How first gear lurch is to be expected ?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 195
From: Ohio
How first gear bump is to be expected ?
When shifting into first gear from neutral with mt 2012 SG I get varying degrees of clunk and forward bump. I can cause this clunk and bump to vary from quite noticeable to none depending on how long the bike has idled in neutral, cycling the clutch a couple times during idle. But I really can't get this clunk and bump go away consistently by using these techniques.
I understand some clunk is completely normal but it is the slight bump that has me concerned. The clutch and clutch cable has been recently adjusted to specs and this hasn't changed the clunk and bump. My thinking is any amount of bump can't be doing the tranny any favors.
I would like some feedback for other owners as to how much if any forward bump you notice when dropping into first from neutral.
I understand some clunk is completely normal but it is the slight bump that has me concerned. The clutch and clutch cable has been recently adjusted to specs and this hasn't changed the clunk and bump. My thinking is any amount of bump can't be doing the tranny any favors.
I would like some feedback for other owners as to how much if any forward bump you notice when dropping into first from neutral.
Last edited by P51Driver; Apr 23, 2013 at 11:04 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 576
Likes: 20
From: Eau Claire, WI
None at all for me... i mean, there's a bit of a clunk dropping into first i suppose... i think that's pretty much the way it is with a harley, but my bike doesn't move at all until i let the clutch out, regardless of circumstance. I can't help but think even though it's been recently adjusted, your clutch is still not adjusted just right. it's shouldn't lurch.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
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Likes: 195
From: Ohio
None at all for me... i mean, there's a bit of a clunk dropping into first i suppose... i think that's pretty much the way it is with a harley, but my bike doesn't move at all until i let the clutch out, regardless of circumstance. I can't help but think even though it's been recently adjusted, your clutch is still not adjusted just right. it's shouldn't lurch.
It isn't like it jumps forward but you can certainly tell it is in first gear.
Last edited by P51Driver; Apr 23, 2013 at 10:47 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Where does your clutch start to engage relative to the grip? Real close? Or out a ways?
Does it only do it when cold? Is it less pronounced when warm/hot?
I ask this because therein could lie your answer.
Does it only do it when cold? Is it less pronounced when warm/hot?
I ask this because therein could lie your answer.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 195
From: Ohio
In other word I pull the clutch lever in about 1/4 the way to the grip when the clutch releases for a shift.
Seems to be less pronounced when warm but still does it when warm, but less pronounced. The clutch and cable slack it adjusted as per the specs in the service manual.
The primary chain tension is good as i just had it checked and replaced the fluid with new Formula +
Last edited by P51Driver; Apr 23, 2013 at 10:49 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
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From: Simi Valley, CA
My clutch start engages about 3/4 of the travel away from the grip.
In other word I pull the clutch lever in about 1/4 the way to the grip when the clutch releases for a shift.
Seems to be less pronounced when warm but still does it when warm, but less pronounced. The clutch and cable slack it adjusted as per the specs in the service manual.
Instead of say "lurch" I should say it is more of a bump when shifting into first.
In other word I pull the clutch lever in about 1/4 the way to the grip when the clutch releases for a shift.
Seems to be less pronounced when warm but still does it when warm, but less pronounced. The clutch and cable slack it adjusted as per the specs in the service manual.
Instead of say "lurch" I should say it is more of a bump when shifting into first.
With your clutch engaging that far from the grip (too far in my opinion, but that's another story) it surely isn't being caused by incomplete disengagement of the clutch.
And then since it does it worse, or more often, when it's cold, that is simply the result of the cooler/thicker/stickier oil binding the clutch plates together. The "bump" you're feeling is the clutch plates breaking loose.
Based solely on your description and not being able to feel what you're talking about first hand, I'd would have to say that you do not have a problem.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Ohio
Based on your answers I would say what you are feeling is perfectly normal.
With your clutch engaging that far from the grip (too far in my opinion, but that's another story) it surely isn't being caused by incomplete disengagement of the clutch.
And then since it does it worse, or more often, when it's cold, that is simply the result of the cooler/thicker/stickier oil binding the clutch plates together. The "bump" you're feeling is the clutch plates breaking loose.
Based solely on your description and not being able to feel what you're talking about first hand, I'd would have to say that you do not have a problem.
With your clutch engaging that far from the grip (too far in my opinion, but that's another story) it surely isn't being caused by incomplete disengagement of the clutch.
And then since it does it worse, or more often, when it's cold, that is simply the result of the cooler/thicker/stickier oil binding the clutch plates together. The "bump" you're feeling is the clutch plates breaking loose.
Based solely on your description and not being able to feel what you're talking about first hand, I'd would have to say that you do not have a problem.
Do you notice a forward bump when shifting into first from neutral?
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
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From: Simi Valley, CA
On your clutch - Is there any freeplay in the lever? If not, you ought to adjust a little freeplay into it even if you're not experiencing any slippage. Once it does start slipping (if it ever does), then it's kinda late... The damage may have be done.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 195
From: Ohio
As for the forward bump, and this may sound strange since I've got 40,000 miles on my bike, I don't know. I can say that I don't have anything I would consider abnormal and have therefore never really paid any attention to it, but it might jump a little. Now you'll have me checking it out tomorrow when I get on my bike, not because I think anything might be wrong, but simply to see what I feel.
On your clutch - Is there any freeplay in the lever? If not, you ought to adjust a little freeplay into it even if you're not experiencing any slippage. Once it does start slipping (if it ever does), then it's kinda late... The damage may have be done.
On your clutch - Is there any freeplay in the lever? If not, you ought to adjust a little freeplay into it even if you're not experiencing any slippage. Once it does start slipping (if it ever does), then it's kinda late... The damage may have be done.
Yeah my lever has the prescribed amount of free play.
Also I found when adjusting freeplay it is best to have the handlebars (front wheel) straight ahead not turned to one side or the other as this makes a difference in your freeplay adjustment.
And let me know about any bump.
Last edited by P51Driver; Apr 23, 2013 at 11:26 PM.