Poll: missed shifts to 2nd?

On anything of a regular basis (eg. once a month) do you miss the shift from 1st to second gear and

  • No, never. I ALWAYS get a CLEAN shift to 2nd.

    Votes: 21 13.9%
  • Rarely, but it has happened that I can remember maybe a handful of times EVER.

    Votes: 80 53.0%
  • I notice this from time to time. My shifting technique is ok but it still happens sometimes.

    Votes: 50 33.1%

  • Total voters
    151
  • Poll closed .

lonesoldier84

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On anything of a regular basis (eg. once a month) do you miss the shift from 1st to second gear and end up in neutral with a THUD or a CLUNK noise???

wanna know if its just me.
 
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reiobard

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I know it happened right after i got my bike, but maybe only once or twice since... try pre-loading the shifter before shifting, it will possibly make a world of difference to you
 
W

wrightme43

If I have trouble with shifting into second for some reason and this may only be in my mind, I change the oil and it goes away for a long time.
 

Steph

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I don't remember ever ending up in neutral, but the clunk was definitely there. More so when the bike was cold...or maybe that was before I was warmed up lol
 

SovietRobot

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I never get a clunk when missing the shift to 2nd, but when I shift back into gear THEN I get a loud clunk.

Most of the time I hit neutral is when I'm acceleration to redline and trying to shift fast, and I grab a handful of throttle and hear the rev limiter sing.
 

damnpoor

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It happens at lower speed. If you get the revs up higher the shift smooths out and it slips right in the way we like it. If you shift around 4K it's easy to miss 2nd and it clunks more. Shifting at 7 or 8K is much mo betta.
 

wildcardfz

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I havent had the clunk but I have failed to get 2nd gear a few times. Every time it is at low speeds and low rpm's. I have a streach of road that all ways has lots of pine needles leaves or other stuff to slide on so I take it slow through that set of turns. Thats where i've had it happen to me the most.
 

FZ1inNH

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Same as Rob, at first, there were a few times it happened but since then, I've developed the instinct to preload the shifter. I also adjusted it down a bit so I don't have to lift as far with my toes.

The clunk is always there, it's a Yamaha characteristic inherent to nearly all their bikes. I believe it is the awesome power of the engine being anxious while waiting to be unleashed. :thumbup:
 

mglowe

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I have on occasion but more often miss first gear coming down - oh I hate that.

I have thought that different riding footwear (boots for me) would effect shifting. Maybe try a different boot...?
 

FZ1inNH

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I have on occasion but more often miss first gear coming down - oh I hate that.

I have thought that different riding footwear (boots for me) would effect shifting. Maybe try a different boot...?

Footwear can play a role. Some are thicker at the shift toe than others. Toy with the adjustment and you can move the lever up or down. Some folks, like me, have a limited range of movement in their feet/ankles, so adjusting the lever to a more downward position made shifting for me a lot easier. :thumbup:
 

DaveOTZ

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I never get a clunk when missing the shift to 2nd, but when I shift back into gear THEN I get a loud clunk.

Most of the time I hit neutral is when I'm acceleration to redline and trying to shift fast, and I grab a handful of throttle and hear the rev limiter sing.

Me too the other day next to a vespa and the dude thought I wanted to race...
Im goofy...
 

abacall

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Sometimes I get lazy and don't preload the shifted, that's the only time it happens.
No big deal. The "clunk" is normal, but certainly less noticeable at higher RPMs.
 

lonesoldier84

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LOL LOL

What kind did you use Lone?

:)

YMS-4AP10-40-12.jpg


And @ the results....

seems like it's a lower speed/rpm issue. The vast majority have had this issue so it seems to be a characteristic of the bike.

btw, what does everyone mean by "preload the shifter"? Apply pressure on the shifter with your foot before you start the actual "shift"?
 

abacall

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^^Yep. Preloading will get you faster, more positive shifts. I try to preload every gear, up or down.
 
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