Hard shifting typical in cold weather?

[psyguy]

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

[uudfourty]

It's awfully weird that it did it all of the sudden over the course of the winter.

- run a cleaner through to rinse then re-fill with fresh oil.

Like what? A very small french maid?
Simple green?

[hampshirehog]

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).

[Mark whiz]

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.

[uudfourty]

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.

[KTA]

Shifting can be a bit tougher in the cold. And if you are riding in freezing temps it takes quite a long time for the motor to warm up fully and get the oil and transmission parts up to operating temperature. I would allow for a full 20 minutes of riding to make sure everything is warm enough.