Gearchange feels different (clunky)

[mickvp]

Yesterday morning on the way home my gearchange felt different from normal. It seems to he much more clunky than usual, especially from 1st to 2nd (both up and down the box). Almost feels like there is more free play in the lever (although it's tight, I've checked).

I did notice tonight after washing it that the chain feels like it has a little more free play than I would like, is it possible this is my issue? I never got time to tighten it before work and I don't have tools with me to do it whilst here... Just thought I would ask you guys as I assume it's something one of you will have experienced before?

Oh, I checked my oil level too, and did put a little oil in, but the issue was the same going to work tonight.

Any thoughts?

[slimwilly]

Maybe clutch cable going slack

[mickvp]

I'm pretty sure that's ok slim.

I adjusted it for free play about a week ago and it was fine. In fact, I've just popped out to the bike...it's not that.

[unfazed]

Quite possible that needs the chain is loose,

Check if it is over 50mm slack then adjust to 45 to 50mm slack on its tightest point.
Do not go less than 45mm, or you you could end up with the chain breaking when you go over a bad bump.

Does it shift into neutral OK when stopped?

[nickodemon]

Sounds like chain slack issue. 50mm is about right. i have also found if the chain hasn't been lubed in a while it doesn't help. I have owned 4 different gen 1 fazers and they all had different feel to there gearboxes and subsequently felt better/worse.. T.B.H the gearbox may be strong but it is a shit change compared to a suzuki or aprilia.

[mickvp]

Yeah unfazed, it's still going into neutral ok. I'm always weary of overtightening chain as being a bigger bloke I know I'm putting more strain on it as is. I'll go for 50mm.

(Thats 50mm on centre stand I assume?)

Nickodemon,

I regularly clean and oil my chain (and I have a scottoiler as well) so I'm confident it's not that. Maybe I'm being too picky, but it definitely felt more positive a month ago. Still a bit agricultural even when it's all going ok though, but not enough to detract from the bike.

[unfazed]

Going into neutral OK rules out the clutch shaft plug falling out problem.

Most likely a loose chain and yes the 45 to 50mm adjustment is while on the centre stand

Weight does not matter, the problem is the location of the swinging arm pivot in relation to the front sprocket.
With the bike on the stand there appears to be more slack than should be and the reason the slack is so great is to ensure the chain has some slack when the Sprockets and swinging arm pivot are in a straight line.
Chain breaking was an issue on some early 1000 and Yamaha upgraded the chain spec and revised the adjustment location on the later ones.

The check point is 135mm back from the bottom of swinging arm protector/slider with standard sprockets.

[Tmation]

Clunk gear change is often caused by dry rose joints in the gear change linkage, try spraying some lube in them.

[Mark YPVS]

May be the Detent spring, commom fault with early R1s ( had 2 go in mine) so could be the same on the Fazer??
Mark

[nickodemon]

Is the engine oil due for a change? I found using different oil also made a bit of difference. Better change when using semi synthetic than fully synthetic.

[Mark YPVS]

Cant remember which one it is 8 or 21 ?? 


http://www.yamahamotorcyclespares.co.uk/genuineparts/7880/19/yamaha%20yzfr1/shift%20shaft?uid=0

[sadlonelygit]

it's focced
i'll give ya £50 for it (as a mate like)

[Exupnut]

Lol....I'll give u £55 and I'm not ur mate...