I was riding my gs last night and couldn't get into first from neutral on two seperate occasions. The gear lever would move down but wouldn't click into first, while every other gear locked right in. Any ideas on what the problem may be?

Thanks in advance.

I'd start with checking your oil level and clutch   adjustment.

Oil level is fine. I'll check the clutch adjustment tonight. Thanks.

was it grinding? slow down below 20mph before shifting from 2nd to 1st should fix your problem 

That happens to me from time to time too when I stop at a light. Recently and intermittently, I can't get out of neutral at a light and end up rolling the bike before I can manage to downshift. Major pain.

Cheers,
J

Quote from: CndnMax on July 26, 2007, 11:46:00 AM
was it grinding? slow down below 20mph before shifting from 2nd to 1st should fix your problem 

Sorry, should have mentioned that this only happens at a stop.

ah i see, i can help you with that to  what helps is when you are stopped and it wont go to 1st, apply a little pressure on the shifter and move the bike back or forward slightly and it should pop in as soon as it gets to the right spot.

Got it. Thanks CndnMax!

Why does this happen anyway?

Quote from: CndnMax on July 26, 2007, 12:05:02 PM
ah i see, i can help you with that to  what helps is when you are stopped and it wont go to 1st, apply a little pressure on the shifter and move the bike back or forward slightly and it should pop in as soon as it gets to the right spot.

+1

Not sure why it happens but it happend on my 05 and Boss's 05 we would just rock the bike back and forth tapping the shitfter till it went in first. 

Always a good idea to leave your bike in first gear when stoped at a light or intersection, and keep an eye on your mirrors.  Never know when you will have to make  quick getaway.

Mine does that too... I usually just let off the clutch and then grab it again and have no problem after that.  My old 700R Raptor used to do the same thing... must be a constant mesh/inline gearbox thing?  Call me lazy but releasing the clutch is alot less hassle than rocking the bike and you don't look goofy doing it.   

Quote from: RobTheTyrant on July 26, 2007, 01:26:52 PM
Mine does that too... I usually just let off the clutch and then grab it again and have no problem after that.  My old 700R Raptor used to do the same thing... must be a constant mesh/inline gearbox thing?  Call me lazy but releasing the clutch is alot less hassle than rocking the bike and you don't look goofy doing it.   

I tried playing with the clutch, no luck. The rocking will most definitely work..

this happens to me too...I also try not to take my bike out of 1st unless I need a break from the clutch. But if I do put it in neutral, normally I have to inch my bike up a couple of inches and it pops right in.

it happens and i only hve 800 miles on my bike.  just work it and it will come through

When the bike is warm there is not enough viscous drag between the clutch plates to keep the transmission input shaft rotating.  Thus, the shift dogs may not line up which causes the problem you describe.  All you have to do is let the clutch out for a moment to spin up the input shaft, then pull it back in while simultaneously shifting down to first.  No need to rock the bike back and forth.  

i have it to and I do what he said ^

Bump for an excellent explanation of HowStuffWorks.

that happen to all of the bikes a i use to have  !!

yamaha 650 xs special 1977
gs500 1990
panterra 125cc dirt byke 2005
honda cr 80 1999
honda cbr 600 f3 1994

ALL of them do the same !!!!!!!!!!!!!