Having trouble with the second to third gear shift

MattR302 · 05-22-2007, 12:09 PM

Hey guys. So about a week ago, I read a thread about clutchless shifting, and I tried it a few times later that day, and it only took me a couple tries to get the hang of it. I’ve been using the clutch since then. Well since that first time I tried it, I’ve noticed that my bike has been having some trouble sometimes on the shift from second to third gear, even when shifting with the clutch. Earlier last week, it would only happen once or twice a ride, but then this morning, I noticed it was happening probably over 50% of the time I tried to shift into third. It would take 2 or even 3 tries with the shifter to get it to click into third gear. I've been trying to shift more firmly to avoid this, but it doesnt seem to help. And its only 3rd gear, and only been happening recently. Anyone have any ideas?

kevinwilly · 05-22-2007, 01:30 PM

Make sure your shifter is adjusted properly.

Also- make sure that you are not accidently keeping pressure on the shifter between shifts.

I was riding my girlfriend's bike and could NOT get it into third for the life of me. Turns out i was not letting off the shifter completely because my feet are bigger, and her footpeg was loose which was pinching the shifter.

I doubt a little clutchless upshifting hurt anything. I have NEVER used the clutch to upshift on my bike, and it's still working great.

ZxHunteR · 05-22-2007, 02:01 PM

You have to let the shifter reset. If you click up to second, you can still gas it without having to reset the shifter. So when you go to shift to third you still have the shifter pushed up and you dont know it so you keep trying and its not doing anything and you eventually let your foot down and shove it hard into gear thinking force made it work when it was you that kept it from shifting.

This happened to me a lot yesterday while I broke in my smx boots...

rugger19 · 05-22-2007, 02:28 PM

Try squeezing the clutch about 80-90% instead of all the way in.

jrr02005 · 05-22-2007, 02:34 PM

hey if worst comes to worst you could sell it to some squid for more than the $1,500 you paid for it and put that towards a 600

ZxHunteR · 05-22-2007, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrr02005

hey if worst comes to worst you could sell it to some squid for more than the $1,500 you paid for it and put that towards a 600

Or hookers and blow!

Parabellum · 05-22-2007, 03:10 PM

I have *always* used my clutch.

Is shifting without the clutch seriously NOT bad for your trans or drivetrain?

This just sounds like the kind of thing that is BAD for the bike....anyone?

hjyy · 05-22-2007, 03:33 PM

I don't use the clutch when I'm really lazy. otherwise i use the clutch, not much of a hassle to pull a lever in really. it's not like it requires much effort. :/

kevinwilly · 05-22-2007, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parabellum

I have *always* used my clutch.

Is shifting without the clutch seriously NOT bad for your trans or drivetrain?

This just sounds like the kind of thing that is BAD for the bike....anyone?

Trust me, it's not bad for UPSHIFTS.

It's a constant mesh transmission. It actually places LESS stress on the tranny to not use the clutch on an upshift.

On a downshift, you should use the clutch, though.

Smooth7 · 05-22-2007, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parabellum

I have *always* used my clutch.

Is shifting without the clutch seriously NOT bad for your trans or drivetrain?

This just sounds like the kind of thing that is BAD for the bike....anyone?

this has definitely been covered. for a more thorough answer, try to search. but no, clutchless upshifting should not hurt anything.

Parabellum · 05-22-2007, 04:28 PM

Wow...I am going to have to try the clutchless upshift.

And I'm a forum vet (on other forums anyway) I can't believe I forgot that this would be a covered topic (and hence, ripe for a SEARCH).

yamirider · 05-22-2007, 09:19 PM

Yeah clutchless is better. In a Twist of the Wrist Keith says that its much easier on the transmission to shift clutchless....not to mention WAY smoother

gsxr_fan2003 · 05-22-2007, 09:25 PM

it wont hurt anything IF DONE RIGHT

zx11_12 · 05-23-2007, 12:29 AM

Hopefully you just aren't letting the shifter reset. But you say it took you a few tries to get it right. If you were doing it wrong, ie. trying to shift without letting off the gas to unload the transmission, you may have bent a shift fork in the trans. If so, that sucks, man! you would have to pull the engine and split the cases to replace the fork.
Let's hope the others are right and you just aren't letting the shifter back down far enough to reset.
FWIW, shifting properly without a clutch is actually easier on the trans and clutch. I ruined the engagement dogs on second and 6th gear on my ZX-11 several years ago att he drag strip shifting WITH the clutch. I wasn't shifting firmly enough and the dogs were grinding slightly before engaging and it rounded off the corners. The bike would jump out of second gear after that until I had the engine split and new gears installed. $$$$

Parabellum · 05-23-2007, 10:56 AM

I went out and did a bunch of clutchless shifting and I hated it.

It just felt wrong, and I didn't like the clunk when the trans engaged the next gear...I was operating the throttle essentially just as if I was using the clutch, by letting off for the shift and then getting back on.

I think I will stick to using the clutch...its been working for 6+ years now.

But its good to know I can do this without hurting the bike (assuming I am doing it right).