Trouble Shifting Into First

[BenWoj42]

Once in a while I'll have some trouble shifting into first gear. I'll sometimes have to rock the bike back and forth to get it into gear. Doesn't happen all the time though. Is this normal or should I be looking to adjust/replace something?

 

[Shaggy]

Once in a while I'll have some trouble shifting into first gear. I'll sometimes have to rock the bike back and forth to get it into gear. Doesn't happen all the time though. Is this normal or should I be looking to adjust/replace something?

Assuming it's a Gen 2. This is normal for these bikes. Went through the same thing myself. Try shifting into first before coming to a stop. Kind of a pain.

 

[Mythos]

^^ yup, same here. More of a problem when the weather is cold. Same thing with the 14. I think it improved after 11,000 miles or so. I don't know for sure-- I almost always have either bike in 1 before I roll to a complete stop.

 

[Blanca BusaLess]

Mine sometimes does the same thing. Light turns green and I click it down but nothing happens. Just roll a few inches and try again and it goes right in.
I've also noticed that if I don't roll forward a bit before I put it in first sometimes I get a big 'clunk' as it goes into gear. Roll it forward just a bit and shift into first and it drops right in with no sound at all, nice and easy.

 

[Elvorin]

Yeah, similar issue happens to me too. Sometimes when the bike is first started in neutral, I have to let the clutch go and press again before shifting into first gear.

 

[BenWoj42]

Sounds like everyone else has the same problem as well. Just wanted to make sure it was normal.

 

[JGGUNS]

I have found 2 methods that has helped mine fall into gear everytime this has happened. 1)Cycle the clutch lever fully or 2)apply a slight pressure to the shift lever and ease out on the clutch and it will slip easily into gear. I have just made it a habit to cycle the clutch anytime I plan on stopping in nuetral.

 

[racerV]

Synthetic oil will help but like others said, slip the clutch out a bit while applying pressure to the shifter.

 

[critterdoc]

It's been a problem with almost every bike I have owned. Most of the time if I let the clutch all the way out then pull it in again I can slip it into first with a loud clunk.

 

[Sous]

This is a normal problem. I fix it by letting the clutch slip while pressing the shift lever into first.

 

[m_ridgeway]

i always go from second to first before i stop for this reason. its easy and smoother to downshift to first while still rolling.

 

[ddd269]

I have found 2 methods that has helped mine fall into gear everytime this has happened. 1)Cycle the clutch lever fully or 2)apply a slight pressure to the shift lever and ease out on the clutch and it will slip easily into gear. I have just made it a habit to cycle the clutch anytime I plan on stopping in nuetral.

First method is best... Just pull the clutch once more and it will go in easily. I think this happens when you roll the bike out of "sync" from the moment you fist pulled the clutch. You're just realigning the mesh by pulling the clutch a second time. This is the best theory I have with my limited knowledge.

Anyways, try to be on first gear when coming to a stop. I know our clutch is a pain to hold during a long red light, but it's worth the effort if you're thinking about safety.

Take care!

 

[ddd269]

btw, it's the same thing if the bike doesn't want to go in lower gears, say when you're in 3rd or 4th gear. Just let go of the clutch half way and feel the gears engage again. You'll hear/feel a clunk when it realigns. Pull the clutch again and shift... it should slip in easily now.

 

[Schism]

same here and i just release lever and try again. sucks, but i can think of worse things that could go wrong with the bike.

 

[niso]

Same issue with 08 and 09 but double clutching does the trick.

 

[GsxrBots]

If you ever think your 'busa is bad, go test ride an M109R. There were days I thought I was never leaving the stop light!

 

[outlawbusa]

You have to shift into reverse for two miles then tap your head twice then bounce (hard) on the seat then hit first~!~

Anyway, some others have stated that if you pull in the clutch lever, release it then it should shift like normal

 

[Pardini]

When in neutral at a stop, double clutch it then click it into 1st.