Shifting issues when warm

[mr2peak]

So, I'm having shifting issues.

I've been suffering from the "ghost neutral" problem, and now it refuses to shift at times. I installed the Factory Pro blue spring, and that helped for a while. Now it's really bad, hard (sometimes impossible) to downshift when the bike is warm, much easier but still difficult when it's cold.

What parts typically cause these issues? I have a full bottom end to pull parts from, just need an idea of what might be the problem before I dive into the thing. This is an issue that has been steadily getting worse.

Thanks

[cuong-nutz]

I can only think you are not shifting hard enough--Not enough leverage against the shifter. Fix, adjust the shift rod for more leverage.

[mr2peak]

The effort to shift increases when the bike is warm, that's the problem. I will try adjusting everything again, but that seems like a stop-gap at this point, something is worn out and needs to be replaced.

Can the shift drum be replaced without cracking open the case?

[cuong-nutz]

Try switching back to the stock spring and see how shifting goes.

You have to split the case to remove swap the drum.

[mr2peak]

It was worse before with the stock spring.

I think I'm going to swap out the shift fork and the shift fork springs with my spares and see how that goes. If that doesn't fix it, I guess I'll be splitting the case as well. Guess I should polish up that spare head I have as well.. Damn.

[flitecontrol]

Have you cleaned and lubed the shift linkage?

[cuong-nutz]

Have you lowsided or crashed on your left side to cause your foot shifter to bend? If so it's very likely you pushed the shifter inward forcing your shifter claw out of alignment of the drum cam.

[Hero Danny]

I agree that adjusting the lever helps a lot while shifting... But, I don't think that's your problem (but worth looking at anyway!) My shifter acts funny sometimes, I think it just needs some lube.

[mr2peak]

I've been running with ebay rear sets. I had the same issues with the stock setup, just seems to be getting worse over time, I don't believe it is related to the linkage. I've removed the spare shifter fork and springs from my parts motor, I'll swap that over and see if that makes a difference. If not, I'll be splitting the cases and swapping whatever looks worn out.

[fast1075]

Make sure the shift return spring is not on backwards. I don't know if that is possible with a 250, but I saw it all the time years ago on old Hondas.

It is the spring that returns the shift to the center position after an upshift or down shift.

[dcj13]

You might want to try preloading the shift lever for both up and down shifts. Also blip the throttle for downshifts.

You haven't experienced false neutrals until you've ridden an older BMW!