looks like you might be right aj. i jury-rigged the kickstand up and secured and put the bike on the center stand. it shifted ok and didn't die. the kickstand appears to wiggle laterally  - perhaps the bushing is loose and needs to be replaced so the kickstand unit can't wiggle around. i shall investigate further!

Quote from: Ammanas

Quote from: davipuhttp://www.bbburma.net/

In the video, Kerry's clutch seems to be able to barely move before hitting a limit.

It doesn't really hit a limit; I just didn't pull on it much.  (Good observation!  I need to reshoot that video anyway....)  Like you, I can pull the clutch lever all the way to the handlebar no matter how it's adjusted.

I agree about the sidestand switch ... or rather, about the sidestand itself being "lazy" and dropping a bit on its own.  Let us know what your further investigation turns up.  

Quote from: Kerry

Quote from: Ammanas

Quote from: davipuhttp://www.bbburma.net/

In the video, Kerry's clutch seems to be able to barely move before hitting a limit.

It doesn't really hit a limit; I just didn't pull on it much.  (Good observation!  I need to reshoot that video anyway....)  Like you, I can pull the clutch lever all the way to the handlebar no matter how it's adjusted.

I agree about the sidestand switch ... or rather, about the sidestand itself being "lazy" and dropping a bit on its own.  Let us know what your further investigation turns up.  

Thanks for clearing that up. I've since realized what "freeplay" actually means and found the difference to be noticable when I adjust the cable according to your video (video tutorials rock by the way).

I put it up on the center stand, and guess what: it shifts fine. The thing is, even with the clutch pulled in fully, the rear tire is spinning once I leave neutral, which, as far as I understand motorcycles () should NOT be happening.

I'm still a little suspicious about that kickstand though. It wiggles and seems way too lose when flipped up, even with the nut/bolt tight as they can be.

was your bike ever stunted? Your clutch sounds like it's slipping, which usually means something is worn to the limit. Since it's only an 01 (right?), that seems a little fast.

Quote from: rrittersonwas your bike ever stunted? Your clutch sounds like it's slipping, which usually means something is worn to the limit. Since it's only an 01 (right?), that seems a little fast.

Not as far as I know. The previous owner was an older guy who drives a cruiser, but he got it from his brother. It only has 9000 miles.

Should I just take the bike into the shop (even though I can't really afford it ).

let me have a look at it. I will come by and check it out. I live off Howe/50.

Quote from: The_good_guylet me have a look at it. I will come by and check it out. I live off Howe/50.

That'd be awesome. Drop me an email at awisner@frontiernet.net and I'll give ya my address.