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Message started by ErminM on 05/31/07 at 23:17:32

Title: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by ErminM on 05/31/07 at 23:17:32

Hello all!

I got nice windshild mounted today that I bought
per suggestion on the forum.
While I was testing it today I got stuck in traffic on
really hot day with I imagine hot engine.
As I was rolling along and stopping my shifter got stuck
in 1st gear, I could not get it in second gear no matter
how much force I applied. Once rolling I could shift to
second without clutch, hate to do that...
As engine cooled I imagine, shifting became better.
This is 07 bike with 600 kmh on it.
It is 3rd time it happened and I just today realized it
is always when I am sitting in traffic.

What could be wrong there? that can not be expected.
I would like to know what to say when I take it in.
I got it brand new and I sure like to be able to shift at will...

Thanks!

Ermin

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by vroom1776 on 05/31/07 at 23:34:25

try just pulling the clutch in a couple of times. then try shifting normally

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by ErminM on 05/31/07 at 23:39:32

Thanks!

I will try but when it happened today I stayed stuck for 4-5
minutes while I was rolling around and fighting with it.
Releasing clutch fully is not possible in traffic that is standing.
I might try to kill the engine and try few times.
It will be hard to reproduce and I know that
goofs in service will say it is all fine.

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by mickthelimey on 05/31/07 at 23:47:19

Try changing down before you come to a complete stop,
Iv'e noticed that my 02 can be a little tricky if I wait till I stop ,use your gears to slow the bike ,works 4 me.
Mick

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by youzguyz on 06/01/07 at 01:59:56

I have had similiar (but not as severe) experiences with my 02 as well.
I let the clutch out a little.. just to where it starts to engage, then pull it in and it shifts ok.

Most of the time, I do what Mick says.. and downshift as I come to stop. You can "engine brake" or not.. depends on what you like. Just try to have it in 1st gear before you stop rolling.

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by Greg_650 on 06/01/07 at 05:02:21

Check to make sure that nothing is binding your shifter linkage too.

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by K1200LTryder on 06/01/07 at 05:08:03

Sounds like you need to adjust your clutch, if it isnt disengaging fully, it will still put engine load on the transmission.

How much clutch lever travel do you have when letting out the clutch before the bike starts moving ?

If you have the lever pulled all the way in and the bike starts to creep just as you let it out just a little bit, you need to adjust the cable to correct it.

Easy fix IMHO

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by Ed_L. on 06/01/07 at 07:03:12

Try a little oil on the shaft that the shifter pedal mounts on. I was having a problem with it on my '02 and ended up installing a grease zert on it to keep it lubed. Double clutching as you change gears while in traffic also will help. Since the bike is almost new there is probably some break-in still occuring also.

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by Dynobob on 06/01/07 at 12:18:52

Your bike will always shift if the bike's moving. If you're at a stop, try rocking the bike a little forward and backward.

Always downshift as you are slowing for a stop. Make sure your speed is appropriate for the gears you're choosing.

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by Dynobob on 06/01/07 at 12:20:50

Edit: it is possible the short rod that handles the shifting is bent. If someone was forcefully shifting, it could have been bent.

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by ErminM on 06/01/07 at 12:46:02

Well that is the thing.
I do downshift and sometimes I end up
in first gear, sometimes in neutral.
When this happens mostly first because shifting
gets rough so it skips through neutral.

I am moving at the point where I can not get out of the first gear. So rocking bike would not help as I am already rolling. I try to get in second and shifter is stuck.
At that time I if I just leave clutch alone and pull up I do get to second gear but that is rough too and it gives kick to the engine. I don't think anything is bent because this happens only when it is hot and most of the time it is fine.
Maybe something is too tight and as heat expands starts to hang.

I'll check clutch play as well. I did notice that clutch lever
is loose at the released end and might have too much free play.

As it is brand new I am trying to stay away from doing much myself. Last think I need is them to tell me I broke it :)

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by Savage_Rob on 06/01/07 at 12:50:07

When I bent mine, it only stopped me from downshifting. It didn't hinder upshifting for me at all.

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by K1200LTryder on 06/02/07 at 07:45:47

Betcha a Dollar I'm right about the clutch needing to be set up..... ;D

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by Ed_L. on 06/02/07 at 08:47:14

Maybe a heavier weight oil in the crankcase would help, I was having problems shifting from 1st to 2nd when the engine was hot untill I changed to 20/50 weight.

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by Dynobob on 06/02/07 at 11:35:02

ErminM wrote:

As it is brand new I am trying to stay away from doing much myself. Last think I need is them to tell me I broke it :)

The shifting on the Savages is notchy. As you rack up the miles, it will smooth out as things wear in. If your clutch adjustment is off, it could lead to difficult shiftiing.

Just don't force the shift lever and don't grind gears and you'll be fine.

Title: Re: Gear shifter stuck?
Post by ErminM on 06/03/07 at 21:19:02

Thanks for all suggestions.
I think I got it now.

Cluch was way too loose.

I adjusted it and since I was not in same situation since
I can not be 100% sure but it is way different.
Shifting is much smoother and I can hear that nice clank
when I shift now. It is completely different.

I hope nothing suffered too much and there is no permanent
damage... Dealership even sent the guy out when
that happened first time and I told him I think it is clutch
but he did not check it... I guess with motorcycles
they mean it when they include toolkit :) DIY! :)

Thanks a million!

Ermin