well today i was going to work and i got to a red light so i started to down shift and it seemed like it went into 1st but i was still in second. so it took a putty but eventual start from second, not relizing it was in second, then as i pulled into my parking lot at work i was in second, coasting to the enterance i gave it gas as i came in, but it was stuttering like it wasnt in gear all the way (not like gas stalling) it kicked, went then kicked again. so i drove it out of the parking lot and around the block to see if it would do it again. nothing. i left work and i got to a red light and it seemed like it was in first again, (i.e it would down shift all the way, without a good stomp) but i was ready so i realized it and was off. any ideas? its a 98 with 22,000 miles on it with a bunch of oil leaks, but i keep a sharp eye on the oil level. :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno: :dunno:
I had a similar problem not long after I got my '91 - wouldn't shift down from 4th in my case, even when I rolled forward a little with the clutch slightly out it wouldn't click down.
I found that my clutch cable was slipping up at the grip-end. Have taken to riding around without the cover on so that I can keep it adjusted/tightened while I ride until I can get some bolt-hold goo to keep it in place. Used to have a similar problem on the Virago I was learning on. Sometimes you had to roll it forward a little while pressing down on the gear-lever and holding the clutch slightly out.
So it may pay to check the clutch cabling (if you haven't already).
Good luck! ;)
R.
looks like i'm not the only one with trans problems...my problem is when i come to a stop and the bike is in 1st gear, i can't shift to Neutral...i play with the clutch leaver and keep forcing the shifter to go up but doesn't work....damn
Typical motorcycle constant-mesh sequential shift gearbox behaviour. Cheap, simple and light weight. No car driver in their right mind (that's why they are also fitted to sport and racing cars) would put up with one.
Try shifting as much as possible when on the move, e.g. get into neutral just before you come to a stop. If you have trouble shifting from neutral to first when stationary, paddle the bike forward a little in neutral with the clutch engaged then pull the clutch and try again.