transmission slips into neutral

[JAZZ-n-FZ6]

Hi,

I have about 13,000 miles on my FZ6. This morning when I was pulling out of my driveway slowly in 1st gear, it slipped into neutral. I did not bump the shifter or the clutch. I thought that it was really weird but figured I did not fully put it into gear or something. Then it happened three more times today. Twice the same way, from a start accelerating slowly and then one time when going down a steep hill and using the engine as a brake in first gear.

I do not rev it hard, I always shift with the clutch, I do not shift into first above 15 mph, and always have used either synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil.

I am concerned that dogs and cogs are rounded or worn. This would somewhat surprise me because I know the FZ6 are known for the durability and I do not treat my bike hard. Could there be something out of adjustment or do I need to go to the dealer and get it checked out. I am pretty handy with car repairs so I figure I could handle about any repair on my FZ6.

Please help me and give me any suggestions of what you think it might be. Thanks guys.

 

[SovietRobot]

Does it do it in any gear? Or just first and second?
Does the neutral light come on?

When's the last time you've changed your oil, and how often do you do it?
Are you sure you didn't barely touch the lever with your foot?

Assuming you're doing everything right, there could be something wrong with the transmission. The shift forks can get pretty worn, especially in a sequintial transmission like this, and if you shift hard.

Clutchless shifts, if done properly, shouldn't hurt a sequintial transmission, in fact they are designed that way.

Getting back to oil, since the engine oil also lubricates the transmission, bad oil can cause problems in the transmission.
I would try changing the oil, possibly going to a different brand, and see if that helps.
If not, either take it in to a shop or tear it apart yourself.

I don't know what else could cause it, maybe someone else knows.

 

[smidge]

is your clutch cable adjusted properly? this can sometimes cause problems, its the easiest and quickest, oh and cheapest fix.. so i'd investigate that first!

 

[JAZZ-n-FZ6]

It only slips into neutral when in first gear. It does not do it in any other gear. I will be riding in first and it will simply slip into neutral, and yes the neutral light turns on. The oil has less than 3,000 miles on it, and I have changed it religiously at 3,000 miles or less everytime. Also my clutch cable is adjusted properly. There is a little bit of slack at the lever just like the manual indakes there should be. Thanks guys for your help. Anyone else got some ideas?

 

[JAZZ-n-FZ6]

I just called the dealer. He thought that it could be a shift fork, as you said SovietRobot. I am going to take it to the dealer on Monday and have them check it out. I have the extended warranty so I am expecting it to be covered. They said that it would unless there was evidence of missuse, which I know I have not done. I treat the bike really well and do all the mainanence.

If for some reason they do not cover it. How hard is it to replace the shift fork?

Also I realized that I had adjusted the shifter lever quite a while ago. I never had the problem all the while until yesterday.

 

[Denver_FZ6]

Unfortunately, I think you're headed for a transmission rebuild due to shift forks or other problem. I cannot see clutch adjustment or oil causing this scenario and there are no external adjustments of the transmission. If Yamaha built a motor this finicky we would have seen it many times before. Even good motors occasionally have problems.

Just my opinion. This and $3.50 will get you a java at Starbucks. :rockon: