48 replies to this topic

[Tor]

So lately I've had trouble downshifting for the first half hour of each ride now in the winter season. For lack of correct terminology, if I'm, say, in 4th and hit 3rd while decelerating towards an intersection, while the lever returns to horizontal the ratchet in the shifter mechanism isn't returning to give me 2nd in succession unless I've either first downshifted from 4th with a sharp tap, in which case I usually get what I want, or flick the lever afterwards when I don't. Hope I'm making sense. Is it just time for an oil change? It's got 34k kms on the odo and not many of them on the current oil.

Edited by Tor, 12 January 2022 - 11:20 am.

[PeterGriffin]

Did you get new boots perhaps................

[Gdogg]

Or two pairs of socks on 😂

[Tor]

Neither, nor do I have two pairs of boots on. It's real. I swear. And it's bloody awkward after an unscheduled hard stop and I'm still in 5th.

[Gdogg]

Perhaps another chain slack issue maybe 🤔

[Tor]

If it is I shall hide my head in shame. Next time it happens I'll come to a complete stop and make sure the chain is untensioned, then see.

 

Edit: Just measured the chain slack at 42mm, so a little on the tight side.

Edited by Tor, 12 January 2022 - 01:03 pm.

[Favs]

Adjust clutch cable too.

[Tor]

I’ll try tightening it, sure.

 

This afternoon I came to a stop after this occurred again. Rolled the bike backwards, to … er, take any load off the chain and sprockets. No change. Many times I’ve also tried working the clutch, like when serial downshifting jams up, but nothing.

[Snowbird]

An oil change is probably the first thing to try, maybe a colder grade for the lower temperature.

[leehenty]

Check and lubricate gear lever pivot

[Catteeclan]

My old xl500r used to do this but not only when cold. Was a bitch off road as I used to come to a sudden stop quite a bit.  
Was a worn clutch basket on that, can't imagine it'll be that with your mileage.

[Tor]

Check and lubricate gear lever pivot

The lever itself returns and is sprung, but it doesn’t always return with a gear. 

 

My old xl500r used to do this but not only when cold. Was a bitch off road as I used to come to a sudden stop quite a bit.  
Was a worn clutch basket on that, can't imagine it'll be that with your mileage.

When I had one of those, the mechanic I used replaced selector forks on it, saying they were known to fail. The best looking, slowest bike I’ve ever known 

 

I’ll get hold of some good oil anyway.

[dapleb]

As SB suggests. If last oil change unknown, that would be my first step.

[dablik]

Take a hammer and hit it 

[dapleb]

Take a hammer and hit it 

That would be my step 2

[LAURENCEAUX]

Only happens when cold starting?

Metal shrinks when cold and grease stiffens, so is this a possible misalignment (through cold shrinkage) that resolves as the engine, cables, lubricants and surrounding selecting cogs expand back into a working tolerance?

If this goes away when warm weather returns I might have a point and if not I'm talking bollocks.

Heat your garage overnight and and try again.

[Tor]

Only happens when cold starting?

Metal shrinks when cold and grease stiffens, so is this a possible misalignment (through cold shrinkage) that resolves as the engine, cables, lubricants and surrounding selecting cogs expand back into a working tolerance?

If this goes away when warm weather returns I might have a point and if not I'm talking bollocks.

Heat your garage overnight and and try again.

I've a carport but might roll it into the hall the weekend. It didn't do this e.g. after I did some work on it indoors and took it out straight afterwards. It has definitely started happening during the cold season, but I'll be changing the oil and making sure the chain is as right as can be.

 

Take a hammer and hit it 

Well, if you look at my [actual] name you'll probably start to realise that this is in my makeup but I'm trying to keep things civilised. Failing that I'll make good use of a gift I received from a dear friend some time ago.

 

 thor.jpg   74.43KB   0 downloads

[Bjørge]

My first 2-wheeler was a Vespa 50 - and I drove it all year. When it got really cold I had to teat the gearbox to be able to have a functioning gear shift until it warmed up.

If there was no such options when parked, it needed be left in 2nd gear 

 

I'm not really surprised a TDM or any modern bike can't handle cold weather. My new Tracer 7 has a battery the size of a cigarette pack and struggled to crank the engine at -2C....

[Tor]

Hallo Bjørge!

 

I'm not really surprised a TDM or any modern bike can't handle cold weather. My new Tracer 7 has a battery the size of a cigarette pack and struggled to crank the engine at -2C....

 

I shouldn't swear, but my old '97 VFR750F started ridiculously well in all conditions. But hey, I did sell it in order to get a TDM, so there's that. It does seem like it needs more winterising.

Edited by Tor, 14 January 2022 - 12:34 pm.

[steve27bha]

I would go round all the bolts in and around the gearchange mechanism including those under the front sprocket cover and loosen them. Then apply heavy oil to any bearings. Finally go round the bolts several times in sequence tightening bit by bit to the correct torques. Follow the shop manual for sequence if necessary.

While in there take a good look at the mechanism for wear or misalgnment.