1st gear?

[Dorianfes]

having trouble shifting into first, when slowing down.  when i'm stopped and downshift, it gets stuck in neutral for some reason.  anyone know what could be causing this??

[Rashad]

You need to move the bike forward a bit.. the tranny is such that it has to be in just the right spot to shift.. when its moving theres no problem.. but when still you gotta find the "sweet spot" .. also, oil level plays a role in the shifting a lot.

[Casimir]

Are you downshifting such that the engine slows you down in each gear? Or are you trying to shift from fourth to first without letting the clutch out at each gear?

I try not to do more than two shifts at a time. I have more troubles when I stop quickly without doing the proper downshifts.

If I have trouble shifting at while stopped, I roll the bike a bit with the clutch in and it seems to "unstick" the transmission.

[yamahonkawazuki]

or (using the cager straight shift technique)shifting from 2 to 1 while clutch in push down on shift lever, and VERY SLOWLY release clutch until it pops in. then re-squeeze.

[Flash]

I have the same problem. I've heard this is sorta common.

NO. Its not a problem. the GS has a sequential transmission. it requires you to roll the bike either forward or backward until things line up properly for it to shift. Try moving it forward a bit and keep trying to shift.. itll work. Its when its sitting still that you have a problem.

The quote came from this older post: http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3834&highlight=problem+shift

Your generally better off finding neutral while you are still moving. If you can't find it in time (like me), then try this: I shift up into 2nd gear from 1st gear and LIGHTLY tap down to shift into Neutral. This almost always works for me.

Also, sometimes I have trouble shifting out of neutral into 1st gear. If this happens, then I shift UP into 2nd. From here you can either shift through Neutral (press hard) to engage 1st gear or you can just take off from 2nd gear (be sure you get your revs up a little though).

Hope this helps and WELCOME to the forum        

[Manix]

Your generally better off finding neutral while you are still moving. If you can't find it in time (like me), then try this: I shift up into 2nd gear from 1st gear and LIGHTLY tap down to shift into Neutral. This almost always works for me.

I use this technique also, works just fine.

I'm also under the impression that oil plays a large role in the smoothness of transimission. So if switching gears feels sluggish I would suggest using oil that is of better quality.

[glenn9171]

And make sure the oil level is correct.  Too much and too little will cause shifting difficulties.

[JohnNS]

What Glenn said..

Mine is REALLY picky when it comes to oil level. If it's a little low, I experience the same problem you're describing. Trying to downshift to 1st while decelerating and it pops into neutral..even though you give it a good click.

Doesn't seem to do it when I have the oil right at the level though..go figure.  

Keeping the chain clean and well-lubed seems to help with shifting a bit too...or it could be my imagination.  

John