Problem shifting up

[jasonfromca]

Hi. I'm a beginner and so the problem is most likely user error. I bought my bike used a few weeks ago and today was the first long ride I've taken. 3 times while I was accelerating from low speed, I got to 5th or 6th gear and suddenly the bike would not accelerate. The only solution was to pull over, downshift and then start over. It seemed to happen when I was trying to upshift quickly (maybe I was too quick)? It felt like the clutch did not engage but the rest of the time the clutch seemed fine. This of course happened at the worst possible times - getting on the highway or someone riding my ass. Any ideas?

[AnarchoMoltov]

if you have the clutch completely squeezed in, sometimes the gear will not fall into place...Its all about clutch control, try letting out on the clutch a little until it clicks into gear..or squeeze the clutch in some more...

[kkim]

try adjusting your shift lever. your foot may not be raising the shifter all the way up into the next gear.

have you checked your engine oil level? is it correct?

[jasonfromca]

I just changed the oil last week. I'm going to try riding it again tomorrow and see if it was just me trying to shift to quickly.

[killerkay3]

at what rpm are you shifting?

[jasonfromca]

I tried again last weekend and didn't have the problem. It was happening because I was shifting up too quickly. The 250 doesn't have the power I wanted to it have and I just need to be patient with it.

[tapdiggy]

Originally Posted by killerkay3

at what rpm are you shifting?

+1. i am curious about what RpM you are choosing to shift at

[jasonfromca]

Originally Posted by tapdiggy

+1. i am curious about what RpM you are choosing to shift at

Well, I wasn't really paying attention at the time I had the problem but probably way too low like 2500 or 3000. Now I make sure to try to shift as close to 5000 as possible.

[kkim]

shift at 7-8k or higher.

[Alex]

Originally Posted by kkim

shift at 7-8k or higher.

The engine is barely waking up at 5k, if you're looking for strong acceleration while getting on the freeway, hold each gear much longer. This engine's power peak is somewhere around 11k RPM.

[kkim]

lol... I didn't want to tell him to shift at redline.

[jasonfromca]

I tried that and it seemed to help. thanks

[Dart08]

I have an issue with shifting up that is very similar,kinda...
I cant seem to get my 08 ninjette to shift up past neutral. i have played with adjusting everything that there is to adjust and still the same. so now im stuck with 1st and neutral. Anyone have a similar problem? Or even better a solution? Before this happened i had to use my foot to return the shifter to the middle position right after shifting down or up before i could hit the next gear either way. sorry if there is a thread already with this fix but i didn't find it after about an hour of looking and this thread had the title i wanted to use

[kkim]

is the bike moving when you are trying to shift it?

[Dart08]

Originally Posted by kkim

is the bike moving when you are trying to shift it?

I have tried moving and still. It is SO stiff that you almost can't shift at all with your foot.
Posted via Mobile Device

[kkim]

Has the bike ever been crashed on the left side?

[Dart08]

Nope never been down
Posted via Mobile Device

[Alex]

At a stop it will never go into second, that's the Kawi neutral finder feature that in fact blocks the transmission from shifting past neutral. But once the bike is moving, it should certainly allow you to shift up. What speed is the bike going when you are trying to upshift?

EDIT: just re-read your post. If you had to manually return the shifter down to center after upshifting in the past, something was already hinky with your clutch/transmission; that's clearly not normal. Warranty time.

[CZroe]

The OP's problem sounds like a false neutral. In 10K miles I've had my fair share...usually due to being in a hurry and not lifting far enough before letting out the clutch. As for Dart, unless you mean "the middle of 1st and second" and not "the middle position for the shifter," I can't help ya.

Originally Posted by Alex

The engine is barely waking up at 5k, if you're looking for strong acceleration while getting on the freeway, hold each gear much longer. This engine's power peak is somewhere around 11k RPM.

Perhaps he's still breaking it in?

[Allen]

Hope you all don't mind me just jumping in..........

I've missed several upshifts,,, primarily when accelerating through twisties. I've caught myself not releasing the shifter after the last upshift. Remember the shift mechanism is a ratchet which requires; upshift, then release the upward pressure on the shifter. If upward pressure is not completely released, the ratchet cannot engage the next higher gear. Also; some boot/riding style will make complete release more difficult.

[kkim]

Jacob,

when was the last time the oil was changed? not that I expect it to help, but you might try that if it's been awhile. That's the easiest thing I can think of to recommend short of going in there to find what's binding the shift shaft.

Allen's recommendation makes sense... is this a recent occurrence or has it always been this way? Have you had the bike since new or one that you purchased used?

[Dart08]

just changed the oil. so thats not it I don't think. the problem happened before and after the oil change. I'm the second owner but its a problem that has been growing worse over a period of the past month. I do allow for the shifter to go back to "middle" it just isn't. I think it might be a clutch issue so i think its dealership time. i can go in and fiddle with my carbs but i'm just not sure about getting into the gear side of the case...plus i dont want to replace the clutch just to then find out its somthing else.

[Allen]

Hey Jacob........

FWIW, I don't think this would be a clutch problem. I use the clutch less than 1/2 the time during upshifts. (Once rolling)

And as far as opening up the trans.........I'd leave that for the dealer. Or at least someone with some MC "fix it" items behind them.

[Dart08]

Well I got it "working" but perhaps not fixed. It will be going into the shop soon to be checked out. Thanks all for the helpful advice and trouble shooting. A big part of my problem was I was making WAY to large of adjustments to clutch and shifter. I will post. With the diagnosis when I get it back from the shop. But right now I feel like it's safe enough to ride in the parking lot with to fiddle with! Woot!
Posted via Mobile Device

[ansabolic]

Originally Posted by kkim

Has the bike ever been crashed on the left side?

i experienced my first low side tonight, and my bike layed down on the left side. im okay. minimal damage was done. HowEver, i am experiencing the same problem as discribed. i cannot shift into 2nd nor anyother upper gears. the shifter got pushed back/ hyperextended/repositioned to the point where it would make a 90 degree angle next to my foot peg. thankfully a friend had a tool kit(an investment i need to make) and we unscrewed the screw that locks to the rod and repositioned the shifter back to its normal position.

i will try adjusting the rod and the shifter angle tomorrow after my internship, but meanwhile im thinking of all the possibilities that it could be. . .

has anyone experienced this particular problem before? any input would help out a lot...!!!!!

[Gorilla25]

and yes...he was ATGATT

[ansabolic]

i have an excuse to get a new pair of gloves