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Changing gears problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter jakeolsen
  • Start date Start date
J

jakeolsen

Guest
I have an "80 GS550e. It has the thing on the gauges that tells you what gear you are in. When I engage the clutch and start in 1 then shift up and see the green light, up again shows two. Then up again shows no light, and after that, it doesn't feel like it is shifting gears at all. One click down after trying to go up several times still goes to 2. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Forgive an obvious question, please.

Is this an indicator problem or a mechanical one?

While the display shows only one number, or goes blank, are the gears actually changing upwards, (from 2 to 3, from 3 to 4, 4 to 5) as they are supposed to do?
 
Sorry I should have clarified. The next time up after two feels like a change, but after that there is no changing of gears
 
First thing to check is the shift lever, to be sure it is tight enough.

The lever fits onto the gear shaft that extends from the transmission. The mating hole is normally notched to ensure solid contact, but the notches can wear over time if the lever is not kept tightened and that could allow partial slippage. The lever also has a bolt on top that can be tightened to cinch it into position.

Hopefully, that will be the source of the problem and it is an easy fix.
 
Ok thanks. I will give that a look. Is it possible for things to get stuck after it has sat for a while? I think this bike has sat for 4-5 yrs. I have already been working overtime to get things cleaned and greased.
 
If the engine is not running, it's perfectly normal to not be able to complete shifts as you describe.

In other words, it should be fine once it's spinning.
 
Hopefully that is all that is wrong with it. Unfortunately, I can't currently run it to find out. I am waiting as patiently as possible for my carb rebuild kits to come it. Praying for tomorrow! I have the carbs all tore apart and am just waiting to put them back together. Once I get it started I'll let you know if I can make it through the gears.
 
jakeolsen said:
Hopefully that is all that is wrong with it. Unfortunately, I can't currently run it to find out. I am waiting as patiently as possible for my carb rebuild kits to come it. Praying for tomorrow! I have the carbs all tore apart and am just waiting to put them back together. Once I get it started I'll let you know if I can make it through the gears.
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You don't need to run it to check the tranny for correct shifting. Just put it on the center stand and rotate the rear wheel with your hand back and forth. Or just roll the bike while you're sitting on it. I be that's the only problem. VERY rarely you'll be able to get a tranny into every gear without stuff moving.
 
rudy said:
You don't need to run it to check the tranny for correct shifting. Just put it on the center stand and rotate the rear wheel with your hand back and forth. Or just roll the bike while you're sitting on it. I be that's the only problem. VERY rarely you'll be able to get a tranny into every gear without stuff moving.
Click to expand...
You're a genius! I tried this, and it worked perfectly! There is no problem.. yay!! :D
 
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