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Should I be worried?

S

suzukigs1100ez

Forum Apprentice
82 gs1100e, at times when riding when shift from 1st to 2nd it shifts but then goes back to neutral at times. Doesn't do it all the time. Like yesterday did not do it. Today it shifted to second and not even horsing on it. Went to second then rev out when went to neutral and then let off it shifted in second and caught again. Went to lift the lever up and went into 3rd so I know it was in second again.

It been an issues since I got the bike going. It only seems to do when shifting into 2nd. I never had it happen when it in 2nd and cruising around in town.

Main question is it something to worry about that I should tear it down and inspect or it is normal for to do it
 
Not Normal.

I'd try to rule out things on the outside of the engine first:

Is the clutch cable in good condition?
Is the clutch cable properly adjusted per your owner's manual? (see BikeCliff's website if you don't have one.)
Is the clutch cable properly lubricated?
Is the clutch cable properly routed from the lever, through the frame to the actuating arm per the Suzuki Factory Service Manual (see BikeCliff's website if you don't have one.)
 
suzukigs1100ez said:
82 gs1100e, at times when riding when shift from 1st to 2nd it shifts but then goes back to neutral at times. Doesn't do it all the time. Like yesterday did not do it. Today it shifted to second and not even horsing on it. Went to second then rev out when went to neutral and then let off it shifted in second and caught again. Went to lift the lever up and went into 3rd so I know it was in second again.

It been an issues since I got the bike going. It only seems to do when shifting into 2nd. I never had it happen when it in 2nd and cruising around in town.

Main question is it something to worry about that I should tear it down and inspect or it is normal for to do it
Click to expand...
I would say it is not normal. We have similar bikes. My bike use to shift perfectly but recently it takes more force to shift especially from 2nd to 3rd. I noticed my shift linkage is worn and my shifter is sloppy on the stud that is welded to the frame. What condition is your linkage in ? These parts are no longer available OEM. I wonder what other people have done to address this problem. I thought about buying a universal linkage kit if one is available.
 
Sorry, my bad. I think we have different problems. Your problem sounds like a weak shifter spring. I have never changed one on a GS, but on most bikes you can access them by removing the clutch basket.
 
Could also be worn dogs on 2nd gear. Been there. Popping out of second into neutral with some power.
 
Or you're being too easy when lifting your foot......I've been there. I would carefully slide the lever off the shaft and index it down one spline. Bet you lift a bit firmer it goes away.
 
Baatfam said:
Could also be worn dogs on 2nd gear. Been there. Popping out of second into neutral with some power.
Click to expand...

Yep, I had one like that thanks to the PO being a clutchless changer.
Total asshat.
 
suzukigs1100ez said:
...is it something to worry about that I should tear it down and inspect or it is normal for to do it
Click to expand...

Dear fellow 11EZ rider:

It is not normal, so you should fix it. But I wouldn't go so far as to say you should worry about it. After all, it is 1982 and you are king of the road. :cool:

My brand spanking new Z28 (Indy Pace Car replica) used to shift from fourth to neutral of it's own volition on off ramps or approaching stop lights. I had the habit of throwing my '68 Camaro into neutral as I approached stops, and being a, shall we say, Grateful Dead fan, I was left wondering, Urkel style, "Did I do that?"

Chevrolet dealer, sounding like he had a few chromosomes missing: "Duh, we cain't find nothing wrong with it. Never seen one do that afore."

When I eventually bought the shop manual, it had a list of no less than 12 reasons why it might do that. If your D.I.Y. efforts fail, go to a drag strip. Seek out a builder/racer/tuner of these old dinosaurs. Maybe someone here can put you in touch with Rapidray, last seen on the west coast. I'd bet he could tell you in half a sec what the problem is and how to fix it.
 
Yes, what chuck said. adjust the shift lever lower, You'll actually move the shifter farther without even knowing it.
 
Well I tried adjusting the shifter couple times thinking it was that. But can't find a happy place where it good to get my foot still under it. Notice it worst when wearing boats for shoes just trying. Thinking I can feel the shifter better with my shoes.

Also had it happen last time I rode it that I thought was in second and left my foot under it a lttile when rev out and ended up into 3rd
 
Definitely check (and double-check) the simple stuff first, but if it's truly engaging into 2nd and popping out, my spider sense says worn gear dogs. (Happened on my '76 Suzuki GT750.)

Somewhere I remember reading (Kevin Cameron?) that 1st, 2nd (and maybe 3rd) gear dogs go first b/c they get a lot more use and hard upshifts than other gears.

Good luck! (And check the simple stuff first!!!)
 
patrino said:
Definitely check (and double-check) the simple stuff first, but if it's truly engaging into 2nd and popping out, my spider sense says worn gear dogs. (Happened on my '76 Suzuki GT750.)

Somewhere I remember reading (Kevin Cameron?) that 1st, 2nd (and maybe 3rd) gear dogs go first b/c they get a lot more use and hard upshifts than other gears.

Good luck! (And check the simple stuff first!!!)
Click to expand...
Yeah, worn dogs and/or slightly bent shift forks. It's typically 2nd gear, some bikes are more prone to it than others.
Anybody who ever raced an EX500 either had it or dreaded the day when they would.
 
Last edited:
So been to cold to ride since my last post. So down time this winter would it be worth pulling the motor and spliting the case and check it out. I know the clutch basket spring were worn out and welded in place. But I replace the basket after I found that out. If I split the case do I have pull the cylinder head/jug off or can that be left be.

Knowing my luck something bent/broken/worn out inside
 
suzukigs1100ez said:
So been to cold to ride since my last post. So down time this winter would it be worth pulling the motor and spliting the case and check it out. I know the clutch basket spring were worn out and welded in place. But I replace the basket after I found that out. If I split the case do I have pull the cylinder head/jug off or can that be left be.

Knowing my luck something bent/broken/worn out inside
Click to expand...
You can just open it upside down with touching the head at all. Found a few photos...

Old trans after splitting the cases


Worn dogs


Plus, a bent shift fork


Cleaned and ready for the replacement parts
 
Last edited:
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