Clunky shifting

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  • chris032188
    • Mar 2026

    #1

    Clunky shifting

    When shifting especially into first the engine shifts into gear, but it feels like its shifting hard.. Is this common on these bikes or is my clutch cable or something else need to be adjusted?
  • cowboyup3371
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    • Apr 2010
    • 14004
    • In Ohio Now

    #2
    No, it's not that common but I'm not the expert that some are. However, I would ask when was the last time you changed the oil?

    What kind of bike are you talking about? Please put it in your signature so we don't have to ask and you don't have to remember to tell us.
    Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

    1981 GS550T - My First
    1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
    2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

    Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
    Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
    and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

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    • Nessism
      Forum LongTimer
      GSResource Superstar
      Past Site Supporter
      Super Site Supporter
      • Mar 2006
      • 35808
      • Torrance, CA

      #3
      Adjust the clutch cable to make sure you have the proper amount of freeplay at the lever. If that doesn't work than maybe your clutch plates are warped and dragging a little.
      Ed

      To measure is to know.

      Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

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      • dorkburger
        Forum LongTimer
        Past Site Supporter
        • Jan 2013
        • 10782
        • Stupid Freehold Boro NJ

        #4
        I would also go with checking the cable, oil, and clutch as well. My 1150 shifts between gears much more smoothly with fresh oil, however it has always gone from neutral to first with somewhat of a clunk. I usually start it in gear, clutch in.
        sigpic
        When consulting the magic 8 ball for advice, one must first ask it "will your answers be accurate?"

        Glen
        -85 1150 es - Plus size supermodel.
        -Rusty old scooter.
        Other things I like to photograph.....instagram.com/gs_junkie
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        • chris032188

          #5
          1988 gs450 - and changed oil less then 150 miles ago (when I got the bike).. It seems to go through the gears fine, but n into first is a heavy shift.
          Last edited by Guest; 09-01-2014, 12:06 PM.

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          • Gorminrider
            Forum Sage
            Past Site Supporter
            • Aug 2012
            • 4803
            • British Columbia, Canada

            #6
            I've never had a jap bike that was always or even mostly easy into first when the oil is warm. but I've only owned old and POed bikes. My general impression is, they all do this to some degree. I rev in N on the way down- seems to help if only because it gives more time between shift but probably better:as was pointed out to me, a REALLY high rev is required to drop 2->1. Don't force it, whatever. Rolling the bike a bit backnforth helps.
            If the warmed up clutch disengages properly, without drag, there's not much else to do with it.

            Comment

            • gsjames

              #7
              I had a hard time getting in tune with the shifting on my gs450. Eventually I got it, and then it worked fine.
              I was just spoiled by my glorious Norton trani.

              Comment

              • bearrocco

                #8
                My 550 the idle was a little high lowered the idle ,that helped but still clunks a little . When down shifting I found giving the bike some time after you pull in the clutch helps .

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                • Grimly
                  Forum Guru
                  Past Site Supporter
                  Super Site Supporter
                  • Sep 2012
                  • 5801
                  • Ireland

                  #9
                  Check your chain tension, too.
                  Dave
                  '79 GS850GN '80 GS850GT
                  Only a dog knows why a motorcyclist sticks his head out of a car window

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                  • disstance

                    #10
                    Originally posted by Grimly
                    Check your chain tension, too.
                    I second this notion.
                    I just changed my tires and noticed a difference in shifting, turns out when I re-installed the rear tire I didn't put the chain back to the proper hash mark. Once at the right tension, the bike went back to pretty smooth shifting, especially for a 30+ year old bike.

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