[henkvdb]

Three times in a row last Saturday downshifting from 5 did not work until after several attempts. Just didn't feel or hear a 'click' when I tried to. Just to play it safe I decided to NOT continue to some nice winding roads; did not want to get caught not being able to downshift in a hairpin until I got this understood.
Realized later that this only happened when I came to a complete or almost complete stop and then tried to shift from 5 to 1 at a stop sign. Had no problems for the next three hours after that.
Is this something that 'just happens'? I saw some posts about some times not being able to go from 2 to 1, but this looked to be something different.
Any thoughts from the experts?
:choppersm

 

[MOJO65]

Its easier to down shift on the move, however when it wont, partially release the clutch and it should drop through the gears. you just want to put a touch of friction on the trans, helps to align the gears as you downshift.

Also it might be time to clean and lube the shift linkage and pivot shaft.

 

[Nam]

I have a 1300R,9 times out of 10 if im not in 1st. gear when i come to a stop i have a hell of a time geting it into 1st.
It must be a Honda thing same thing on my wifes 1300& the 1100,not to mention my friends 750 Aero.

 

[three]

same thing happened to me 2 weeks ago

Clean and lube the shift linkage and pivot shaft. Worked for me.atriot:

 

[MrBill]

Synchromesh Transmission

When bike is running and you have shifted into neutral at a stop and you are sitting idling and you go to shift into first and it won't go. Pull the clutch lever to disengage and roll the bike backward or forward 6" to 8" inches release the clutch lever about halfway then pull it back to disengage again and you should be able to shift into first gear.
Every Honda motorcycle I have ever owned did the same thing.

You should shift back into first gear before you stop rolling and come to a full stop.


It has all been discussed in another VTX thread.
http://vtxcafe.com/showthread.php?t=12348

Also check out the show and tell videos.
http://www.gadgetjq.com/transmission.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcFQZ8NiF4o

 

[Donut]

It will shift harder when there is too much play in the clutch lever. At the end of the lever you should have 3/8 to 3/4 inch play -I like it closer to the 3/8".
If you have more than the above then you are not opening the clutch plates enough.

 

[STONR]

Clean and lube the shift linkage and pivot shaft. Worked for me.atriot:

:icon_arro The shifter probably wasn't returning to center so you couldn't make the downshift. Next time it happens, try to upshift first, or at least apply a little pressure as to upshift, then downshift. I would bet it will work.

Pull the engine cover (allen head bolts) behind the shifter to gain access to the shifter linkage and lube all pivot points, including the shifter arm pivot. You will probably feel a difference afterwards.