Not Always Changing up.

Hi

I've recently bought a 2002 (Curvy) 'S' with the intention of slowly turning it into a track bike. With the decent weather of the last couple of days, I've taken it out a couple of times to give it a decent run and to get me used to clip-ons again...

On the whole, it's good, but sometimes it doesn't want to change up, the problem seems to be with 4th, 5th and 6th. You pull the clutch in, move your foot and the lever doesn't want to move.. Having said that sometimes it doesn't feel like the lever moved but the gear changes. I have to admit I'm a seasoned Yamaha rider so I'm used to the need to be "positive" when changing gear.

Clutchless changes seem far better, they seem to work more reliably. The actual gears seem fine once you're in them, have tried rapid acceleration in all gears just to make sure and no jumping out.

I've done a trawl with the search tool and the common problems seem to be with changing down, which is fine on this bike. So....

In the board's opinion is this a:

- Clutch problem
- Gear lever pivot problem
- Gearbox problem
- Rider problem
- other

Two other totally unrelated questions

- Stomp Grip for a curvy. There doesn't seem to be a specific pack for them. Is there any other bike that the sheets are the right size for the SV or is it a buy the generic and cut it to size yourself job...? The cut-outs in the tank are a great shape, but no grip, especially when wearing textile kit...!

- How long are the standard dog-bones? I have a feeling this bike may have been lowered as the seat height seems lower than the wife's '04 pointy that has a cut down seat...

Many thanks

Ian

[embee]

The gearchange on the curvey should be good with no need to be over "positive".

You've listed the main issues. Basically go through all the items, with that age of bike (mileage?) the clutch worm drive could be worn out, that'll screw up everything so start from there. If it's OK, has all the ball bearings in place and doesn't have loads of sloppiness, then grease it up and set the mechanism properly (do a search, it's discussed frequently).

The pedal pivots do get stiff if not lubed regularly, and if it is stiff the selector return springs can't centre it after a change and the shifts all go to pot. Lube the pivot and rod ends, might be necessary to remove the pedal from the pivot, the bushings can break up or seize.

Check it isn't overfilled with oil too.

HTH

Thanks embee - mileage is only 12k, so I'd hope the worm drive isn't the problem, but I'll have a look anyway. Once that's done, I'll carry on down the list...

take the pivot off gearbox, turn it upside down, its now upside down and your gear changes are quicker and easier so acceleration is quick just remember that down changes up the gearbox

I'd go with embee and adjust the worm drive first when was the last oil change? Sometimes this can affect gear changes (has done with my SV...but then my clutch has now been deemed unfit and requires a change, but thats after 43,000 miles)

Also check the chain condition (and sprockets!) and tension, and clean and lubricate the chain aswell

Not sure about the stomp grip thing, its popped up a few times though so try a search?