Difficulty engaging 1st gear when cold

[DrKen]

I ahve noticed this a couple of times when using the bike in the morning. Start the engine, let it idle 5-10 secs, disengage clutch and stab repeatedly at gearshift until it eventually goes in. Is this a common experience? Is it a fault and is there a fix or am I just being too hasty, ie if I give it 20 secs to begin moving the oil around will it slip into gear as easily as - well as easily as a Suzuki?

 

[redcastle]

stabbing is not a good plan

let the clutch out gently while keeping pressure on the gear lever and it will just slip in very nicely

 

[Toad]

You need to ease it in gently or it'll scream at you. . . . . .

Or it that just me . . .. .

 

[Ogmios]

bikes and lovers.....
theres just so many things they have in common!
(or um maybe thats just me)
hang on...Roadcraft agrees with me

Information
Position
Speed
Gear
(consider Lifesaver)
Acceleration!

~~
Og

 

[dirtydog]

Difficulty engaging 1st gear when cold

A good pair of gloves is needed. Oh, and don't forget to switch the heated grips on too

 

[enabb]

stabbing is not a good plan

let the clutch out gently while keeping pressure on the gear lever and it will just slip in very nicely

Seconded

 

[DrKen]

A good pair of gloves is needed. Oh, and don't forget to switch the heated grips on too

Oh ha ha I wish I'd thought of that . Being a hot blooded Scotsman I bought a bike without heated grips.

This morning I tried a slightly different technique and it slipped in no trouble at all Ooo err missus.

When I said 'stab reppeatedly at gearshift' I was describing a fairly quick 'press and release' action that has worked with more or less every bike I have ridden. I realise that might have read like some kind of manic violent machine-abuse but I'm really not that kind of guy . I now find that when cold the GS needs a press down and hold action, but when warm it definitely slips in more easily. Just like.......

 

[birdseye]

I ahve noticed this a couple of times when using the bike in the morning. Start the engine, let it idle 5-10 secs, disengage clutch and stab repeatedly at gearshift until it eventually goes in. Is this a common experience? Is it a fault and is there a fix or am I just being too hasty, ie if I give it 20 secs to begin moving the oil around will it slip into gear as easily as - well as easily as a Suzuki?

Mine was just the same - I found that I needed to press the gear lever as I was operating the clutch or otherwise the cold oil would stop the cogs rotating and the gear dogs engaging. Alternatively start to release the clutch with the pedal still depressed.

You wont warm up the gear oil much with the bike idling out of gear.

 

[Pukmeister]

I bought my bike used and when riding it home I was convinced I had just bought a lemon due to the 1st gear not engaging from rest, and all the clunking and backlash in the drivetrain (previously a "Jap only" owner).

I phoned a GS owning mate and he had to pick himself off the floor laughing, much to my embarrassment. Once I was told how to engage 1st I've had no problems since, but I know exactly how you feel.

 

[Miker80]

gear problem

Hiya everone Im a new guy
I bought a new GS 1200 in March from Dalkeith and had the same problem
They replaced the gearbox
I couldnt change gear without breaking my toes took it back and no quibbles they did the biz

cheers

Mike

 

[JohnC]

Doubt it was the 'same' problem as 'they all do that' m8.

If it was, then it's a real pity you never posted a similar thread to this before you had your brand new bike torn down lol

 

[Miker80]

Not anymore sweetmeat smooth as silk
suppose its what one is used too or prepared to accept that lets BMW away with it
still to each as they say!!!!

 

[JohnC]

Doubt that very much tenderloin

Perhaps they needed the warranty work