Difficulty Engaging 1st Gear

[h0wz3r]

This is probably a 'they all do that sir' question but I'll ask anyway.

Since getting my R1200GS last Tuesday, I've noticed that it can be difficult to engage first gear. It takes a few attempts to pull the clutch in then trying to engage first gear but nothing happens. Eventually after a few cycles of pulling in the clutch lever, first gear engages. There's plenty of movement at the gear lever and nothing is sticking or resisting.

Each subsequent gear change seems to go without a hitch, it's only engaging first that seems to be the problem.

Pulling the clutch lever in and out I can hear the clutch plate engaging / disengaging so doesn't sound like a sticky clutch. With the engine off but the ignition on, the gear indicator tells me that first, second etc is engaged if I move the gear lever on its own without pulling in the clutch lever. It's only when the engine is running the problem exists.

Any thoughts on what I might be doing wrong or what I can do to help cure the problem?

 

[oblertone]

There is ...

... a technical explanation, something to do with rotating lay-shafts and engine speed if memory serves, however all you need to know is 'they all do that' and there is a cure ! Simply pull clutch lever in, put gentle pressure on gear lever and slowly release the clutch lever, when it's about halfway out the gear will engage seamlessly

 

[h0wz3r]

... a technical explanation, something to do with lay-shafts if memory serves, however all you need to know is 'they all do that' and there is a cure ! Simply pull clutch lever in, put gentle pressure on gear lever and slowly release the clutch lever, when it's about halfway out the gear will engage seamlessly

I'll try that!

Very relieved to hear that it's a 'they all do that' 'feature' and not something more sincere.

Will let you know how I get on later

 

[GSmonkey]

As oblertone says, there is an easy way round it that you get used to.............only happens when cold really.

A bit of background reading from Steptoe here.

 

[strod]

I was also confounded by this difficulty engaging first gear after picking up my new then 2008 GSA (after a K1200S which never did it). I asked one of the guys at North Oxford Garage, who made a comment about being "agricultural", and then gave me the tip of just to rolling the bike backwards slightly, and then attempt to re-engage first gear. This always worked for me...

 

[littleredrooster]

The answer is here, my friend.