First to Second?

[Muzzychris]

Hi, under heavy acceleration the bike never seems to switch from first to second and rattled sometimes is a pain to get in, every other gear is fine, is this me or the bike? Thanks!

[Dead Eye]

A few people have mentioned this and lately mine has been spitting second gear out when changing up from 1st under heavy load high in the rev range. Its not really kind on the gearbox unfortunately so most will recommend to change up to 2nd before gunning it and using all of the available rev range.

[Muzzychris]

Aaah right, I shall try, many thanks for the reply!

[darrsi]

Isn't this to do with the main gear selector spring?

[ponkster]

 "changing up from 1st under heavy load high in the rev range." ?


Why would you change 1st to 2nd high in the rev range - you shouldn't be nailing it in 1st - its pointless even if you are trying to have a fast get away!


Short shift fist to second using the clutch and from there on take it up to about six and a half in each gear and slip through the next gear with a slight momentary dip off the gas  and no clutch - just remember to use the clutch on the way back down the box!

[His Dudeness]

6 and a half ah come on the fun zone is around 10 

[simonm]

I found adjusting the gear lever a godsend.  Turned my squishy gear changes in to smooth as silk... sometimes (problem with operator rather than gearbox) .

I do enjoy doing clutchless gear changes tho.

[Muzzychris]

Well i was trying to change at about 12000rpm in first so maybe this was the issue lol, Thanks again.

[simonm]

The ratio of first gear makes redlining it virtually useless no ?  Quicker to get in to the proper gear for serious acceleration I would have thought.

I wonder what optimum revs are for a first to second change to get best acceleration.

[darrsi]

Well i was trying to change at about 12000rpm in first so maybe this was the issue lol, Thanks again.

Surprised you didn't flip it.

[Muzzychris]

I should of been more careful, it was just a couple of launches from traffic lights with my mates on a ninja. I have only ever ridden twins and v4s before this so im getting used to it. Anything is better than the 5 or so seconds of horrific grinding and embaressment. I am a fool 

[Dead Eye]

I've done it a few times when I've been riding spiritedly and I've come down the box and dropped into 1st by mistake then gunned it off again - it will usually complain if you change in to 2nd from anything much above 6k RPM in 1st

To be fair though, my engine has done 86k and was on its last legs when I bought it - its a bit better now, but nothing short of an engine rebuild will save it after years of abuse from previous owners. I have a second engine to go in, so I'm not too worried at the moment

6 and a half ah come on the fun zone is around 10 

Haha, far too true Good fun going around between 9-12k in 2nd and 3rd on some of the quieter country roads with decent twisties

[Jamieg285]

I found adjusting the gear lever a godsend. 

By winding the lever down a couple of mm, I find I am making much more positive shifts, getting more travel on the lever.

[Dead Eye]

+1 to this as well - I adjusted mine to lower the lever. Again it was only really an issue for 1st to 2nd due to Neutral being in-between is my guess

[Enceladus]

I found adjusting the gear lever a godsend. 

By winding the lever down a couple of mm, I find I am making much more positive shifts, getting more travel on the lever.

sorry for being thick, but how do you do this ?
can't see any adjustment at the lever or am i being blind ?
might help my gear changes too

[Dead Eye]

There should be two(?) nuts on the bar that goes from the foot lever to the sprocket cover

Or, you can remove the the bolt that clamps it on to the splined bar that goes in to the sprocket cover and move it round for a much larger adjustment (by pulling it off an refitting) - this is what I did. Its a little tough getting it off sometimes so don't be afraid to use a little force

[simonm]

How's about that for a foccing picture ?


Loosen the two nuts, twist rod to adjust and make sure you do the nuts up again. Otherwise you could lose the rod and or find your adjustment changing as you ride.


I couldn't clutchless change up the box until I had adjusted the gear change rod.

[Enceladus]

thanks
now for the next daft question.....
shorten or lengthen the rod ?!
(told you i'm thick!)

[simonm]

thanks
now for the next daft question.....
shorten or lengthen the rod ?!
(told you i'm thick!)

Play around with it until it suits you.  Twisting the rod moves the lever up and down, only trial and error will make it perfect for you.

[CRH]

thanks
now for the next daft question.....
shorten or lengthen the rod ?!
(told you i'm thick!)

Play around with it until it suits you.  Twisting the rod moves the lever up and down, only trial and error will make it perfect for you.

....lowered mine!! made a big diff!

[Dead Eye]

Mine is lowered as well - the end of the lever is about in line with the rod (so quite a large adjustment) but its how I like it