Hard Shifting

[revykevy]

Having trouble with shifting. Can't get clutch to disengage. I've replaced the cable, and made some adjustments to clutch lever but still can't get it to disengage. It shifts really hard. Any ideas on what to do are appreciated. Next thing on list is a quart of ATF to see if that loosens things up.

I have started down shifting at every stop, wondering if that will loosen things up faster. I have not added any ATF, not sure what type to use, Dex 3 or Type F or ????, I will do that this weekend.

I really want to get this shifting "easier" and smoother. It seems hardest up through 3, 4 to 5 is usually smooth, but gets harder the lower the gear I'm in. I also cant get into neutral very often when the bike is running, it shifts right past it, either way up or down.

HELP ME PLEASE

On the other hand I've really enjoyed the miles I've put on her so far.

 

[AApple]

Unless the clutch is fully disengaging, it's gonna be hard to shift up OR down. Need to determine why the clutch is not working. If the bike sat up for a while, the clutch plates may be "gummy". What kid of engine oil are you using? Sometimes, an oil change helps. If you are planning on adding ATF to the ENGINE, don't overdo it...AFT is not designed to protect engine components.
Have you tried tightening the clutch adjustment more than "normal", to see if that makes any difference?
You might try some Seafoam in the engine...I've heard that helps clean any gunk out of the engine....might help the clutch.
Others will have more help...

 

[dan filipi]

Some history on the bike would help.
Like Aapple says, these bikes don't like to sit.

Hopefully the "fix" will be oil changes and running it.

I had a problem like this. Turned out the rear pump (scavenger) was plugged up.

 

[joedrum]

i wouldnt use aft or seafoam ...it aint good for the motor ...and i woulnt fix a clutch like that and chance harming the motor ....if it needs to be worked on or cleaned its best done without running it ....changing the oil is the only thing id do besides just working on it to fix it

 

[revykevy]

"Yesterday, I found this bike on Craigslist. The very nice owner of the bike wanted $$ but he warned me that he had taken off all the fairing and made it a naked bike. He also told me that the battery was practically dead, but he was charging it for the last few hours.


After several attempts the bike started and stayed on. He took it for a ride where I could see him. A school bus had just arrived and there were a lot of kids walking in his neighborhood. So I waited until the kids were further away and let the bike warm up some more. Then I took it out for about 1-2 miles. It ran okay, but the shifting was a little difficult at first. I had a hard time getting it out of first gear. But after a little time the shifting became much smoother.



He asked how much I wanted to pay, but I told him I did not want to be insulting. He told me his mechanic works almost exclusively on Goldwings and he gave me the shop owners card. At this time I offered him $$ and we agreed upon a price. But he could not find the title. I told him I would be back some other time and he could call me if he found the Title to the bike. He was nice.

Before I drove away I called the shop owner and spoke to the mechanic. He said they had not seen the PO in almost 2 years. But he said that prior to him stopping to take the bike there he was always having the maintenance done on a regular basis. He also said they had put a new motor on his bike about 5 years ago.

Before I drove away I called him to tell him that I had spoken to his mechanic. He told me he just found all the paperwork (Title, Registration, Proof of Insurance). I said lets load it up on the trailer. He helped me even though I could tell his back was really hurting him. Simba"

viewtopic.php?t=2681#p35957

Here is part of the post from the previous owner I bought bike from.

 

[dan filipi]

Oh so you bought Simba's bike, cool.

 

[revykevy]

Oh so you bought Simba's bike, cool.

Yep I did. Now trying to figure out whats up with the shifting.

 

[seabee]

I have used 4 ozs of Seafoam in the crankcase with no problems. It helps to clean out the clutch plates, Trans area and the starter sprag clutch. Ride it easy for 50 to 100 miles, lots of upshifting and downshifting, not going above 3500 rpms. Then drain the oil and filter while still warm. I use Delo LE oil for smother shifting and it's easier to find neutral. Others use Rotela T. I would not use the ATF.

 

[simbaboy]

Having trouble with shifting. Can't get clutch to disengage. I've replaced the cable, and made some adjustments to clutch lever but still can't get it to disengage. It shifts really hard. Any ideas on what to do are appreciated. Next thing on list is a quart of ATF to see if that loosens things up.

I have started down shifting at every stop, wondering if that will loosen things up faster. I have not added any ATF, not sure what type to use, Dex 3 or Type F or ????, I will do that this weekend.

I really want to get this shifting "easier" and smoother. It seems hardest up through 3, 4 to 5 is usually smooth, but gets harder the lower the gear I'm in. I also cant get into neutral very often when the bike is running, it shifts right past it, either way up or down.

HELP ME PLEASE

On the other hand I've really enjoyed the miles I've put on her so far.

Hello RevyKevy,

I am back on this forum as I just bought another GL1100.
Here is what I noticed. Place the bike on the centerstand and shift like crazy for a minute before you go out and things will be easier. Its crazy but shifting on the centerstand and finding neutral was so easy. I really thought I did not know how to adjust the clutch cable. I did multiple oil changes, but the intermittent problem remained.

Dan suggested the reservoir something which might be the key.

Simba