Transmission clunks/hard to get into gear (another;)

[seratt]

Ok, I know this topic has been hit on a number of times.  But, none of the other topics I've found quite describe what my bike is doing.

So hear it is.  When I shift gears, it kind of "clunks" into gear usually.  Especially going into first or second gears.  Also, whenever I'm upshifting, sometimes I have to click up with my foot twice to get into the next gear.  The first time it feels like I hit a wall, then if I simply release and press up again, it goes right into the next gear.


I just changed the oil to Mobil 1 MX4T (Racing 4T).

Everything else is stock besides the exhaust.  Although, I've noticed the clutch cable adjuster, by my clutch lever, is much more then 8mm showing.  More like 15mm or more to me.

This being my first bike, I'm really not sure what to do.  Could it be the clutch cable needs adjusting or replacing?

Thanks,

Tim

[Greg Cothern]

If you have more than the recommended measure of slack then yes the clutch is not fully engaged 100%.

[seratt]

Thanks Greg,

I adjusted the clutch cable tonite.  I did as the manual says to do it, and had the free play on the clutch lever within about 15mm or so.

I took it for a test ride, it seems to have helped quite a bit.  I still had to hit twice to get into 4th gear one time, although that may just be from habit.  I'll have to ride again this week to see.

The 1st and 2nd gear still seem a bit clunky to me.  Maybe I'll replace the cable if it's not too hard, it's almost threaded to the max anyways.

Tim

[Greg Cothern]

Does the manual say 15mm?  I was thinking 5-6mm.....
First to second has always been "clunky" on a Magna, due to the gear cut used, keeps them engaged a bit better.

[seratt]

The owner's manual says 10 to 20 mm free play in the clutch lever.  (20mm seems like a bit much.)  But then, other websites read to leave a nickel of free play on the lever.  Which, I guess would amount to 5mm or so.  

It doesn't seem near as bad now.  Maybe I'll get a better idea of what is "correct" at my first wrench session.  =)

[HardDriveUSA]

I noticed that on my 96.  If I'm going up or down, I'll find myself in netural if I'm not carefull.  It's good in the other gears, and it's definatly better than my BMW R65, which has "netural" in more than one spot.  I have to be carefull shifting that beast.

[Andrew at Classic]

The owner's manual says 10 to 20 mm free play in the clutch lever.  .  =)

20mm seems like way too much. 5mm ought to do it.