Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech bump - gear shifting help

I had to replace the gearchange shaft in my bike a while back. This was due to a slow speed drop that bent the shaft. I had to cut the shaft to remove it, replaced it with a complete gearchange shaft assembly. Since, I have had problems with a quick down shift. It does not seem to “spring back” like it should and it takes several attempts to down shift, but only when trying to do it quickly. At a normal down shift interval it does fine. Can anyone give me some insight as to what might be going on? Could it be the replacement gearchange return spring is weak or not set in right?

bump, or is this another one that no one really has a handle on?

No help here man... never been there nor done that..

Did it feel tight on the bushing when you put the new one on? Did you lube it?
I remember when I bought a heel toe shifter it was very tight on the shaft and I had to relieve it slightly w/ some emery cloth.
Hope this helps....the spring should be strong enough to return it.

Thanks Chy... I wish I had not been either

Tony, I did lube the whole shaft before installing. At the time it did not seem tight, but I should check that again. Maybe the new seal needs some lube help, will check that also. I had not thought about "polishing/easing" the shifter, but I am not sure how that might affect the actual shifting problem.

I appreciate your input, I have been rather stumped by this for too long. If I had to do an emergency stop, we all know that down shifting is one of the methods to stop more quickly. I worry sometimes I might lose that edge in a "have to stop" situation.

I know nothing and Im no real help but for advice about the dropping the bike thing.. I sure would not put my bike through that!!!

Jack, sorry. I didn't read the whole post. I thought you replaced the shift lever that your foot operates.....not the lever out of the clutch cover.
I don't know what I would do either. Can a nearby dealer help?

humm, a little jab here LOL
one minor difference, I was not a willing participant with the bike going down

nearby dealer (that I trust) is a bit away. And it's not the right time of year for me to cross the pass. But push come to shove, I will get ahold of them and see what they think. But I can figure, as any dealer would, they will want it in their shop. That means I have to get the bike there, drop it off for a few days to a week and find a way back to pick it up.