Shifting Gears GL1800

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Are you bumping the throttle just a tad, and slightly preloading the shift lever?

Doing the above should make it shift instantly upon just a very slight clutch action. I've driven many a mile with a broken clutch cable and shifted with just the throttle and preloading the shifter.

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Hi,

When you say, "preload the shifter," please explain what this means.

Thanks very much.

Dan

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Hi Dennis,

Thanks for responding. The bike has 7500 miles. The problem has persisted since I got the bike. I live in SW Florida from November through May and then stay in Chttanooga TN from June thru Oct. Bike has never been in the rain! No, I do not have a heel/toe shifter installed but what if I did?

Bestest,
Dan

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Danny,

"Preloading" the shifter is a term used to describe applying a slight downward pressure on the shifter before you try to actually shift gears.

That will impose a slight amount of pressure on the shift fork and when you bump the throttle up a bit, and clutch at the same time, the shift fork should move the tranny to the next lower gear without even a hint of noise (well almost).

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Thank you for responding, Dennis. No problem shifting up to other gears and it seems I only have trouble when engine is warmed up and I have to downshift into first. Lots of times I have to start in second gear.

Dan

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Does rocking the bike back and forth help any Danny?

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Thanks for answering, John. The bike has been California Triked so rocking is not an option. Dan

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When you know how a motorcycle transmission works you can see why it is sometimes hard to get into gear. The gears almost have to be spinning for them to begin to mesh. If you have been sitting with the clutch pulled in the gears have stopped moving and the dogs on the slider can miss the slots in the stationary gear and it won't go in. You cannot stomp it in, you will only bend the shift fork. If it won't go let the clutch out, pull it back in and ease down on the shifter. You may feel it hit a stop then slip the rest of the way in with a slight clunk. The reason it will shift cold and not hot is the oil is thicker when cold and causes the clutch to drag slightly so the gears are moving and the dogs will align.

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Thank you very much, David, for your reply! I understand better now from what you explained is happening. I want to install floor boards with a heel toe shifter - - is that a good or bad idea? Again, thanks, Dan.

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Lots of people/ bikes have an issue shifting into neutral or first when the bike is stopped..If this issue is one when you are coming to s stop light or sign and coast up in another gear you might try shifting before you at a complete stop..see David's explanation above same idea...

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Thanks, RB. I usually do as you stated but it is a "hit & miss" deal.

Dan

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I made it a habit to always shift into 1st gear while moving and before killing the engine.

Then when I need to start, I just kick it up into neutral. The gears are aligned that way. It should not make any difference but it always seemed to help. I think it is just the extra shift fork movement more than anything.

But, never rode a trike. I think I would start leaving it in 1st gear, then pull the clutch in all the way and hold it tight. then hit the starter button.

that should resolve your problem.

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I'd run for a while and get used to your bike and the feel of shifting. Some riders really like the heal/toe shifter. Nothing wrong with going that way, but I'd get really used to the feel of your bike first. When you are not having any problems at all, then maybe try the heal/toe thing. That would just be my own way. Your opinion is the only one that counts and you might feel differently.

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Ok, Bob, thanks a lot.

With appreciation,
Dan

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I prefer the feel of my toe on the shifter. I think I have better finesse with the shifting pressure that way.

I have always worried that I might bend a shift fork with my heel. That tranny is buried deep in that engine. The case must be split to get to it.

I would prefer to learn all there is to the bike for a long while, maybe a year. Then decide if you want to transition to a heel toe shifter.

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Heel/toe shifters are a love/hate relationship. I have had one on all my GL's (1000,1100,1200,1500 and 1800). Put 235,000 on the GL1200 without any tranny problems. In fact, my brother is still riding it!



I also put heel/toe shifter on my wife's GL1500 trike. The only drawback I have heard from others is the size of your shifting foot. It's kinda hard to get a size 12/13 shoe/boot to manipulate the shifter.