downshifting

[packge33]

Every once in awhile lately, my bike will not downshift into first.  When I try to shift it down, the lever seems real "loose" and it won't shift into first.  This happens either while moving or stopped.  Sometimes I have to upshift a few gears and then go back to first again.  What could be causing this?

[Chad in Michigan]

there is a 8mm bolt under the chrome sprocket cover that clamps the shift rod/lever to the shaft coming out of the transmission. i'd bet money that the bolt has loosened up a bit. it is kind of a pain to get to and get a socket on. mine did the same thing last year and that is what fixed it. other possible things are loose heim joints (ball & socket joints on shift rod) or if you don't have the factory stock controls and have mapam foreward controls your rod could be bent. if you do have the mapam foreward controls and your rid is bent, post back. there is a guy that was making new, heavier duty rods & joints to withstand some abuse.

[Chad in Michigan]

Underneath this cover (chrome) Take off cover using a 5mm alan wrench. (note that the pic is upside-down)

here is a pic of the rod, at the end of it there is a hole, where the 8mm bolt should be.



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[packge33]

Thought I would update.  Turns out that the mounting bracket that holds the foot peg to the frame was loose.  Works great now!

[guywheatley]

I love it when it's easy. 

[Charles S Otwell]

Yeah, it's nice to catch a break every now and then glad to hear it wasn't serious..

[L J VFR]

Don't forget Loctite, blue loctite.