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Hard shifting into second

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by fozziebear, May 23, 2007.

  1. fozziebear

    fozziebear Member

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    What would cause hard shifting from first/nuetral to second gear? When the engine is cold it is hard to get into second gear only, all others engage easily. The clutch cable is adjusted properly and moves smoothly,just changed the oil and filter with Spetcro 4 synthetic blend 20w50. I have had this problem since I got the bike running and it is very irritating and can't figure it out. When I shift I can feel it go from first to nuetral and feels like it's going into second but let out the clutch and it's in neutral. It doesn't happen all the time and only when cold or barely warmed.
     
  2. fozziebear

    fozziebear Member

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    Anybody? Thoughts,guesses.
     
  3. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    For what it's worth mine shifts pretty hard too until it warms up.
     
  4. KiwiXJ750D

    KiwiXJ750D Member

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    So it is jumping out of second?
    Is the neutral light out when you upshift?
     
  5. fozziebear

    fozziebear Member

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    It is not going into second. When I shift the neutral light flashes as I pass through neutral but comes back on when I release the shifter. If I lift it won't go in but if I release and lift once or twice it will go into second. This only happens within the first four or five blocks of riding with a cold engine, afterwards it shifts all gears smoothly with no unusual noises or harshness. The shift lever looked like it was bent in a tiny bit and I straightened it and that seemed to help a little. It doesn't do it all the time and only when cold(sitting overnight or all day at work).
     
  6. PghXJ

    PghXJ Member

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    I have the same issue, but I need to move the shifter down. I have to pull way too far up from what is comfortable for me. I think mine is related to the fact that my foot just doesn't bend that high. :D

    Perhaps you could move the shift lever down a bit and see if you are just not pulling it in all the way. You can get away with that when things are warm, and the oil is flowing freely, but when it's cold...not so much. If it is not that, then look for something mechanical. But always, always, always check your adjustments and alignments of the controls before you go errantly tearing into things.
     
  7. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    You should try experimenting with the Pedal Height Adjuster (If it's able to be moved) and drop the end of the shift lever 15 - 20 mm.

    That will make the move your foot needs to make lifting the lever a little less severe.

    Once you get a nice comfortable shifting motion ... you can go over to the other side and arrange the brake pedal height and brake light switch to come-on with a "Hair trigger" touch a little before the pads engage and slow you down ... as a safety feature to help you prevent getting rear ended and tail-gated.
     
  8. fozziebear

    fozziebear Member

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    I haven't tried adjusting the height of the shifter yet, will do that when I get back from our trip. I have the front and rear brakes set so the brake light comes on before the brakes engage. I had to change the rear pedal spring for a stonger one because the brake light flickered on some bigger bumps and tar strips. This is my oldest boy's last weekend before he goes to basic with the Ohio Army Guard so I am taking him and my sixteen year old to Windsor to visit some friends they met with the church youth group for the weekend.
    Everybody have a great and safe holiday weekend.
    James
     

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