Can't shift while idling

[Tordah]

Hello all,

Just recently my 07 GS500F has decided that it doesn't want to shift while idling.  The bike from previous owners I am assuming was never taken care of, but I have recently done an oil change, brake fluid, brake pads, and air filter.  And I changed my levers last year when I got the bike and have had no issues thus far. I also only have 12.5k KM on the bike.

Is there any suggestions on why it would not let me change gears?

[mr72]

I think the oil change could be part of this. What type of oil did you use? If the oil is too heavy it can do this.

Also it could just need a clutch adjustment. There's a procedure on the wiki here for adjusting the clutch, you have to adjust it in three places basically.

[Tordah]

I used Motul Full Syn 10-40

[qcbaker]

+1 for it being related to the oil change. I find that my bike doesn't like to find neutral while idling right after an oil change. Not sure exactly what the "issue" is but it usually goes away after a few rides. Maybe its slightly overfilled?

[mr72]

was that the 4T oil or the Motul car oil?

[Tordah]

4T of course, got it from a Motorcycle dealership   And Ya, I did the oil change, was fine, then suddenly this.  I'll give it a few rides, and there is 3 us qt in there as per service manual. And dip stick lol....

Thanks for the help guys, been here a bit as anon getting Idea's lol  Like changing my shock last year   Saw a post on here and was really helpful.

[qcbaker]

...And Ya, I did the oil change, was fine, then suddenly this.  I'll give it a few rides, and there is 3 us qt in there as per service manual. And dip stick lol....

Yeah, that sounds "normal" to me. And by "normal", I mean that its exactly what happened why I did my first oil change. I think that the 3 full quarts is actually slightly too much. Maybe open the drain plug for a second or so and then see how it shifts.

[Bluesmudge]

Its normal for most motorcycles to not shift easily while stationary, especially when cold. Its usually remedied by gently rolling forward or backwards why applying slight pressure to the shift lever.

If your clutch isn't adjusted properly that could make it worse. Run through the 3-point clutch adjustment to make sure your clutch is fully engaging/disengaging.

Also, nothing wrong with car oil in the GS500 as long as it doesn't have friction modifiers. Don't pay those crazy motorcycle oil prices.

[IdaSuzi]

Just want to second some of the things that were said here. I find it difficult to drop into first gear when stationary at times and if I roll it forward or backward slowly it always slips into gear. Hope that helps! If it helps put you at ease I have had this problem with other bikes and I think it is natural.

[AK Baller]

2nd on rolling (I used to just to rock it back & forth a bit to get it in gear), I've had this issue only with the cold bike.