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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: jangofett on August 06, 2003, 03:11:50 PM

Title: Shifting Problems
Post by: jangofett on August 06, 2003, 03:11:50 PM
My bike still seems to be shifting a little rough at times. I have tried adjusting the clutch as much as possible but it does not seem to help all that much. Sometimes the gears hang a little before going in, especially 5th and 6th gear. I have noticed when I first start the bike in the morning, if it is in gear, it will lurch forward a little. It does not do this once it is warm or has run down the road for a while. I guess I will mess with the clutch some more. I also noticed when I changed the oil the other day that in the filter cavity, there was a few pieces of what looked to be metal. They were very few and very very tiny in size. My bike has 6900 miles on it now. It had 4800 when I got it. I have not detected it burning oil at all and it purs like a kitten. Any advice or thoughts will be appreciated.
Title: Shifting Problems
Post by: scratch on August 06, 2003, 04:19:55 PM
I wouldn't worry about the metal in the oil even after 6900 miles. I used to get shavings at 12,000 miles out of my little 250. Just as long as they aren't huge, or alot.

Are you starting the bike in first gear? That may be why it's lurching forward. Put it in neutral.

Shifting is sesitive to oil level. Check your oil level. You just did an oil change, but check your oil level again, anyway. If the level is too high, that will cause difficult shifting.
Title: Shifting Problems
Post by: jangofett on August 06, 2003, 04:45:23 PM
Thanks Scratch. The shavings were not big so I guess I can relax on that one. My oil level is right on the F on the stick. It was having a few shifting problems before I changed it. I guess I will keep messing with the adjustment. Thanks.
Title: Shifting Problems
Post by: jangofett on August 06, 2003, 05:31:09 PM
Actually, I was wrong. I checked the oil a while ago and it is over the full mark where the stick narrows. That is too much. The bike is upright like it is supposed to be. I put exactly 3 qts in the other day. I guess I need to remove a little of it. Does the oil need to fall inside the crosshotched part of the stick? That is what my Clymer book calls for. Maybe this is why the transmission performance has seemed really crappy the last two days instead of an occasional glitch! Thanks.
Title: Shifting Problems
Post by: glenn9171 on August 06, 2003, 05:49:31 PM
With the bike upright and not on either of the stands, the oil level should be touching the top of the checkered part of the dipstick.  From what I have heard, too much oil causes as many problems with shifting as does too little.
Title: Shifting Problems
Post by: TheGoodGuy on August 06, 2003, 06:50:30 PM
I have mine set at the upper half of the cross hatch.. or so.. its running fine.
Title: Shifting Problems
Post by: jangofett on August 06, 2003, 07:30:55 PM
It is for sure too full. Above the F and into the curve of the flat part where it goes into the stick. I'll adjust the level tomorrow and report back. Thanks again.
:cheers:
Title: Shifting Problems
Post by: sprint_9 on August 06, 2003, 09:09:29 PM
Also make sure your just resting the dipstick on the threads when you check the oil, do not screw it in.
Title: Shifting Problems
Post by: jangofett on August 07, 2003, 10:55:02 AM
Got the oil where it should be. It is doing better now! Thanks for the info everyone! :cheers:
Title: Shifting Problems
Post by: scratch on August 07, 2003, 11:01:51 AM
Right on! :thumb: