Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech GRIPE: Broken Shift Linkage!!!

Just something for y'all to be aware of:

Was out riding today, minding my own business, when I noticed a weird feeling when downshifting at a light -- it felt... squishy.

Long story short, I looked down and the back end of the shifter had bent at about a 45-degree angle. A couple of miles later (shifting very carfully) it finally popped, dragging the linkage on the ground as i limped into a parking lot.

Wound up unscrewing it and limping all the way home with Mrs. Jaeger following me to keep the tailgaiters off.

I'll let y'all know how Triumph deals with the warranty, but #$@$%^@#$$%^ teh bike has less than 8k on 'er!!!

Grrr.

--Jaeger

That sucks man.. some guys have had some trouble with that early on I think. Brent sells a heavy duty replacement... might want to check into that.

Well, I'll be very curious to see how Triumph deals with this. Ideally they'll either a) give me an upgraded version, or b) just give me money to buy a replacement from newspeedmaster.

The other concern is that my nearest dealer is on the other side of Washington, DC, and it's a real pain to get there. I'm really really really hoping that they don't say "you need to come in so we can see it." It sounds, though, that this is a common enough problem that they shouldn't give me too much grief.

Hah, famous last words right?

--Jaeger

See if you can bring just the shifter rod and end pieces?

I just bought a 3', hollow, stainless rod from McMaster-Carr. Cut to length with a hacksaw, filed the sharp edges off, and polished on a bench-buffer. Slipped over the stock rod, shiny and much stronger, no more bending. Think the hollow rod piece was $20, which made three rod covers (sold to other America owners). Graingers over at Alexandria would have the rod in stock. Pick me up a piece, I'll cut and polish for you and drop off at one of the local Roy Rogers for you to pick up. Here's the spec on the rod I bought:
Type 304 Stainless Steel Seamless Tubing 3/8" OD, .319" ID, .028" Wall, 3' Length
I think the 3' length was the smallest they had, only need about 18" or so. Let me know if I can help you out. I'll be in NOVA on Monday. In fact, if you get me the rod, I'll bring you my cut and polished rod to put on your bike. The 304 stainless is the best, shines like chrome and holds the finish.

Bonny -- Yeah, that's what i'm working on. There is no way in hell I'm going to either ride the bike over to clinton or to load into my truck and cart over. With luck a simple photo will do (or they'll just believe me and send me the piece).

SSJones -- thanks for the offer, but the broken likage is hosed -- the break was in the threads on the back end, so it's completely useless. I will, however, take ya up on it if/when Triumph gives me a replacement.

If Triumph doesn't give me a replacement I will howl like a banshee here and everywhere, and I'll buy the aftermarket from newspeedmaster. It would just really, really, REALLY suck if Triumph doesn't honor their warranty.

--Jaeger

The shift rod from Brent was one of the first things I bought for my bike. I know I had less than 8,000 miles on it. If you can work the dealer on getting one, great. If not, I highly recommend buying it anyway.

If it will help, I have my stock shifter rod. You can have it if it will tide you over.

I bought the hex rod from Brent also, shortly after he announced them.

Jaeger, I had mine replaced with no problems under warranty here in Atlanta. After I got the new one, I ordered Brent's one and there is no comparison. Brent's is solid, you can tell the difference in the shift and it never feels like it is bowing like the Triumph one did. And the Triumph one was supposed to be an upgrade over the original. Like Grump, I probably have the Triumph one around somewhere if you need it.... ride safe... Gordon

Thanks for the offers, folks! I just ordered the upgrade from NSM.com, and I've talked to the dealer about getting the old one covered under warranty. I figure I'll just hock the new one on ebay or something. *shrug* I do know that I don't want to wait around for the warranty to do its thing, especially if i'm gonna replace it anyway.

I do know I ain't gonna do this again. Glad to hear the upgrade is worth it!

--Jaeger

Jaeger-Thanx for giving us all the heads up. I'm glad I heard about this before it actually happens. Knock Knock Knock. Just in case the new one don't get here quick enough.

Mine also bent, not as bad tho, got Brents, it's awesome. Also one of my first purchases.

If it's just the rod that's hosed, man, I live in NoVA and work on Independence Ave. Will take a spare to work tomorrow and you're welcome to it if you want it. Just send me a pm with contact info.

I am going to do like ssjones (on reply page 1). I ordered my 3' S.S. rod today. Anyone want dibs on the extra one that I will wind up having? Let me know.

ssjones- any tips on how long to cut the monster? Thx

First, a big thanks to JJ who's offered to lend me a shift linkage to tide me over while I get things straightened out. Woo hoo, BA.com folks lookin' out!

Second, I'm somewhat comforted to hear that I'm not the only person who's had this issue -- I was wondering if maybe I did somethign wrong, if I shifted too hard (I can really stomp on the shifter) or if I just had bad luck.

Third -- while I'm sort've happy to hear I'm not alone, I'm surprised this isn't listed in one of the "watch out for these potential problem" threads. Apparently this is so common as to be the norm?

Suggestion: Can we start a FAQ (or something) that lists the known potential issues with the Bonnies/Speedys/Americas? I imagine this would live in the Tech Vault. The perfect example of this would be the speedo cable loop, which we all know ALWAYS breaks, and then a list of possible fixes (both homemade and aftermarket).

It could be a useful reference for the old hands, and a guidebook for the newbies.

Gurus? Mods?

--Jaeger

Great Idea... That would be an awesome thread!
Throttle cables too short, move to right side is one also.

That is a good idea.... I'll see if I can pull some strings

Grazie, grazie. Glad y'all think it's a good ide.a

Incidentally -- MUCHAS GRACIAS! to JJ!!! He's a lifesaver, and it also turns out we're neighbors! He loaned me a shift linkage to tide me over while I wait for NSM.com and Triumph to do their things. JJ, it's already on teh bike and works perfectly (of course).

--Jaeger