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Hard shifting typical in cold weather?

  • Thread starter Thread starter uudfourty
  • Start date Start date
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uudfourty

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I'm using 10W-40 non-synthetic. Just like it says on the tin.

Is it typical for an 81GS550 to be hard to shift into and out of 1st and 2nd in cold weather without a lot of warmup time? After 2nd, it's cherry.

Sometimes, even after a good warm up, it doesn't like going into second. Not a lever adjustment problem-- it's book spec. It's not grinding, it just refuses to go the first couple of tries.

I'm not forcing it. I'm putting out just as much force as usual, but for some reason, someimtes, it just don't wanna.
 
Have you tried changing the oil? It matters a lot for how the shifting feels.
 
How many miles on the bike? I've heard it stated before, that they do tend to shift a little tougher in the cold. I can't speak from experience, though...I never ride in temps below 40 degrees... :confused:
 
I can't say I've noticed a difference in how my '85 GS550ES shifts in cold weather, and there is plenty here. (Ridden down to 10 degrees.) Try a different oil. I have found the first-to-second shift takes more force at high rpms. It's the biggest gear ratio jump on most bikes, so it makes sense.
 
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brand new oil.
I'll stick with it for a couple of months and see if the problem gets worse or better with the warming temps.
When I say cold, I'm talking 27*F and up. Nothing insane.
 
Yeah, Is the clutch dragging? that would cause hard shifting
 
Something is amiss, it should be able to shift OK even without the clutch.
I've never noticed enough difference with temperature changes to really notice, certainly not enough to miss a shift.

Shift forks or shift shaft bent?

Has it always done this?

History of running out of oil or moronic riders kicking the crap out of the shift lever?

Been dumped hard on the side?
 
If it's done a good mileage my bet is that it's accumulated muck in the gearbox. Had it myself on several bikes - run a cleaner through to rinse then re-fill with fresh oil.
 
I always find the shifting a bit sluggish (though I wouldn't say hard) when it's cold out. I don't notice it when the bike is warm though or if it's more than 40 degrees out.
 
GS850G 1981 Draggy Clutch

GS850G 1981 Draggy Clutch

My 81 850G is a little hard to shift into first when the engine is cold.
If the idle is above 800-900rpm same problem... clutch is a little draggy.
I have ran Mobil 1 10-40 motorcycle oil and it seems to help when it's cold.
I like Mobil 1 synthetic oil in my bike when I plan to go all season with out maintenance.
 
my bike has the same problem
it can be a pain to shift from first to second (when riding) - but even when it's warm
i had the engine completely disassembled and on the bench everything seems fine (nothing bent and all gears easy to engage in both directions)
it also shifts with no problems when the engine is not running
the clutch is good and not slipping

i still suspect just a slight misalignment in the selector forks and/or shaft (that i couldn't see with my eye when doing the inspection)
 
psyguy said:
my bike has the same problem
it can be a pain to shift from first to second (when riding) - but even when it's warm
i had the engine completely disassembled and on the bench everything seems fine (nothing bent and all gears easy to engage in both directions)
it also shifts with no problems when the engine is not running
the clutch is good and not slipping

i still suspect just a slight misalignment in the selector forks and/or shaft (that i couldn't see with my eye when doing the inspection)
Click to expand...


That's actually a very accurate description of my problem. Except the problem seems to go away after I've ridden about 20 miles or so.
It wasn't always this way. Last season everything was peachy.
It's off and on whether or not she will want to go into second. I never forced it and I never have. I just let off the clutch, look like a fool, and try again. Second try usually does it.

If I'm under the 20 mile mark and pull up to a stop light in 1st, there is no damn way it's getting into neutral unless it's warmed up that right degree.

It might not be the weather, it may be something that happened during the winter I'm unaware of.
 
uudfourty said:
It's off and on whether or not she will want to go into second. I never forced it and I never have. I just let off the clutch, look like a fool, and try again. Second try usually does it.
Click to expand...
pitch perfect description of my situation
 
interestingly, i had an older yamaha with EXACTLY the same problem, so i'm kinda used to it - lol

if i ever take this engine appart again i think i'd like to change the selector forks and shaft and the bearing there, just to see if my assumptions are correct
 
I love the idea of the Fench maid (UK GSers - Kylie in the Xmas Doctor Who........). Stop me.

Unfortunately I'm talking engine flush - Wynnes and STP are the brand names over here but there's as good and cheaper available. (Mine's free - my mate works for a petrochemical company, supplying the F1 racing companies amongst others, and brings home 5 gallons when you only need a pint).
 
Another simple source for flushing the engine is to use a 50/50 mix of Kerosine and transmission fluid - works like a charm. And in a pinch you can use either one of them by themselves. Add maybe 6 or 8 ounces of the stuff and idle the engine for 10 minutes, drain the crankcase, and refill with oil.
 
nifty.
I'll give that a shot, for sure.
By far the cheapest possible solution, aside from changing oil, which will be done at the same time.
 
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