Getting into gear

[The Phantom Pieman]

The last two mornings I have had trouble getting into first gear .... the lever doesn't seem to won't to do anything. However a good stamp on it makes it go into first ..

And then it's ok again. Is it a case of "ah, they all do that sir," or is this known fault or and expensive problem ...?

 

[richie]

Mine has always been like that in the morning so its a case of they are all like that sir. BUT has yours just started or has it always been a bit stiff. Believe it or not to engage first from a cold start I have to let out the clutch a bit till it clunks in. Then I m off. and its no longer a problem...

If its just started now at 35000 maybe you should have it looked at.But if you've a newish bike and its just started its probably normal... Sorry can't be clearer. Give us some more info...

 

[alandelph]

just slowly let your clutch leaver off as you do it as it will go in without a problem, once it in you can pull the leaver back on and get ready to move

 

[andy malton]

gears

Pieman,
Check your gear linkage is not dry,just pop out the two little retaining clips and it should pop off,I normally fill the cups with grease then replace and wipe excess grease off.Also while it's off check your actual gear lever is free aswell,if not do the same to that and hopefully that should sort your problem and yes they all do it,but it's down to how much shite weather you ride in and how often it's been stripped to grease.Andy

 

[The Phantom Pieman]

Thanks guys for the swift replies. My heartrate is now reducing .....

 

[The Mechanic]

Mine achtung mine!

Yep mine did it from new, let the clutch back out and try a second time and it snicks in like ...like ..like a hot knife into butter.

This is probably the clutch centre plate sticking to the flywheel momentarily after an overnight/longish rest period. And yes they all do that sir!

 

[MasterDabber]

Re: Mine achtung mine!

Yep mine did it from new, let the clutch back out and try a second time and it snicks in like ...like ..like a hot knife into butter.

This is probably the clutch centre plate sticking to the flywheel momentarily after an overnight/longish rest period. And yes they all do that sir!

That's a relief (I was slightly worried). I never raised the question but mine has done that since I got it (with just under 2000 miles on the clock).
It never caused me any problems as such, and it goes away after it has warmed up a bit.

 

[Deleted account W]

You’re not on your own, mines the same. Let the clutch out in neutral and put pressure on the gear lever.

It goes clunk and everyone looks at you like you’ve got no idea about riding a bike.

A bit sad really.

 

[Cooky]

mine's the same and with the same solution. This feature was also present on the R1150R and the other R1150GS I test rode before buying mine. They ALL do that sir.

 

[littleredrooster]

Simple explanation: Most other bikes use a 'wet' clutch (which runs in the gearbox oil). This always 'drags' a bit and causes the gearbox shafts to be rotating even when the clutch is pulled in. When the gear lever is pressed, it is easy for the gear-dogs (the bits that actually engage) to mate (!) with each other and for the gear to be selected. BMWs have a dry clutch which, when disengaged, does not produce any drag. When the clutch is pulled in, the gearbox shafts stop rotating. If the dogs on the first gear pinions are not opposite each other at this point, the gear will not engage; hence, letting the clutch out a bit causes them to rotate and mesh - gear selected, bingo! A trick which usually works is to press the gear lever immediately after pulling the clutch in; this works for me.

 

[MasterDabber]

Thanks Rooster. Good explanation... that makes sense...