dry sense of changing gears !

[balazagi]

I've been riding my first BMW (650F, 9k) happily for about a months now, but now I feel as if changing gears specially from first to second ain't as smooth as it was before, is this something to be concerned about, I don't know how it's suppose to feel as this is my BMW bike !

any advice/tips on "gearbox care".

 

[Animal]

Have you checked the condition and tension of your chain&sprockets and cush drive ?

A loose (or tight) chain will have a big effect on the feel of the gearchange.

 

[The Mechanic]

Dry? gear change feel?

Chech out all the usual things first:
1/ clutch operation, is it sticking or dragging (trying to move the bike clutch dis-engaged and in gear).
2/ correct oil level, grade etc.
3/ gearchange linkage/pivots straight and not cruded up with dirt etc.
This is in addition to the already mentioned chain and cush rubbers.
I take it the engine is ok?
Have you changed foot wear to thicker/thinner boots? Long shot I know but thought I'd ask.

 

[balazagi]

Hi guys,

thanks for quick reply. I have been checking the chain tension and oil level regularly, and according to the instructions in the manual they're ok ! Forgive my ignorance but what and where is the cush drive/robber ?

cheers

 

[Animal]

A Cush Drive is...

hmmm, how to explain...





OK then... the chain runs on a sprocket, which is bolted directly to a sprocket carrier. On the inside of the carrier are a load of "wings" which point directly inwards.

These wings slot into the rear wheel, which has corresponding wings in alternating gaps. In each of the gaps is a small triangular bit of rubber... they give a bit to stop the chain being connected directly to the back wheel.

The cush rubbers wear out, usually in about 20,000 miles on an inline 4, less on twins and singles.



Sorry... best explination I could manage

 

[balazagi]

thanks for the description Ani...,

I am sure is a very good one, and I now have good idea of what it is, but still sounds a bit to advance for me to tackle it myself !

I have now cleaned the gearchange linkage/pivots and also readjusted the clutch lever and shall see how it feels tomorrow morning.

the 10k service is due in couple of weeks, and the engine seems to be running OK, so till then I guess I have to take it easy and hope for the best.

Thanks again guys for your help. This was my first communication with the members and it is really great to be part of such a positive and supportive community