Trouble getting into 1st gear - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

bhamon · 09-04-2004, 09:17 PM

I just bought a new C50 and I have noticed that sometimes it just does not want to go into 1st gear, even when stopped. I never have a problem when the bike is cold, but after riding a while, it has trouble. It is more of an intermittent issue. When I am at a stoplight, I never know if it will shift into neutral or 1st. Can anyone help?

Thanks

JJKJR · 09-05-2004, 07:08 AM

bhamon-

I had the same problem with my Volusia 800 when I first started to ride. I had thought that something was wrong with the transmission. I am not a motorcycle mechanic but I'll tell you what was explained to me by the people in the know on this site. It solved my problem completely. Motorcycle transmissions don't like multiple downshifts at a stop. So as you come to a stop make sure you do your multiple downshifts to get to first before you stop. If for some reason you can't get to first before you stop, if you squeeze the clutch handle in a couple of times or roll the bike a bit and then attempt to put the bike in first it will go in easily. I hope this works for you.

**Uncle Bob** · 09-05-2004, 11:35 AM

Also this may happen more until it's broken in and you've had your first service.

bhamon · 09-05-2004, 05:37 PM

Thanks, I am getting ready to go out for another ride and I will let you know how it works. If it doesn't work, I guess I will just have to drive a little more each day to hit that first service faster!

bhamon · 09-05-2004, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJKJR

bhamon-

I had the same problem with my Volusia 800 when I first started to ride. I had thought that something was wrong with the transmission. I am not a motorcycle mechanic but I'll tell you what was explained to me by the people in the know on this site. It solved my problem completely. Motorcycle transmissions don't like multiple downshifts at a stop. So as you come to a stop make sure you do your multiple downshifts to get to first before you stop. If for some reason you can't get to first before you stop, if you squeeze the clutch handle in a couple of times or roll the bike a bit and then attempt to put the bike in first it will go in easily. I hope this works for you.

Wow, that was all it took! I was so used to riding other seasoned bikes that I hardly even noticed myself popping out of 1st to neutral, then back to first while waiting at a light. Maybe I am a little ADHD

. If I downshift to first just before stopping, there is no problem. Thanks again. Hopefully, once she is good and broken in, I can get back to my old habbits.

John Mc · 12-07-2005, 08:53 PM

Wow, I sometimes noticed that with my (fairly) new C50 as well. I can't wait to try it after it warms up a bit!

SneakyPete · 02-21-2006, 09:25 AM

I've got a friend who has a 1200 suz bandit his first gear just started to be difficult to engage at a stop light I read all the replies that seem to think its normal to have to roll your bike around at a stoplight ,but I never have had to do that with any of my gsxr's and I've had 5. Any mechanics out there to confirm normality of this problem?

**Clint** · 02-21-2006, 10:13 AM

Well-worn engines tend to handle stopped shifts better, and the quality and condition of your oil makes a big difference.

Experienced riders don't downshift at a stop - they do it while decelerating. Motorcycle transmissions are built for that.

**inspiron** · 02-21-2006, 10:38 AM

And for goodness sake, leave the bike in 1st gear when you are sitting at a signal!

Too many brain-dead cagers are out there to get you. Always make sure you can make a quick get-away if some idiot doesn't see you and tries to defy the laws of physics and occupy the same space as you.

09-04-2004, 09:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
bhamon In Training Joined: Aug 2004 Location: lexington ky Posts: 136	Trouble getting into 1st gear I just bought a new C50 and I have noticed that sometimes it just does not want to go into 1st gear, even when stopped. I never have a problem when the bike is cold, but after riding a while, it has trouble. It is more of an intermittent issue. When I am at a stoplight, I never know if it will shift into neutral or 1st. Can anyone help? Thanks __________________ "Trying is the first step towards failure." - Homer Simpson "Ah, sweet pity. Where would my love life have been without it?" - Homer Simpson "You know what? To be loved, you have to be nice to people, every day. But to be hated, you don't have to do squat!" - Homer Simpson

09-05-2004, 11:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
Uncle Bob Site Admin & Squeegee Boy Joined: Dec 1969 Bike: 2003 Volusia SE Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 107	Also this may happen more until it's broken in and you've had your first service. __________________ Yadda yadda yadda, whatever, they ain't going to listen anyway.

09-05-2004, 05:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
bhamon In Training Joined: Aug 2004 Location: lexington ky Posts: 136	Thanks, I am getting ready to go out for another ride and I will let you know how it works. If it doesn't work, I guess I will just have to drive a little more each day to hit that first service faster! __________________ "Trying is the first step towards failure." - Homer Simpson "Ah, sweet pity. Where would my love life have been without it?" - Homer Simpson "You know what? To be loved, you have to be nice to people, every day. But to be hated, you don't have to do squat!" - Homer Simpson

02-21-2006, 09:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
SneakyPete Newbie Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: 87 gsxr 7-11 Location: tampa,fl Posts: 5	1st gear I've got a friend who has a 1200 suz bandit his first gear just started to be difficult to engage at a stop light I read all the replies that seem to think its normal to have to roll your bike around at a stoplight ,but I never have had to do that with any of my gsxr's and I've had 5. Any mechanics out there to confirm normality of this problem?

02-21-2006, 10:38 AM	#9 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,060	And for goodness sake, leave the bike in 1st gear when you are sitting at a signal! Too many brain-dead cagers are out there to get you. Always make sure you can make a quick get-away if some idiot doesn't see you and tries to defy the laws of physics and occupy the same space as you. __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

09-05-2004, 07:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
JJKJR Seat Tester Joined: Apr 2004 Location: SW Florida Posts: 53	bhamon- I had the same problem with my Volusia 800 when I first started to ride. I had thought that something was wrong with the transmission. I am not a motorcycle mechanic but I'll tell you what was explained to me by the people in the know on this site. It solved my problem completely. Motorcycle transmissions don't like multiple downshifts at a stop. So as you come to a stop make sure you do your multiple downshifts to get to first before you stop. If for some reason you can't get to first before you stop, if you squeeze the clutch handle in a couple of times or roll the bike a bit and then attempt to put the bike in first it will go in easily. I hope this works for you.

12-07-2005, 08:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
John Mc Newbie Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50 Location: Elgin, Illinois Posts: 19	Wow, I sometimes noticed that with my (fairly) new C50 as well. I can't wait to try it after it warms up a bit!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Having a little trouble...	texrider	The Paddock	13	05-29-2006 01:51 AM
5th gear trouble--GZ250	Messinupthegarage	Mechanics Corner	1	08-29-2005 08:02 PM
in trouble	crazygixxer64	Mechanics Corner	7	08-20-2005 03:19 AM
Trouble?	nickmimi	Marauder M50 Secret Hideaway	8	08-18-2005 12:57 AM
gear selection trouble	84rm	Dirt Bikes & ATV's	1	07-03-2005 11:29 PM