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Hard 1 to 2 shift

Buellxb Forum

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snrusnak

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 23, 2010
Messages
5,416
I've noticed lately the shift from 1-2 is very hard (clunky). Also, I've had a lot more 1 to N accidental shifts when trying to go to 2 lately. This is typically at light throttle(in traffic). It's almost like it doesn't want to make a 1 to 2 shift unless giving it some throttle. I change my trans oil with engine oil every 3kish miles too. Is it "normal" or is it me?
 
Mine did the EXACT same thing. I switched to royal purple and problem solved..
 
Lots of false neutrals when I first got the bike. I put Amsoil 20-50 in the primary and it shifts super smooth now.
 
My 1st-2nd blows. If i am babying it it shifts fine. If i hog on it and i am not very deliberate with my shifts it will clunk or miss 2nd all together. The transmissions in these bikes blow my butt hole.
 
I use amsoil. Mine is the opposite. It shifts fine under moderate or hard throttle but when babying it its clunky.
 
I with snrusnak. I use amsoil and I get the hard shift when i just cruise or baby it.
 
I have had a lot of trial and error on my '05 xb9sx with this exact problem. Hard shifts into 2nd and frequent missed shifts and false neutrals. Part of the problem is the technology...but part of the problem I believe is geometry of the shift linkage. In my case I changed the geometry of my shift linkage to be more parallel. I also messed with the clutch lever and found out that it is possible to over engage and disengage the clutch. I have ASV adjustable levers and I found a sweet spot in pulling the lever where the clutch disengages and make for for pretty smooth shifting into 2nd. if you ever are just sitting on your bike and shift into first, then while sitting (not moving) shift into second, you'll notice sometimes it goes right into 2nd but sometimes it catches and then you roll forward a little bit and then it goes into 2nd. It's like its not engaging the shift drum very smoothly. I have also found that I don't have to pull the clutch lever in very far to get smooth shifts...and if I adjust my levers all the way out, so the lever pull is further, my bike shift like sh**...I would miss second gear all the damn time!! So I adjusted the lever so I barely have to pull it in, where its just fully disengaged without the known "creep" these sporty related tranny's tend to have. I've had a lot of luck with my shifting lately. Most of my bad shifts now are operator error...Oh, I have had good luck as well running Bel-Ray Gear Saver 80w and this go round I tried the Bel-Ray Thumper Gear Saver 80w-85 (which has a rated viscosity the same as 20w-50 motor oil)...So we'll see.
 
When was the last time you adjusted your clutch, not clutch cable?
And some guys don't realize that if you remove your clutch adjustment cover to fill it with oil you should readjust your clutch/clutch cable and lube the cable.
 
I was having this problem until I adjusted my clutch as part of installing the Muller Power Clutch. 1-2 problem is gone now, same with false neutral, but neutral is harder to get into when I'm parked unless the engine is running. I guess I'd rather have a "still" problem than a "moving" one though.
 
I saw this thread yesterday and since I was slow at work today, I adjusted the clutch on mine and I really did not seem to think it was out at all but at the same time it does shift a little better and I can hit neutral easier.
 
As per above, I'd try an adjustment first, then a switch to a lighter primary oil. Failing that, pull the primary cover and check that the ramp assembly, basket, and bearings are OK...
 
Just wanted to update that I adjusted the clutch and primary chain and it made a huge difference. I think it was really the clutch adjustment that helped.

The primary was right at the 1/2" loose edge of the range so I just tightened it a hair.

Once done adjusting the clutch at the inspection cover it ended up one "position" counter clockwise on the hex nut, if that makes sense.

I really haven't ridden it much at all as when we went on a long ride yesterday I only rode it from my house to eaglerider which is just a few miles. My brother was going to rent a triumph thruxton but turns out when he moved to a different state they never transferred his motorcycle endorsment and he didn't notice. So I rented a triumph tiger and he rode my buell. He said it ran great and shifted great, and it felt better to me on my couple mile ride.

I loved that triumph tiger, it was a really nice bike. As refined as it was, as easy as it was to ride, it had a 6 speed, plenty of power, comfortable, etc. When I got back on my buell I felt "at home" lol.

Anyway, thanks for the advise, the clutch adjustment definitely helped. And it was very easy.
 
Anyone have a walkthrough for adjusting the clutch? I don't know where to start. You guys seem like you've all worked hand in hand with Mr. Buell himself, lol.
 
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