1st to 2nd shift fix...Worked for me anyway! Might want to try!

[theMelvster6]

I bought an '05 CityX with just over 8K miles about a month ago. I had read shifting these beasts tend to be a bit "clunky" "notchy" etc. especially from 1st to second because of passing through the neutral. Anyway, after weeks of trying to get my shifts to coordinate with my RPM zones, etc, etc. I still was not satisfied with the roughness of the shift. "Nature of the Beast" "Welcome to Buell XB's"...I know that is a common understanding...I did an oil change using the Redline Primary specific oil...not really a huge improvement over Amsoil. Primary chain was good, re-adjusted the clutch. Anyway, I found a cure for me!!! It may work for others.

I simply changed the geometry of the shift linkage from the shift peg to the shift arm at the primary. I unbolted the adjustable linkage and the shift arm. First I rotated the shift arm on the primary a couple of notches clockwise so the angle is a bit downward. Then I spun the linkage down to it's shortest position. Next I bolted it all up and adjusted the linkage out just a bit to bring the toe peg to a more comfortable position. I tightened the two jam nuts and shifted it through a few times. MUCH MUCH SMOOTHER! Basically, I made it so the shift linkage is pulling at a much better angle on the shift arm, with a combination of shortening the linkage so it is not so spun out the Shifts from 1st to 2nd are smoother and Shorter. Could completely be my imagination on the shortness, but the thing is shifting much smoother at a better geometry, with not so much upward movement of my foot.

If you are having shifting woes...It might just be your linkage. Solved my problem.

 

[vtech007]

Welcome to the forum. I am giving you a rep vote [up]for that tip. I am going to try it. I have just gotten used to, as you say, giving that extra "toe up" action going from first gear to second gear. It is certainly worth a try.

Could also be that Redline Primary Specific oil!

 

[RichP99]

Can you post a pic? I would like to see what it looks like.

And thanks for sharing[up]

 

[theMelvster6]

^^^Hopefully you get an idea of where the linkage was by my AWESOME drawing! I did it in MS Paint! LOL Maybe I just put it back to where it was supposed to be...I dunno. I only rotated it 2 or so notches clockwise. Before the shift arm was at a slight upward angle, but now it's at a slight downward angle. And you can see the shift linkage is pretty much perpendicular to the shift arm and the shifter peg is parallel to the shift arm. And I really like to get my foot under that shifter. LOL Luckily my foot still fits between the shifter peg and the tab of the kick stand. I am only 26 yrs. old and already have stiff ankles. My foot position is more comfortable now with not so much upward rotation of my ankle. I wish I took a before photo to see the difference.

 

[neilrl79]

I'm going to give this a shot tomorrow after work.

 

[snrusnak]

Awesome post, never thought of this but will check mine out...

 

[theMelvster6]

Let me know if it did anything for you guys...maybe it's all psychological! Lol

 

[Mark XB12r]

Welcome to the forum. I am giving you a rep vote for that tip.

Well im taking one rep point away for having such a clean bike. He must never ride it. Hahahaha! Jk! good job contributing!

 

[theMelvster6]

He must never ride it.

I've only had it a month...put about 600 miles on it. Then again I do like a clean bike...lol Thanks for the replies!

 

[06xbss]

Decided to give this a try ……

Never had very much trouble with shifting, but knew it could be better.

Very, very happy with the way it shifts now. I've missed 2nd a few times and doubt I'll have any more problems with that. I’ve also occasionally had problems finding neutral, doubt that will be a problem anymore.

First month and only 600 miles. When I got my bike back on the road after having to let it sit for a year, I put 1200 miles on it the first month.

 

[EmptyChambers]

FYI, the reason this is making shifts easier is because idally the shifter spline and lever should be running parallel to each other.

 

[theMelvster6]

^^^[up]that's what I concluded also...simple geometry!

 

[1badtitan90]

Hows this working. Still no problems

 

[theMelvster6]

It's still a HD tranny, but I definitely don't feel or hear that awful "click, clack, clunk, clunk" and "notchy" feeling shifting from 1st to 2nd. Not butter smooth like one of those Jap bikes...but not bad for the Sportster platform.

 

[1badtitan90]

I did it but its clunking going down in gears. Gonna make sure it looks like picture.. thanks

 

[onequick5o]

I recently got fed up with the clunk from 1st to 2nd as well. I went a step further and switched to a moto gp shifting style and boy what a difference. Smooth as silk. I must say, it is a bit awkward right now basically shifting backwards but Im sure I will get used to it. No more missed shifts![up][up]

 

[theMelvster6]

There is a difference between the solid engaging of the gears, which still makes a "clunk"...and that ratchet sound, and rough transition. Won't make that quiet click like GSXR or something. Down shifting also has a lot to do with RPM's and whether you down shift while slowing down or just pull in the clutch and down shift through the gears. Also IIRC the earlier Xb's had different cut gears...which makes the tranny louder. Someone feel free to correct me.

 

[neilrl79]

Well I actually did this mod about a week ago and it has improved some but I think I may readjust it tomorrow.