Won't stay on 2nd gear

[mazaisti]

I have '94 R 1100 GS and it has following problem with transmission:

When I shift from 1st to 2nd gear everything seems to go right (familiar sound, gear indicator changes to 2 etc.) but when I release the shift lever the gear drops to neutral, so 2nd gear doesn't engage properly. Sometimes 2nd seems to stay on but when I pull the clutch (to change to 3rd) the gear drops to neutral.

After retries (sometimes several) the 2nd gear engages properly and stays on (even under heavy acceleration). It seems to engage better when I keep rmps low and steady.

When I shift from 3rd to 2nd gear everything goes nicely and 2nd gear stays on (even under heavy acceleration).

Any ideas? Bent shift fork, worn out dogs or cogs? Something else?

 

[MattW]

I have '94 R 1100 GS and it has following problem with transmission:

When I shift from 1st to 2nd gear everything seems to go right (familiar sound, gear indicator changes to 2 etc.) but when I release the shift lever the gear drops to neutral, so 2nd gear doesn't engage properly. Sometimes 2nd seems to stay on but when I pull the clutch (to change to 3rd) the gear drops to neutral.

After retries (sometimes several) the 2nd gear engages properly and stays on (even under heavy acceleration). It seems to engage better when I keep rmps low and steady.

When I shift from 3rd to 2nd gear everything goes nicely and 2nd gear stays on (even under heavy acceleration).

Any ideas? Bent shift fork, worn out dogs or cogs? Something else?

Definitely a Steptoe question, but in the meantime have you checked that the gearlever pivot and linkages are moving freely and aren't seized?

 

[Popeye]

Definitely a Steptoe question, but in the meantime have you checked that the gearlever pivot and linkages are moving freely and aren't seized?

Matt - a genuine query here, really thumb) wouldn't the "sticky linkage" problem be more likely to prevent 2nd gear being engaged at all and in fact be more likely to be the cause of no down shifts being possible ??

 

[MattW]

Matt - a genuine query here, really thumb) wouldn't the "sticky linkage" problem be more likely to prevent 2nd gear being engaged at all and in fact be more likely to be the cause of no down shifts being possible ??

I'm sure you're right Popeye however it's worth ruling out before diving into the gearbox. I had an 'issue' with my 1100 where I occasionally used to find a false neutral going up from 3rd to 4th - thought nothing of it and put it down to 'character' / poor technique on my part.

Then I had occasion to remove the footrest hangers so that I could take the swingarm off and found that the gear lever pivot was slightly stiff so I took it all apart and greased it and the linkage. I only realised a few weeks later that my false neutral problem had gone away. Of course it could be coincidence or I could have subconsciously changed my technique - I don't know

I know the gear linkage 'stickiness' problem is thought of as more of an 1150 issue but surely worth a look for the 10 minutes it'll take?

 

[Colban]

http://www.largiader.com/
This feller knows BMWs.
Have a read of the R1100 transmission section.
Try draining the oil out of the gearbox and looking closely at what comes out.
There may be clues there.Good luck.

 

[mazaisti]

Thanks fro pointers, excellent reading.

Transmission story at micapeak's site was also enlightening.

have you checked that the gearlever pivot and linkages are moving freely and aren't seized?

My gear lever is pivot is actually quite (too?) loose instead of stiff, maybe that has some effect to the shifting (2nd won't go fully in or something like that). I will compare it to friends' bikes and check if I can tighten it up if necessary.

 

[mazaisti]

I tried to shift bit differently as suggested on Getrag story using some pre-load on gear lever before changing and seems to help a lot. I even feel the two stages on some occasions (first and second stage of dog engagement)

I think I might even manage through this season without transmission overhaul that would take at least couple of weeks with spare part sourcing etc.