R65 Shifting

[Barry]

I wonder if the issue of false neutrals is down to general wear in the box or selector rather than technique. For me false neutrals never seemed to happen even when I was new to airheads but mine is a very low mileage box.  I think the reputation of gear changing on airheads is worse than the reality and after sometime of ownership you wonder what the fuss was about.

The only thing that sometimes catches me out is neutral to first where if the dogs don't line up there is no way it's going to go in gear.  It's all down to having a dry clutch and no residual oil drag to keep things moving like most other bikes. For us it works best if you engage first immediately after pulling the clutch lever so that the shafts are still rotating. Failing that to get the dogs to line up you have to either let the clutch out momentarily to spin the input shaft or roll the bike forward or backwards a little to spin the output shaft.  

[quixotic]

Thanks Folks.  I tried the pre-load a bit today.  Shifting seems to work better now...though 1st to 2nd still is a bit tricky.  

[Barry]

..though 1st to 2nd still is a bit tricky.  

That's normal enough as the bigger gaps between the lower ratios makes matching the speeds harder.  

[AlfromNH]

I have an easy-to-find false neutral between 3rd & 4th, it can be almost a two step process feeling it go out of 3rd, then into 4th.

I also find there's a fine line between shifting too fast on acceleration and being too deliberate, both of which will prompt protests from the gearbox.

[Bob_Roller]

The OEM bent wire shifter linkage is not helping  shifting as well .

The later OEM linkage with ball joints help out the shifting .

A sloppy shift lever pivot adds to the problem .

I had problems with boots /  footwear, I could shift the oilhead with no problems, but it was a disaster with the R65 .

The foot pegs are also adjustable, if you want to try that as well .

[quixotic]

I was out again today, practicing.  I think I'll survive.  

At lower rev's, I can even hear and feel a slight pre-click associated with the pre-load.    

[montmil]

The OEM bent wire shifter linkage is not helping  shifting as well.

I have the fix for that. Check the Trading Post section.  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

[quixotic]

The OEM bent wire shifter linkage is not helping  shifting as well.

I have the fix for that. Check the Trading Post section.  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

What's the topic called in the Trading Post?

[Bob_Roller]

Upgrade Your R65 Gear Selector Link .

[arvo92]

The initial post describes exactly what I had - I had to rev up before shifting as the gears did not go in every third time.

The fix - I pulled my clutch actuation apart and the assembly inside the gearbox was destroyed (no clutch re-traction bearing ). Putting new parts in made my gearbox work without any problems, the shifting between gears always goes with the first try.

+1 that it is a clutch issue from my own experience.

[quixotic]

Upgrade Your R65 Gear Selector Link .

Mine looks like this.  Is it the paper clip type?

[Barry]

Can't tell without removing the rubber boot.  If there are no threaded adjusters under there then you have the original bent wire type.  No doubt that the replacement threaded adjusters are superior to the bent wire type which without the rubber boot would be a visual affront to any Engineer but I still have an unworn one and to be fair there is nothing wrong with it. It is not a source of slack in the gear change. What does produce a lot of slop is the gear lever pivot. My gear change quality improved when I shimmed it.

Besides it being better engineered one reason I would like a threaded linkage is to make the foot rest adjustable.

[quixotic]

Can't tell without removing the rubber boot.  If there are no threaded adjusters under there then you have the original bent wire type.  .

I started trying to pry up the rubber, but was afraid I'd split something.  I'll have a closer look after work.  I'm sure that I can feel through the rubber which is which.  I think I just have the paper clip.