Hey guys, lately I have been having trouble downshifting when approaching stops. It has happened on just about every gear. The only thing I've done/ adjusted recently is tightened the chain. When I say "trouble" I mean it will NOT downshift at all, I have to turn the bike off and turn it back on just to downshift a gear or 2. But this does not happen every time. Any ideas?

clutch adjustment?

correct clutch lever usage?

oil level ok?

Too tight or lose of chain can cause this.

Replacement rear shock at all? That can also effect how tight you want to make the chain.

Remember to down shift while moving. You can't do it very well if stopped.
The gears need to be turning - both engine and the final drive gears so it is important to be moving,

Thanks for the help guys. No other mods have been done (rear shock) as far as clutch adjustment, I'll take a look tomorrow but it does tend to happen more often when downshifting at slower speeds, under 20mph. no problems above that.

did you tighten or loosen the chain when you adjusted?

also keep in mind if shifting into 1st gear its notoriously tough or potentially will grind if not completely stopped.

Quote from: Snake2715 on July 11, 2013, 05:24:21 PM
also keep in mind if shifting into 1st gear its notoriously tough or potentially will grind if not completely stopped.

I disagree.  all gear changes are easier while the bike is in motion, including the shift to 1st.  It is far easier to shift into first just before stopping then it is to shift once stopped (which may require slightly rolling the bike to get it in gear).

Agreed, shift down to first while moving.  However since we're not always perfect we do find ourselves stopped on rare occasions while still in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th.  No biggy, I find it easy enough to rev up and slipping the clutch get it moving slowly  and then with a quick click, click, click I'm in 1st and take off.  So far, before I got rear ended.   

Listen to both of them over me, seriously.

I guess what I should have said is near stopped. If your are too fast and coming to a stop, first may be hard to get into.