How many miles on the bike?

 

I have an 06 1600 Classic that at times is difficult to downshift into 1st. This is particularly troublesome when you do a slow and go at a stop sign and find that you're not in gear when half way through the turn. I'd be curious to hear any thoughts on this issue also.

 

Hi Joy. I found my1600 shifting varied greatly depending on the oil I used.

Try a change and see if that helps. Not an oil thread - but maybe a widely available synth motorcycle oil like Mobile Racing 4t. That might help. Another thought is to lift up on it (or push heel) just a bit - not enough to go to second then try pushing toe down to first.

This is not a common issue in my experience and I bet something small will help.

 

The bike is practically new. It's an 07 with 2800 miles on it. When the seller let me test drive it, I noticed the toe shifter was especially low, Just above the foot board. My brother and I adjusted it so I could use both the toe and heal shifter. This didn't help much accept to make it easier to shift down but still had trouble going into first. This is starting to become a safety hazard at this point and somewhat embarrassing when waiting at a stop light or sign. I have to keep pressing on it and letting out on the clutch a little. After a few hard stomps it goes in, but I'm getting pissed at this point.

 

After a few hard stomps it goes in, .

Oops, this is a fast track to a bent shifting fork.

 

I think I remember hearing or reading about a "positive neutral finder" or something close to that. Maybe thats giving you your problems. Try coming to a complete stop before trying to shift to 1st. After stopped see if it shifts easier? Maybe nothing, Maybe something. Hope this doesnt sound to dumb...

 

After closer inspection, turns out the linkage bar on bottom needed to be adjusted. Hitting first every time now. Thanks Guys!

 

great news and a free fix.

 

Hey Joy Rider,

Do you mind explaining a little more about the adjustment you made to correct the issue?

I have often had the problem of being stuck in neutral when downshifting even to the point that I would have to come to a complete stop and try to take off in the higher gear before I could get it to shift lower.

Thanks,
Phil