What do you call it when?

**Mudfart** · 19th January 2010, 11:04

What do you call it when, you pull up, want to drop down gears, and down shift at least ten times trying to feel the "bite " you feel when it goes to first, so neutral is easy. However no matter how many times you push down on gear peg, things just don't feel right and each footpress feels like nothings happening.
It seems I have to leave clutch in, roll forward, and then the gear shifter starts responding.
I ride a kwaka ex250.
Also, for my R test, is it practical only, or is there yet more road code theory?.
The question that caught me out during my learners: "whats the maximum speed you're allowed to do on the open road, towing a trailer with a bike?".
I don't plan on towing too many trailers, but you never know!
Hey I really need to shift house, I think I'll use my bike to shift the fridge.

**Juzz976** · 19th January 2010, 11:33

I call it 'people who don't down shift while approaching an intersection.'

or sometimes its 'time for a new bike', which I don't think is likely in your case

**MSTRS:Me** · 19th January 2010, 11:37

Just downshift, while still rolling. Use the engine to slow, before you use the brakes. Easier on the bike, and you, too.

**TimeOut** · 19th January 2010, 11:41

Originally Posted by Juzz976

I call it 'people who don't down shift while approaching an intersection.'

or sometimes its 'time for a new bike', which I don't think is likely in your case

What he said
Bike gearboxes aren't like a car you need to change on the move, though it may get earier as it wears in more.

**JMemonic** · 19th January 2010, 11:43

If you are having this issue all the time then perhaps you want to look at the clutch adjustment, if there is any, if no adjustment you might need to get the plates checked.

Oh the other thing that can affect the feel is oil weight.

**Miscreant** · 19th January 2010, 11:52

Originally Posted by Mudfart

What do you call it when, you pull up, want to drop down gears, and down shift at least ten times trying to feel the "bite " you feel when it goes to first, so neutral is easy. However no matter how many times you push down on gear peg, things just don't feel right and each footpress feels like nothings happening.
It seems I have to leave clutch in, roll forward, and then the gear shifter starts responding.

what would I call that?
Being a noob.

**Love my Bonnie** · 19th January 2010, 11:54

Hun, if you do that when you sit your licence you will probably fail
I just passed my full licence, and not changing down gears when coming to a stop is a reason to be failed.
Bad habit I think yhou need to break

**magicmonkey** · 19th January 2010, 11:56

positive neutral finder?

http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...al-finder.html

**vifferman** · 19th January 2010, 12:00

Originally Posted by Mudfart

What do you call it when, you pull up, want to drop down gears, and down shift at least ten times trying to feel the "bite " you feel when it goes to first, so neutral is easy. However no matter how many times you push down on gear peg, things just don't feel right and each footpress feels like nothings happening.

That's common with many bikes.
Make sure you let the lever come up again after pressing it down each time.
Also (plus!) make sure your chain is properly adjusted and well lubed - this can have a big affect on gear changing.

**Slyer** · 19th January 2010, 12:09

If you get stuck in a high gear at the lights etc, push the bike forward while clicking down and this should sort it. And yeah make sure the shift lever is adjusted to a comfortable position.

**steve_t** · 19th January 2010, 17:33

Common kwaka issue that supposedly does relate to the positive neutral finder. If it won't engage 1st gear you can either rock the bike back and forth and it should drop in, or let the clutch out a little and it'll engage

So you're only allowed to go 40 km/h while towing a trailer that cannot weigh more than half the weight of the bike? And you can only tow another bike at a max of 30km/h? Not much of a hazard to vehicles behind you coming at over 100km/h are you?? That seems a bit crazy! I guess it basically mean "Don't do it" - huh, I learn't something new today

**The Everlasting** · 19th January 2010, 17:43

I used to change down a gear,and then let the clutch out when coming to a stop,but sometimes i just change all the way down without letting the clutch out,it's faster.

**Mudfart** · 19th January 2010, 19:17

[QUOTE=steve_t;1129616457]Common kwaka issue that supposedly does relate to the positive neutral finder. If it won't engage 1st gear you can either rock the bike back and forth and it should drop in, or let the clutch out a little and it'll engage

Cool, that is what I'm having to do, I mean, wen u pull up with a 6 spd box, sumtimes maybe ur in 2nd or 3rd if you been ripping it up.
Of course I wont do it for my test, I will wear my angel wings.
Thanks evryone.

**Pixie** · 19th January 2010, 23:25

This can be an oil issue,related to drag on the disengaged clutch not allowing the dogs to disengage.
My Bandit exhibits this with Motul 5100 and Mobil 4T but is OK with Golden Spectro 4.

**kevfromcoro** · 19th January 2010, 23:42

Originally Posted by vifferman

That's common with many bikes.
Make sure you let the lever come up again after pressing it down each time.
Also (plus!) make sure your chain is properly adjusted and well lubed - this can have a big affect on gear changing.

As he said
hang on.. every time you downshift you have to take you foot of the gear lever
then tap the gear lever again...
is this the problem?...