Changing gear, this normal? Also quick Luggage Query...

PaulW21781

PaulW21781

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Hi all

I've noticed an odd thing with my new GSA which I picked up today... When changing up gear (from 4th to 5th, and 5th to 6th only) the gear doesn't always engage, I've noticed the gear indicator display sometimes goes blank and it goes back down into the previous gear, or it shifts up, and then about a second later shifts back down a gear itself with a jolt.

Maybe I'm just not 100% used to the bike yet, but just wondered if this is normal for a new GS Owner... I've only covered 171 miles so far!

Also, regarding the luggage, I've got the aluminium panniers (and top box too). Now, sitting on the bike, the left pannier, both locks work perfectly! On the right, the rear lock is hard to get the key in, and the front one doesn't even unlock with the key in... The top box itself is hard to get the key in but unlocks ok. Is it worth just putting a dab of scottoil on the key and see if it free's it up a bit?? (used to do this with the Givi topbox on the bandit, worked a treat with that) Not sure if it will help the stuck lock on the right box though, but hopefully it will!

Taa
 
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Being as positive as I can, I think it will take some getting used to missing the "clunk" feel from the gear lever as I upshift like I did on my old bike, it just seems to lift and not click, but will go up a gear :confused: Downshifting does give a noticeable "click" which I'm used to.

Just reading a thread on advrider about it, seems quite a few have the issue, some say its just a case of getting used to the 'box, others say it can sometimes be an issue elsewhere... :nenau
 
Also, regarding the luggage, I've got the aluminium panniers (and top box too). Now, sitting on the bike, the left pannier, both locks work perfectly! On the right, the rear lock is hard to get the key in, and the front one doesn't even unlock with the key in... The top box itself is hard to get the key in but unlocks ok
Click to expand...

Unlocking the top box will probably be far easier if your not sitting on the bike :nenau
 
The locks on the panniers are prone to getting road crap in them, (hence the blanking plates they come with..). I would suggest you clean out the barrel with some thing like this (brake cleaner; powerful aerosol that will shift grime and leave lock barrel clean) and then drip a bit of oil into them.

Some people use sowing machine oil, there is an argumant that a thicker oil will just harbour more dirt and grime. Either way, if you blow all the crap out of it with the brake cleaner it will need lubing with something afterwards ..

Re the gear change, My Rt does that once in a while if I'm a bit half hearted, it just needs a positive foot thats all ... :thumb2
 
My gearbox used to do this when the bike was new, but 33k on and it's not happened in a long while. I'm coming from a bandit too, and as Wapping said you just have to be positive with that foot.
 
Re. boxes.

It's a brand new bike and, I assume, boxes.

Return box to dealer and ask them to address the problem of the sticking locks.

You have paid a premium price for an around the world motorcycle. Included in this package is a dealer after-sale support that is without equal. Use it.
 
Have you adjusted the gear lever to suit your foot/boot? If not try lowering the lever a touch and see how you get on.
 
How are you getting on with the gear changes now you have done some more miles?

How are the locks?
 
Not adjusted the gear lever as its pretty much bang on in the position I'm used to!

As for the box now, I guess it really was just a case of getting more used to it. I've had a few more slips with it since, but its getting less and less the more I ride! If anything, within the first 200 miles it must have dropped down itself about a dozen times, but the last 400 miles since its probably only done it about 4 or 5 times, with one being a false shift and not quite engaging gear. But yeah, much better!

The locks on the luggage are behaving now too. I did use some scottoil (I know I know) but the key is now smooth on all locks. The one which wasn't opening just took a fair amount of force but once done and oiled up a bit its much much better! So yeah, happy days :-)
 
I bought my bike second-hand with only 2k on the clock, I've never had problems with gears sticking or clunking, its a 2006 GSA and still no problems ( touching wood,plastic etc ). I did however notice as a courier for several years, if the oil is not changed at regular intervals the gearbox will become reluctant to complie with the riders wishes.
Did you pick up the bike new PaulW21781 ?
 
chad said:
stop looking at his ass:rob
Click to expand...

I'm glad to announce that I've never seen Stepto's arse and If he looks anything like his Avatar, that pleases me greatly. :eek
 
I have a 2010 GS1200 and have the same issue. It feels like it is in gear but the display says no..I have to upo and down shift to get it in gear again. Mine usually happens between 2 and 1 though. I also at times have a similar thing between 5 and 6 where it half engages in 6th then drops back to 5th. Called dealers and they said they cannot test it effectively as they can only do a limited road test so would be unlikely to find out what happens...boo. They also said be positive, but I am and it has not made any changes..hope that helps
 
PaulW21781 said:
Hi all

I've noticed an odd thing with my new GSA which I picked up today... When changing up gear (from 4th to 5th, and 5th to 6th only) the gear doesn't always engage, I've noticed the gear indicator display sometimes goes blank and it goes back down into the previous gear, or it shifts up, and then about a second later shifts back down a gear itself with a jolt.

Maybe I'm just not 100% used to the bike yet, but just wondered if this is normal for a new GS Owner... I've only covered 171 miles so far!

Also, regarding the luggage, I've got the aluminium panniers (and top box too). Now, sitting on the bike, the left pannier, both locks work perfectly! On the right, the rear lock is hard to get the key in, and the front one doesn't even unlock with the key in... The top box itself is hard to get the key in but unlocks ok. Is it worth just putting a dab of scottoil on the key and see if it free's it up a bit?? (used to do this with the Givi topbox on the bandit, worked a treat with that) Not sure if it will help the stuck lock on the right box though, but hopefully it will!

Taa
Click to expand...
On my second GSA in 4 years and havn't had either problem. Check the oil, shift can be clunky without enough oil. Re the boxes take em back - should work from day one.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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