Newbie Question

[2QK2C]

Hi guys,
My cibber is a bit clunky when i change gears, as I havn't had the bike for long I don't know of this is usual or unusual, All I know is my mx bike had smooth as gear changes.

(It's nothing to do with the clutch, just when I flick the gear leaver up it clunks into gear rather than clicks)

And should I be using fully synthetic oil on my bike? (Even though its very old)
it has new 20w 50 oil in it but that was just for turning it over but now that im acually riding it should i swap?

Bike is 1988 CBR 600

also, sometimes bike is a bit off i.e; a bit juddery like one of the pistons isnt firing? would it be a good idea to replace the plugs?

Cheers guys!

[SuperDave]

From my personal experience with my old 1989 ZXR250 changing all the plugs as did a great deal of good. I removed the plugs and they looked perfectly fine but the replacement of them definately resulted in improved performance. I used Mobil One (motorcycle specific) oil in my ZXR which is a fully synthetic oil and I had no problems what so ever with using this oil.

I'm commenting from my own personal experience with and oldish bike, by no means do I claim to be an expert or anything so maybe it'll be best to wait for further replies before acting on my advice on the oil.

[2QK2C]

Cheers for that.

Does the oil from the engine lubricate the gearbox also?
or is it seperate oil in the gearbox? if so what would I find the whole the tip oil in ?

[Mom]

Cheers for that.

Does the oil from the engine lubricate the gearbox also?
or is it seperate oil in the gearbox? if so what would I find the whole the tip oil in ?

The gearbox and big end is all in the bottom of your engine.......one place to put the oil.......there will be a reservoir window (site glass) so you can check the oil level.....make sure the bike is centre stand and level........if no site glass unscrew the oil cap.....there will be a dip stick attached......

If all else fails I really recommend you ride to your nearest bike shop and ask them to change the oil and filter.........while you are there ask them to show you.....

[FROSTY:Me]

Dude dump the oil and put in the semi synthetic motul stuff. You will not believe the difference
Actually scratch that-Dump the oil--toss in shome cheap as chips oil from like repco or wherever. Then take the bike for a 20 k ride.--Then dump the oil again and the filter -and put in the motul stuff then

[Kyle]

apparantly all earlyer cbr600s are reknown for clunky gearboxs, my 94 cbr is more clunky than my 92 xlr dirtbike. 99 models upwards are smooth as silk. you might get some improvement with quality oil like motul. I also adjusted the gear lever lower so that i get a good full up-click. have to be firm with it. Half clicks can cause an unusual juddering that could be described as feeling like one piston out. but goes away after you change gears. I would do the plugs anyway... and the airfilter.. oilfilter/oil.. brake pads, chain and sprockets, tires, headset bearings, wheel bearings, racing muffler! oh wait, that is my bike. great bike the cbr600, ultra reliable engine wise.