yet another noobie question

my 89 gs500e is runnign really well, but after the commute to work today, the transmission seemed to stick in 2nd...when i stepped down on the shift lever, it went from 2nd to neutral and not into 1st. I tried a few times, but then had to get into the office.

any suggestions? anything I can tweak / adjust ?

I know, its a huge open-ended question, but I gotta ask!

Barry

Hi there,
I'd start by properly adjusting the clutch.
That isn't the same as adjusting the cable freeplay.
I mean adjusting the clutch at the adjuster on the left rear engine cover, under the little oval shaped-cover that's held on with two screws.
Loosen the locknut, turn the screw in gently until it bottoms then thread it out 1/4 of a turn, then retighten the locknut.
Now adjust the cable freeplay to the proper amount at the lever, perhaps an 1/8 of an inch gap at the lever mount when you pull the lever.
Now ride it again and see it this helps.
Also, when is the last time you changed the engine oil? What kind of oil do you use?
I run Castrol  10W40  and never have shifting problems.
If these things don't help, perhaps you have an internal transmission problem.
Let us know what you find.

Best wishes,
Todd 

Oil level

Quote from: scratch on June 25, 2007, 10:47:50 AM
Oil level

Hmm Simple, EXCELLENT!!!!

also dirty oil, if you havn't changed it.

Thanks to all for the responses.

I was wondering what was behind that plate...I'll take a look tonight.

the bike arrived at home on friday evening, and I have only ridden a few times since then.

An oil change is scheduled for later this week - I checked the dipstick and the oil is a bit over the top of the cross hatched area on the stick, sitting on top of the threads.

the oil seems pretty clean - but I will change the oil and filter later this week.

Barry (praying to all  gods I can think of that its NOT an internal transmission problem....)

Hmm...re-reading your first post, made me think to simply try to roll the bike forwards or backwards a little, and then try to snick it into first.

Over filled oil level = shitty shifting

Filling with Synthetic with friction reducers = slippy clutch

Sometimes it's just operator error.

Adjusting things may help, but I'd bet on your oil level being a little high.

i'd get stuck in neutral a couple of time and would just roll a inch or to rev her up a bit and smash her to first