 Downshifting problems.....
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1 |
As a few of you know, and been kind enough not to remind me of, I dropped my bike in the gravel parking lot of a BBQ joint in Arkansas.
Dropped it on the left side. Bent the kickstand tabs, floorboard and shifter pedal, and the left grip.
Ok, could have been worse... Wait, now it won't downshift into second or first.
Dave and I kind of straightened the kickstand and floorboard in the motel parking lot.
Rode it all the way home with out being able to down shift into first, just getting it into second was a nightmare. I have a hard enough time keeping up with Charlie without mechanical problems...
Figured out when taking off from a stop in second or third, I could then get it to go into first.
Took the linkage and floorboard apart at home, made sure everything was straight. Put it back together. Took it for a couple of short rides. Seems ok. Done.
(then got sidetracked with the boat, the other bike , and life...)
...until I took it for a longer ride and now it's back doing the same thing. Will only downshift into second sometimes, and first is almost impossible unless doing it from a stop. Doesn't want to shift into first when the bike is not running either.
Thoughts?
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Downshifting problems.....
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
The only thing I can think of here Stew is that maybe you've bent the gear selector shaft, but then again that probably wouldn't explain why you're only havin' this problem in a few gears, would it?! 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Downshifting problems.....
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,271 Likes: 17
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,271 Likes: 17 |
Stewart,You may have already tried this but with the shift linkage removed can you shift through all gears by hand. You may need a small set of vise grips attached ever so lightly to determine this. If everything seems ok with this test then it would have to be the linkage or pedal.
Also have you attempted to adjust the clutch cable?
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 Re: Downshifting problems.....
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Quote:
Also have you attempted to adjust the clutch cable?
+1 on this. If you bent the shifter shaft it should effect all gears.
You don't need the clutch as much to shift between the upper
3 gears.
Try adjusting the cable down at the engine & see if this helps.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Downshifting problems.....
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
I would try shifting through all the gears as stated above. Take the linkage off and try it, might have to rock the bike a little or lift the rear wheel and move it while shifting. If you get 1st and 2nd easily that way it probably isn't the shaft and more likely in the controls or clutch adjustment.If you can't that way then it is probably the shaft or something internal.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Downshifting problems.....
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1
Loquacious
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OP
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,611 Likes: 1 |
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
I'll check it out more either tomorrow night or Sat after work and report back.
One thing I did notice... the clutch lever feels good as far as adjustment, but it doesn't look like the lever down on the trans is moving as far as I think it should.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: Downshifting problems.....
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
Is the lever bent not allowing enough travel?
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Downshifting problems.....
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,586 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Is the lever bent not allowing enough travel?
Perhaps hitting so slightly on the pipe.
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Re: Downshifting problems.....
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,382 |
Stewart, do you have the rocker shifter?
When I had one on my bike I noticed it had limited travel where a pin rides in a slot. Could this be your limited travel problem?
If it's the standard shifter then I don't have any suggestions except adjusting the linkage.
Tony G
'03 America
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