Sticky gears

Hi Everybody I've just joined the group and I need some help all ready, how bad is that?

The issue that I have is my SV650S tends to get stuck in first or second gear when you come to a stop making it all but impossible to get neutral meaning I have to stay thers holding the clutch in. It's worse when warm but slowly becoming most of the time now which is starting to concern me a little. It feels very much like the clutch is dragging slightly. If you turn the engine off the gears select perfectly everytime hot or cold, making me think clutch not gearbox issue. The bike is a K4 2004 which has only done about 4000miles and I've had her since new servicing is done by myself using Suzuki only parts. Has anybody else had this happen to them or do any of you have some ideas as I don't fancy replacing the clutch as it should last longer than this?

welcome to the site!

Does sound like your clutch cable needs adjustment - not likely to have worn out just yet . If it is dragging could well cause difficulty selecting gears especially when at a standstill.

Loosen the big furled knob at the clutch adjuster and unscrew the outer cable. I guess there is an ideal amount of free play that is recommended before the clutch "bites" -perhaps someone has a figure? Adjust it until it feels like the clutch is taking up quite near the top of movement but not too much that the clutch would slip...

[Stu]

If this happens esp after leavin' it in gear as you come to a stop pullin' the clutch in at the last mo. just release the clutch enouh to feel it bite, this will free it up, then you can change gear

[fizzwheel]

Check the clutch adjustment as has been mentioned above.

Its also worth checking IMHO. The oil level and also the chain tension. I found before that my gear selection woes at standstill were because I had overfilled the oil. Also crud and gunk around your gear lever might also be contributing to the problem as well.

[BillyC]

Finally clean all your gear linkage - the universal joints, and check for play in the linkage - if there is any, remove it from the gear bar (the bit that the linkage turns in order to change gear) and clean and regrease that and reassemble.

This has made a world of difference to my gears.

Originally Posted by stu369

If this happens esp after leavin' it in gear as you come to a stop pullin' the clutch in at the last mo. just release the clutch enouh to feel it bite, this will free it up, then you can change gear

Have to agree with that, admittedly it shouldnt happen often but when it does this is the solution...We got taught this on DAS, or maybe even the CBT, just let the clutch out a fraction and it will rotate whatever parts are locked enough to let you change gears. Also like mentioned check the the clutch isnt dragging, you ought to have at least a couple of cm or so of "pull" left on the lever after the clutch disengages.

http://forums.sv650.org/viewtopic.php?t=42387

I tell you, this shows up more on this site than on SVRider.com

[Sid Squid]

The bit that really matters here: Clutch.

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.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

The oil level and also the chain tension. I found before that my gear selection woes at standstill were because I had overfilled the oil.

Agreed. My SV is very prone to sticky gears and when the oil level is halfway between min and max is when it works best. When on max it can be a right bugger to get out of first and in to neutral at a standstill.

So check your oil level and be prepared to drain a little off — it takes no more than a couple of minutes and is free .


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