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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Since my bike was new its always been stiffer shifting than my '10 was. I always figured that it was due to the tighter clearances they're running compared to the older model. Lately it seems to be getting even harder to shift particularly downshifting 3>2 and 2>1 when coming up to a stop. It can even get stuck on occasional and I'll have to release the shifter and try again. Its got kind of a crunchy feeling to it which is much worse if I get lazy and shift slowly. It seems to work best if I shift it fast and forcibly. I'm running Amsoil but I also tried some semi-synthetic at the dealer's suggestion but it didn't make any difference. The clutch seems to be releasing fully so I don't think clutch drag is the problem even though that's kind of what it feels like. I was wondering if anyone else with a '11 has noticed the same thing or if its just particular to mine.
Thanks for the feedback.
Marc |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| My '09 had a the similar problem but Jay found that the mech that installed my heel shifter did not adjust the linkage properly. Have it checked. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | I would have to agree it is a linkage problem, not an oil problem. Also, on the outside worse case senario you may have shifter shaft early bearing failure, have that checked as well. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| I checked the linkage and it moves smoothly and the angle between the shaft and lever is spot on at 90 degrees so that isn't it. I was wondering if anyone with an '11 might comment on how theirs shifts.
Marc |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | What would be the adjustment? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
Tifton, GA | I have over 12,000 miles on my 2011 and no problems like yours. A very times when shifting from 5th to 6th the bike jerks and makes a terrible noise. I grab the clutch and make a FIRM shift and that takes care of it. I think that it is my fault by making a lazy shift. It only happens when I am just easying around. This has only happened a few times and not in the past 5,000 miles. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| pollolittle - 2011-08-02 7:01 AM
What would be the adjustment?
The linkage has a shaft as part of it that is threaded on both ends so you can vary its length. Looks like a turnbuckle. There's a better term for it but I can't remember it right now. This is how you adjust the height of the shifter relative to your foot.
Marc |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Liandra - 2011-08-02 7:13 AM
I have over 12,000 miles on my 2011 and no problems like yours. A very times when shifting from 5th to 6th the bike jerks and makes a terrible noise. I grab the clutch and make a FIRM shift and that takes care of it. I think that it is my fault by making a lazy shift. It only happens when I am just easying around. This has only happened a few times and not in the past 5,000 miles.
I've experienced the exact same thing. The trans gets stuck between 5th and 6th and ends up banging back and forth between gears. I do the same thing you do, just give the lever another lift and it completes the shift. And yes, it only happens if the original shift wasn't firm enough. Glad I'm not the only one with that happening.
If you do kind of a slow down shift from 3>2 or 2>1 does it feel crunchie? Does it ever balk like get stuck to where you have to let go and try again?
Marc
Edited by marcparnes 2011-08-02 10:44 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 188
Tifton, GA | Marc no other shifting problems except the 5th-6th lazy shift. I think that as the miles build it is less likely to happen because I shift it better or it is getting broke in better. With 5 years of unlimited mileage warranty I am not worried about it. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Ok, thanks. I think I'll take it by the dealer and have them ride it. I have about 16K on it now and the shifting characteristics haven't changed during that time other than I think its getting a bit harder to downshift but that just might be me getting lazier. My '10 was very sensitive to oil type and mileage between changes but this one doesn't seem to care what's in it and shifts the same regardless of the mileage intervals. Besides that it is silent which is a huge up for me. I hated the noisy trans and primary on the '10.
Marc |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| If you don't mind measure your shift linkage at your dealer. See if there the same length or if you have a buddy with a vision.
From the floor board to the center of my toe peg is 3 1/4 the length of the rod from center of heim is 9 1/4 now I adjusted mine so I could get my foot
between board and shifter with different shoes on. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Hi John,
Mine is a bit shorter than standard. I have my controls set all the way back and in that position the shift rod is a little bit too long. In order to have the controls that far back it meant that the shift lever on the shaft had to be moved about two splines in order to keep the foot lever in a reasonable position. That's the way the dealer's tech set it up. That didn't work at all since the angle between the shift lever and the rod was too acute. In order to keep the shift lever in the original position I ran the threads down the shaft a bit further and shortened the rod the same amount. Now the shift lever is in its original position which is marked with two punch marks. I hope you can follow this since it isn't the best description. My toe peg is 2 7/8" from the floor board and the distance between heim joint centers is 7 3/4". Remember that my controls are moved all the way back. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 59
Austin Texas Yaaaalll | 2011 here with 1000 miles on her. No shifting difficulties to speak of. Hope it works out for you. BTW you did a nice job with the tire balancer. Many of my BMW friends own your set-up. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 802
| Thanks Steve :-)
Marc |
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | 2011 Vision with 13,000 miles on her with zero shifting problems.
Never missed a gear and never had a gear pop out.
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Lehigh Valley, Pa | I have a 08 Vision and a 11 XC. My Vision shifts as smooth as I could ever ask for, I have the typical gear noise which is not bad at all. My 11 does not shift bad, it is stiff but it is the loudest shift I have ever experienced. I will say the "other" noises that come out of that 11 trans is what has got my attention. I was thinking as I rode the Vision home last night that I would prefer the 08 trans in my 11. |
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Tourer
Posts: 500
| Silver/Black 2011 Vision Tour about 1650 miles....No problems with shifting at all...Very smooth and easy to do..Hope it stays ok.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 92
Chandler, AZ | 2011 XC...........have also experienced some issues downshifting from 3>2 and 2>1. Also running Amsoil since the initial service. Just had the 5K service done @ 6.2K miles after a long trip, and seems a bit more noticeable since the service, but could just be me. What I've had happen a couple of times too that unnerves me momentarily is when downshifting from 2>1 pulling off a street into a gas station, and it sticks in Neutral, so when I roll on the throttle nothing happens...usually on a slight uphill incline; that's no fun. |
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'11 Hard Shifting
