Hitting neutral on the upshift

[Munkey]

Most bikes I've owned will do this from time to time on the shift from 1st to 2nd. I learned a long time ago that when you shift, keep holding upward pressure on the shift lever with your foot until you've fully engaged the clutch, especially on the shift from 1st to 2nd. If it's not fully engaged, it will drop in as the gears start to turn. Once you do it enough, you will do it on all shifts without even thnking about. It cuts down on the missed shifts.

[rapta619]

Whatcha doing at 4000rpm in 1st anyway?

[/quote]

going balls out, what else!

[Adam Roby]

My '82 misses 2nd on occassion also, partially cause I forget to be more aggressive after a long day of riding or in the early morning, but I also think the revs have something to do with it.  I think I normally shift at different RPM's when in the city, like from 1st to 2nd I will bring her up a bit then slack off once at the speed limit, shifting into say 3rd at a lower RPM... might have something to do with it.  For fun, try shifting to 2nd a little earlier, or later, to see if that helps.

[Zaxeiler]

Here's the picture of my left footpeg and shift mechanism as promised.  Basically, to shorten the "throws" or the length of that bolt, I imagine I could simply tighten those two nuts at each end.  As always, I'm open to your thoughts though.

Zac

[happycommuter]

Well, the jam nuts should be tight.  But that turnbuckle is for height adjustment and won't affect length of throw one lick.

Foot movement should be decisive: quick and firm.  Dawdling and trying to gently 'slip' into a gear is a bad idea.  If still rolling during a totally missed shift, a quick throttle blip to match revs is usually required to get back in gear.

[Adam Roby]

Just a side note...  make sure your oil is not too low.  Mine leaks from the plug and probably burns a little, after a really long ride the level goes down and it gets harder to shift.  In the city I will sometimes shift without the clutch, but at very low RPM and only up...  probably not the best option for a newbie but if your timing and RPM is perfect there shouldn't be "much" damage done.  ;)

[Brittles]

Here's the picture of my left footpeg and shift mechanism as promised.  Basically, to shorten the "throws" or the length of that bolt, I imagine I could simply tighten those two nuts at each end.  As always, I'm open to your thoughts though.

Zac

Not 100% certain on your bike, but on my bike (700s) there is an index mark that is supposed to line up with a punch mark on the spindle. When I took mine off those marks were not lined up and when I reinstalled it correctly it seemed to make a difference. Also, there is a specific distance stated between the 2 ball joints.

[Hangster]

I've hit neutral when i first learned to ride all the time , thing is to shift in low RPMs out of first gear and you're golden

[GingerKid]

I used to do it back when I had my first bike too, but once I got more experience I did it less and less.  Like it's been said, most of the problems come from new riders and trying to lazily shift into gear.

[ariwhiteboy]

Only happened a few times to me on my NH, however on my 99 Vulcan 1500 it happened quite often....then one day it shifted into neutral and never went in gear again I was bikeless for a few weeks and felt like a addict in rehab, then I got a nighthawk and well....Hello My name is Ari........

[graler]

I've hit neutral when i first learned to ride all the time , thing is to shift in low RPMs out of first gear and you're golden

I have been trying this lately. Just enough revving in first to get rolling then right up to second. The bike really seems to like it and I don't hit neutral. I hope this is right it just feels too good to not be right.

[fishmeister]

It's a good thing Graler.....it will save your transmission so you can pass it along to your grandchildren.

[RIDERED]

i do it occaisionally and it is kinda embarassing lol