Shift lever interference

[handyjoe]

I'm trying to improve the riding position of my 550L. With the bars on it now, I'm leaning a bit farther forward, and would like to adjust my shifter a bit further down. Unfortunately, it starts to contact with the shift linkage, preventing a downshift.

Is this a normal problem? Is there an easy workaround? Or is my shift lever bent somehow?

Thanks in advance.

[Agemax]

try bending it to suit?

[handyjoe]

try bending it to suit?

I think I need to file this in the "why didn't I think of that?" drawer. It probably wouldn't be that hard to pull it off and just heat it up.

If there are no other easier solutions I'll probably just do this. I was hoping maybe the shifter off a 550e fit or something like that.

[OLDENUFF]

Take it off and move it down a notch or two and put it back on. No bending needed.

[Billy Ricks]

You'll probably break something before you bend anything. Between moving the linkage on the shifter shaft as oldenuff pointed out and varying the length of the adjustable rod that runs from the foot shifter to the linkage you can accomplish what you want to do. You should be able to change the position by a few inches like that.

[Nessism]

Yes, as Billy says it's adjustable. Get a 10mm wrench and adjust it to match your desires.

[handyjoe]

Yeah, I tried that. Loosened up the 10mm bolt, removed the shift linkage off the splined shaft and rotated the shifter assembly.

The problem I had was that my shift lever then started contacting the shift linkage when I would try to downshift. I need to get more physical clearance. The only way I see that happening is if the shifter linkage was inset more, or if the shift linkage was above the lever. Is there enough length adjustment in the linkage rod to do that?

[Nessism]

What about adjusting using using the adjuster rod?

[handyjoe]

I'll try that, but I'm not sure if it will help. I may have to rotate the splined part so that the heim joint is pointing straight down. That will give me the most clearance. I hope I've got enough adjustability in the rod to get the shift lever where I want it.

Has no one else had this problem? I'm guessing it may specifically be an "L" issue.

[koolaid_kid]

From looking at the geometry on the shift linkage rod, lengthening the rod should lower the lever. I am certain that is why it is adjustable. Think of it as the fine adjustment of your clutch cable on the handlebar vs. the coarse adjustment on the engine. The coarse adjustment is rotating the arm on the shifter shaft. The fine adjustment is the rod. Betcha a nickel.

[handyjoe]

I'll be checking this tonight, I hope. Lots of things to do. I started messing with the adjustment rod yesterday, but didn't get a chance to do anything with it.

[Nessism]

The adjustment rod IS the adjustment, you shouldn't mess with the spline to shaft position. Loosen both nuts and turn the rod. The shift lever will raise or lower significantly within the normal range of adjustment.

I believe the L shift lever is the same as the other 550 models.

[Agemax]

The adjustment rod IS the adjustment, you shouldn't mess with the spline to shaft position. Loosen both nuts and turn the rod. The shift lever will raise or lower significantly within the normal range of adjustment.

I believe the L shift lever is the same as the other 550 models.

but surely, his problem is he cant get the shift lever in a position to suit his new riding stance with out the lever hitting the linkage.
the adjuster will alter the shift lever height but that will not cure his problem!

[handyjoe]

Well, I owe koolaid_kid a nickel, and Nessism a thanks. I was able to lower the shifter to a point where it almost hits the linkage, and I think that will do the trick.

I haven't gotten a chance to get out and ride it yet, but I'll report back if things still aren't quite right.

[koolaid_kid]

Hehe. I'll collect next time I'm in town.
Glad it worked. Now get out and ride before it gets too cool.