

The bike is due for a service. I dont know if this is a symptom of old crappy oil and a manky filter?

Could it be clutch related?

Or maybe the linkage arm needs adjustment?

Unusually, my Haynes is not much help on this one.

Any help gratefully received!

[Bluepete]

I have just adjusted my chain and have been amazed at the improvement in gear changes. Worth a look and an easy fix too.

Ahhhhhh......

I did notice today that my chain is about at the limit of adjustment. Could do with about 8-10mm of slack taking out of it. Thanks Bluepete. I'll check that out!

I cant figure out though, how would the chain tension affect gear selection?

changing the oil should help

[Bluepete]

The chain affects the gear change 'cos of the little fairies dancing on it as it flaps up and down. The don't like to dance on well adjusted chains.











Sorry, feeling a bit odd today!

maybe its to do with the tension of the chain taking up slack/freeplay/backlash in the gear mechanism, loose chain means lack of tension and may create excess backlash in the gearbox making it harder to select gear.... but this is just a guess

[jambo]

When Adjusting the chain be sure to turn the back wheel round and check the entire length of chain for tight spots. The chain must be adjusted at it's tightest point with the bike on the side stand or a padock stand (Abba / NWS will unload the rear wheel and give a different reading).

Once you've checked the chain tension and condition, check the oil level as this has an effect as well.

Finaly check that the gear linkage is moving smoothly (If you disconnect the gear linkage you should be able to move the gear lever up and down smoothly, if it feels like it's moving through cement you'll want to disconnect it and re-grease it).

One of that lot should get it

[Sid Squid]

Check the chain adjustment first - it's easy and obvious.

Originally Posted by philh

Could it be clutch related?

Very possibly.

I wrote this: (once or twice before).

Originally Posted by Me, Several Times Now

Slacken off cable adjusters at top and bottom, loosen lifter locknut, back out screw a bit, ensure that lifter arm is as far down as it will go, gently turn screw in until it contacts pushrod, back it out a bit, (~1/8th of a turn), then nip up the locknut, roughly adjust cable with lower adjuster - not too tight - then with top adjuster ensure that there remains a little slack all the way from lock to lock.