Toe shifter difficult to change gears

[claygs750e]

So I'm at the end of a long year end project on this bike and I was able to ride it over the weekend and I noticed that it's pretty difficult to change gears with the toe shifter. It seems like it's worse when it's cold and gets better the longer I ride it. Also, it seems that when the handlebar clutch level is pulled in all the way it's harder for the toe shifter to change gears. I have to let out the handle a little for the toe shifter to go into gear. I have fresh oil in the bike so not sure where to start. I wouldn't think it would just be a clutch handle adjustment?

 

[huntb]

I have this exact problem. I'll be watching this one

 

[eil]

What you do mean by "hard to shift"? Does it just not go into gear when you move the shifter firmly up or down? Is this while the bike is stopped or while moving? Do the gears grind? Does the shift lever itself move freely?

Out of curiosity, what's your skill level as a rider? If you're newer to riding like I am, I can offer some tips that might help.

 

[bonanzadave]

If its an E with linkage from the shift arm to the tranny make sure the shift arm can move freely on the shaft. Yes mine was binding and yes a little grease goes a long way :wink:.

 

[claygs750e]

I've been riding for 15 years off and on and maybe working on bikes for a year or two. It doesn't grind or anything, but when I'm lifting of with my foot or pushing down through the gears it's tough to move into the next gear. Almost like I have to eitgher push hard or wiggle it with my foot a little. Where are you putting the grease on the arm? Am I opening up the case?

 

[kdo58]

your clutch cable probably does not have enough slack or free play at the lever.

 

[claygs750e]

The clutch lever pulls in ok and doesn't feel stiff, but some gears I have to pull in all the way and some have to let off a little. I can't pinpont which gear does which. I know if I'm sitting I can't go into neutral. If pull up on the toe shifter it won't move unless I start rolling. Now if I shut the bike off and wiggle the toe shifter with my hand I can get it into neutral. That's why it seems to me something internal.

 

[Missile99]

It doesn't sound like an internal problem to me, just a matter of clutch disengagement. I think bonanzadave was referring to grease on any pivot point externally. I would check the clutch cable tension/ adjustment. Having difficulty getting a bike into neutral or 1st without rolling a bit is common with so many bikes/manufacturers, not an indicator of problems.

 

[bonanzadave]

I think bonanzadave was referring to grease on any pivot point externally.

Yep. I believe E's set the shifter back a few inches and run linkage fwd to the transmission shaft. My shifter arm pivots on a fixed shaft and it was binding on that shaft. Had the same symptoms as you discribe.

 

[claygs750e]

So do I open it up and put some grease on the part below with the red arrow? The clutch cable itself is brand new and there are no hard turns in the cable itself.

 

[Missile99]

That would be the next step. Just try feeling the pivot of the shift lever externally before taking anything apart. It's the part of your shifter that's most rearward as bonanzadave describes if your shifter is set back and runs linkage forward. My bike is set up this way. It should feel free, maybe a bit loose.

 

[claygs750e]

When I put the clutch lever arm on the bottom of that piece the picture shows is there a particular orientation I place it on the gear?

 

[Guest]

Take your shift lever off and grease the shaft that it pivots on like suggested. It is probably just binding up. simple maintenance.. I've had this happen on a few bikes. should be done at least once a year especially if you ride in the rain or are wash your bike alot it will rinse the lube out.

 

[claygs750e]

So just so I'm clear I will take only the lever off and use grease (I have black ball bearing grease) on the area where the red arrow is pointing? So no need to take off the cover?

 

[Guest]

View attachment 35650
So just so I'm clear I will take only the lever off and use grease (I have black ball bearing grease) on the area where the red arrow is pointing? So no need to take off the cover?

Not the clutch arm, the shift lever that your foot moves when you shift gears. Grease the shaft that the foot lever pivots on. It hasn't been asked yet, so I will. Do you notice high shifting effort if you shift without using the clutch?


Mark

 

[Guest]

Are you for real ?? That is a clutch arm. The shift lever, the piece you move with your left foot

 

[koolaid_kid]

I checked the parts fiche for a 1980 GS750E and it does not show any linkage. It shows the shifter directly attached to the shaft. Not sure on a GSX, but I don't see why that would be any different.

 

[kdo58]

I am still going with not enough free play at the clutch lever.

 

[claygs750e]

The shifter lever is directly attached to the shaft. On the higher gears it's not as difficult to switch and as the bike warms up even the lower gears aren't as hard, but still pretty difficult. On top of that I can't ever get it to go into neutral when stopped unless I kill the bike and wiggle the shifter and then it will move. Maybe the clutch lever needs adjusted, I didn't follow any type of procedure. When I first was given the bike, before I replaced the cable, it had this same problem so it can't be the cable and I thought it wouldn't be the adjustment since it's been adjusted twice with two cable. So if you look at the attached picture am I putting grease on that area or opening the cover and putting grease on the shaft somewhere inside?

 

[huntb]

You have the EXACT same symptoms as I do. I've tried everything to adjust the clutch. New clutch cable. I've pulled the clutch basket and trued up the dogs on the fibers. I've filed down the grooves in the outer clutch basket. Tightened the springs in the back of the clutch basket using Basscliffs method. Replaced the outer clutch springs. Nothing has helped.