Can't get the bike in second gear

CynicalC · May 10th, 2011, 11:21 PM

So we spend some time trying to bump start in first, rear wheel just locks up. Tried to put it in second and it just won't engage, just stays in neutral. Tried adjusting the shift linkage, yanking by hand, etc. Just doesn't want to up shift. Any idea what could cause this? Thanks in advance!

Kevin2109 · May 10th, 2011, 11:28 PM

are you not able to shift into second when the bike is sitting or driving. The new gen (maybe old too) has a lock (I thinks its called neutral lock) That when the bike is turned off it can only shift from first to neutral. It wont shift to third when off

Cuongism · May 10th, 2011, 11:46 PM

It's called a positive neutral finder. The bike (at least new gens) won't shift past neutral if you're at a standstill. If you can get it rolling (downhill?), you can probably shift up then.

CynicalC · May 11th, 2011, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuongism

It's called a positive neutral finder. The bike (at least new gens) won't shift past neutral if you're at a standstill. If you can get it rolling (downhill?), you can probably shift up then.

Thanks, that answers my question! But it makes bump starting by yourself a total pain in the ass!

Kzavis · March 6th, 2013, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CynicalC

Thanks, that answers my question! But it makes bump starting by yourself a total pain in the ass!

Did you get this to work. Im having the same troubles right now. Thanks

Joshorilla · March 6th, 2013, 02:36 PM

It has a centrifugal mechanism that allows shifting past 1 N into 2 when moving only, you can do this by rocking the bike back and forth and shifting into second.

I've never had a problem bumping my bike in first, just get the speed up a bit more.

Eagle981 · March 6th, 2013, 02:53 PM

In agreement with what everyone has said, you can not shift the bike into 2nd while sitting still. My MSF instructor bitched at me when I requested to use a ninja in the course for this reason lol

alex.s · March 6th, 2013, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CynicalC

Thanks, that answers my question! But it makes bump starting by yourself a total pain in the ass!

if you have to bump start and only have first due to damage or something, right before you drop the clutch, jump so that right when your weight is coming down onto the bike, you drop the clutch so you get maximum weight on the wheel so it doesn't slide trying to turn the engine.

CynicalC · March 6th, 2013, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kzavis

Did you get this to work. Im having the same troubles right now. Thanks

Wow this is like one of my first posts.

I think I had other problems that were keeping it from starting. But you might be able to get it rolling fast enough by foot to shift into second. Can't remember. Alex.s has a good suggestion too.

Motofool · March 6th, 2013, 06:42 PM

Put the bike on the central stand, spin the rear wheel by hand (ignition off), shift into second.

Just being engaged in second, take it down from the stand while pressing the clutch and start pushing with the clutch fully pressed.

When enough forward speed is reached, release the clutch not too fast, not too slowly.

Press the clutch as soon as the engine fires up, then climb in the saddle.

alex.s · March 6th, 2013, 08:18 PM

i prefer 3rd gear if its cold

i bump start bikes a lot

n4mwd · March 7th, 2013, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motofool

Put the bike on the central stand, spin the rear wheel by hand (ignition off), shift into second.

Just being engaged in second, take it down from the stand while pressing the clutch and start pushing with the clutch fully pressed.

When enough forward speed is reached, release the clutch not too fast, not too slowly.

Press the clutch as soon as the engine fires up, then climb in the saddle.

I was going to say that exact same thing.

I had the exact same problem the other day. Went to a friends house - no problem. We both got on our Ninja's and rode to Burger King - No problem. We left Burger King and went to a gas station to get gas - No problem. I went to start mine and it suddenly has no power to crank.

After a futile attempt to push off in 1st, I put it up on the rear stand and spun the wheel by hand and was able to get it into 2nd. After you get it into 2nd, the rest of the gears shift normally. He pushed me and I think we finally started it in 4th or 5th.

FvnnyL3tt3r1ng · March 7th, 2013, 05:23 PM

Just a note on bumpstarting- I don't know if this applies to stock 250s but I have to go WOT to get it started after letting the clutch out. Otherwise nothing will really happen. I bump in 2nd fyi.

Just wanted to save someone a couple sweat drops and possibly embarrassment.

May 10th, 2011, 11:21 PM	#1
CynicalC ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Colin Location: Bay Area Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): '96 EX250 Posts: A lot.	Can't get the bike in second gear So we spend some time trying to bump start in first, rear wheel just locks up. Tried to put it in second and it just won't engage, just stays in neutral. Tried adjusting the shift linkage, yanking by hand, etc. Just doesn't want to up shift. Any idea what could cause this? Thanks in advance!

March 6th, 2013, 06:42 PM	#10
Motofool Daily Ninjette rider Name: Hernan Location: Florida Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2016, MOTM - Dec '12, Jan '14, Jan '15, May '16	Put the bike on the central stand, spin the rear wheel by hand (ignition off), shift into second. Just being engaged in second, take it down from the stand while pressing the clutch and start pushing with the clutch fully pressed. When enough forward speed is reached, release the clutch not too fast, not too slowly. Press the clutch as soon as the engine fires up, then climb in the saddle. __________________________________________________ *Motofool* *.................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly* "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí

March 6th, 2013, 08:18 PM	#11
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	i prefer 3rd gear if its cold i bump start bikes a lot __________________________________________________

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May 10th, 2011, 11:28 PM	#2
Kevin2109 KThanksBye Name: Kevin Location: Orange County Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 zx636r Posts: A lot.	are you not able to shift into second when the bike is sitting or driving. The new gen (maybe old too) has a lock (I thinks its called neutral lock) That when the bike is turned off it can only shift from first to neutral. It wont shift to third when off

May 10th, 2011, 11:46 PM	#3
Cuongism ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cuong Location: San Diego Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.	It's called a positive neutral finder. The bike (at least new gens) won't shift past neutral if you're at a standstill. If you can get it rolling (downhill?), you can probably shift up then.

March 6th, 2013, 02:36 PM	#6
Joshorilla Bass Master General Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 24	It has a centrifugal mechanism that allows shifting past 1 N into 2 when moving only, you can do this by rocking the bike back and forth and shifting into second. I've never had a problem bumping my bike in first, just get the speed up a bit more.

March 6th, 2013, 02:53 PM	#7
Eagle981 ninjette.org member Name: Guy Location: Arizona Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250R Posts: 57	In agreement with what everyone has said, you can not shift the bike into 2nd while sitting still. My MSF instructor bitched at me when I requested to use a ninja in the course for this reason lol

March 7th, 2013, 05:23 PM	#13
FvnnyL3tt3r1ng ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Justin Location: Florida Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 2001 Posts: A lot.	Just a note on bumpstarting- I don't know if this applies to stock 250s but I have to go WOT to get it started after letting the clutch out. Otherwise nothing will really happen. I bump in 2nd fyi. Just wanted to save someone a couple sweat drops and possibly embarrassment.