Problems shifting into 1st gear

[Pete7874]

Every now and then (about every 3rd or 4th time I do it), the transmission will not want to go into 1st gear. Say I'm coming to a stop and I'm downshifting from a higher gear (like 3rd or 4th or 5th) and keep pressing the gear level down, it will get stuck at 2nd and not wanting to go into 1st. What I usually do at this point is give it some gas and let off the clutch a little to get the bike moving a bit. Once that's done, then I'm able to hit the gear level again and it'll finally go into 1st.

Any suggestions on how to fix this? About 4400 miles on the bike right now.

Seems like the problem became more common after I drained some excess oil from the engine (it was overfilled), but I don't see how this could be related... Oil level is at the full mark right now.

[blaine]

Shifting into first is a common problem on the G.Z. Make sure oil is proper grade (10-40) and clean.In my experience changing to synthetic oil all but eliminates that problem.

[Pete7874]

Thanks. I'm planning to do an oil change soon since I don't know when was the last time the previous owner had it changed. I'm just waiting for the filters to come in.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Pete7874

What I usually do at this point is give it some gas and let off the clutch a little to get the bike moving a bit.

Perfectly normal IF.....you come to a complete stop before you go into first; it is actually stuck in neutral (if it really IS stuck in 2nd, you could have a whole different problem).

No need to rev. the engine, just let the clutch out a bit and push the shifter again. Sometimes just releasing the pressure on the shifter and then pushing again will do the trick.

Ultimate solution: Shift into 1st BEFORE coming to a complete stop; crawling speed is about right, or in the last couple of seconds before you actually stop.

[Pete7874]

Thanks. I'll try that. I'm still getting a hang of riding. The riding school taught us to not touch the clutch until just before you come to a stop since that helps you brake, but if you do that, then you don't have much time to shift from 5th to 1st before the bike stops completely. I guess I have to practice getting on the clutch pedal sooner and downshifting sooner.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by Pete7874

I guess I have to practice getting on the clutch pedal sooner

Wow ....... strange bike :biggrin: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[dentheman]

To the left of the gas pedal. :roll:

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by Pete7874

Thanks. I'll try that. I'm still getting a hang of riding. The riding school taught us to not touch the clutch until just before you come to a stop since that helps you brake, but if you do that, then you don't have much time to shift from 5th to 1st before the bike stops completely. I guess I have to practice getting on the clutch pedal sooner and downshifting sooner.

WTF........Did the school not teach you to gear down so that the bike would be in a better gear if you need to get outta Dodge. When coming to a stop always gear down to match engine speed/gears to match the bike speed. This will give you better engine braking, a more powerful gear if needed and you are only one click away from 1st gear as you roll the last few feet to a stop. Most transmissions in my experience will shift well going into 1st gear while the wheels are still turning a bit.
Just practice this and eventually you will notice all your shifting will improve and you will shift smoother in the process.

[Water Warrior 2]

Give the guy a break. Even I knew he meant the gear thingy.

[Pete7874]

LOL... you can tell that I'm used to driving manual cars, but not bikes.

In school, we never used anything higher than 2nd gear, so 1st was always just one click away.

And I'm just too used to driving cars where I can shift directly from 5th to 1st after I stop. Old habits die hard.