Gear selection

[Kevmulcock]

04 R1200GS
I have recently been having problems with downshifting gears (aproaching roundabouts etc)

When I kick down, I may go down 1 gear, then there is nothing... the only way I can sometimes solve this, is by slightly lifting the gear selector up milimetres and then kicking down again however this takes time, thinking and luck I have had a few scary moments stuck in 4th or 5th.
(I hope this makes sense!)

Has anybody had this trouble.
Any tips ideas etc

DO I HAVE A PROBLEM??????

new gearbox =££££££

 

[cookie]

sounds like a stiff linkage stopping the lever returning to centre properly.

strip, clean, grease.

 

[Ken H.]

Yes you have a problem, shouldn't be that way. First thing to check is to make sure the linkage behind the kick plate isn't loose or miss-adjusted preventing a full return after a shift.

 

[JayGee]

It could be the linkage but check it's not caused by a dragging clutch, that is, a clutch that is not fully disengaging and therefore making downshifts difficult (you won't notice on the upshift). Does the down shift only stick when the engine is on the overrun/slowing the bike? Is it worse when the engine is hot? Does a blip of the throttle on a down shift cure the problem? If yes to all these then it could be a clutch drag problem. I had this problem and the dealer free'd up the linkage but that made no difference. I think it was Tobers who warned me it could be the splines on the clutch shaft needed lubricating. The problem dissappeared after I had the main engine oil seal replaced and instructed the dealer to ensure the splines were cleaned and re-lubed. Another possible cause of clutch drag is oil contamination of the clutch, a small amount when hot will cause the plate to stick.

If you think it might be a clutch drag problem try blipping the throttle on the down change, this freed the clutch on mine and made down shifts quite smooth and easy. If this cures the problem and it's still in warranty then it needs fixing, if not maybe you can live with it.