SuzukiSavage.com /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Another question on shifting /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1403837076 Message started by Tocsik on 06/26/14 at 19:44:36

Title: Another question on shifting Post by Tocsik on 06/26/14 at 19:44:36 I've put about seven hundred miles on the bike since purchasing last month (it's at about 3400 now) and the shifting 'clunkiness' is still worrying me a little. Each upshift seems pretty noisy and I really feel it in my toes.  I've spent a good amount of time reading about shifting on the forum to be sure it's not just a normal variant.  Read some of Clymer's on adjusting the clutch, too. Also, if I try and shift into 1st gear when slowing down to a stop, it grinds and won't go into 1st unless I'm barely moving; kinda like an ol' VW beetle I had. I pulled into a neighborhood on my way home today and checked the adjustment at the clutch lever and, sure enough, it was screwed all the way in from the previous owner.  I backed it out a little, rode around and made a couple more tweaks to be sure I'm getting the clutch fully engaged so I think that end is OK.  But it still 'clunks' into each gear.  The clutch doesn't release until the handle is all the way out now after my adjustment.  I liked it better the other way.  :-/ I'm running Rotella T and the level is good. Is this just the way these bikes shift?  Kinda loud each time? Just wanna be sure I'm not harmin' anything.

Title: Re: Another question on shifting Post by pgambr on 06/26/14 at 19:55:11 Yes it clunks a lot.  My understanding is the transmission is supposed to be very reliable.  Try adjusting the shifting rod, perhaps give it a good cleaning.  Make sure the ball joints are free of any grime as well.  You shouldn't be having any problems with the miles you have on it.

Title: Re: Another question on shifting Post by 1st2know on 06/26/14 at 20:27:52 That grinding noise when downshifting to 1st while moving is how the bike trains us not to do that. That's motorcycle talk for 'You're either gonna stop me or get me going again in 2nd' If you do get it in to 1st, you'll probably hear it whine, with the clutch pulled in... Savages don't care much for 1st gear.

Title: Re: Another question on shifting Post by Serowbot on 06/26/14 at 23:07:13 Think of it,.. as an old VW....   In fact, think of any motorcycle as an old VW...   Motorcycles do not have synchromesh transmissions... They don't like to shift without rolling... they shouldn't be downshifted into any gear before it's time... they shouldn't be forced into gear... A Savage isn't as smooth as as a Honda... it's way smoother than a Harley... Once you learn to work with it,... it will become much smoother... Strangely,... I can feel a difference, when someone else has ridden my bike... and it takes a while to get the smooth cadence back in the tranny... You have to learn to work with a bike transmission... you don't fight it... Other than shift lever adjustments, and people bending the shift rod by forcing shifts... Savages don't have shift problems... practically non-existent... Getting Zen with your bike, is what makes bikes more fun than cars... They don't do what you demand,... they do what you ask... Politely... ;D...

Title: Re: Another question on shifting Post by Gowor on 06/27/14 at 00:38:56 Rev matching and gently pushing the gear lever until it engages, instead of just jamming it into gear helps a lot on the Savage :-) Also I think the way the gearbox works is one of the reasons why it's called "Savage" :-D

Title: Re: Another question on shifting Post by gizzo on 06/27/14 at 01:38:56 No use having teeth if you don't clean them  ;)

Title: Re: Another question on shifting Post by jcstokes on 06/27/14 at 03:40:30 With respect, I wouldn't try and put it in first while slowing for a stop. leave it in second and only go into first when stationary or under 5 mph

Title: Re: Another question on shifting Post by BalingWire on 06/27/14 at 04:03:44 Another worry assuaged.  My Savage is just being....savage. :)

Title: Re: Another question on shifting Post by Tocsik on 06/27/14 at 05:02:47 Excellent responses. Thanks folks. I'll continue on in my savage learning curve.

Title: Re: Another question on shifting Post by Bubba on 06/27/14 at 12:06:15 Yah, takes time to learn the bike...if you want to hear a bike clunk into gear listen to a Harley...

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