hard time with transmission

[oldel]

Good morning, I could use some guidance regarding the transmission: if I slow to a stop in 3rd or higher gear, I cannot find neutral. Tried rocking the bike back and forth to no avail. Thank god the engine is torquey enought to pretty much starts of a stop in any gear up to 4th. This happens mainly when the transmission is at operating temperature. Is this a warranty issue or a bike weakness?

 

[ace50]

I find if this happens, instead of rocking it, I let the clutch out a little and this seems to take-up the slack or something
and allows it to keep shifting when stopped.

Other than that........?

 

[Squibb]

I'm pretty much with ace50 on this - I guess it's just a case of getting the gear dogs aligned.
The only other thought is clutch drag - if so maybe the clutch line needs a fluid change/bleed or the slave is failing

 

[Dogdaze]

Yep, release the clutch slightly, that will allow you to find a gear, I've had this on other bikes too, nothing to be concerned about unless you really liking stressing for the sake of it. I know my scooter was always in the right gear

 

[oldel]

Thanks for the feedback, especially your wise advise regarding a scooter, Dogdaze! Good to know it is just quirk. I will get the clutch fluid changed at the next service, just in case. Rode 2,600 miles in a month and I have become an S10 believer. What an easy bike to ride!

 

[Nikolajsen]

Mine also did this from new, so I don't think anything is defect or worn out.

 

[Dogdaze]

There is a sticky on lubing the shifter too, that is worth doing as these bikes don't like a dry shifter link.

 

[Cycledude]

Good morning, I could use some guidance regarding the transmission: if I slow to a stop in 3rd or higher gear, I cannot find neutral. Tried rocking the bike back and forth to no avail. Thank god the engine is torquey enought to pretty much starts of a stop in any gear up to 4th. This happens mainly when the transmission is at operating temperature. Is this a warranty issue or a bike weakness?

What year and how many miles on your Tenere ? Yes there is a nice little thread about lubing the shift linkage that might be helpful . Hopefully there is nothing seriously wrong.

 

[oldel]

Hi Cycledude, I have had the bike since Mid August and now have 2,700 miles on it. It is a 2017 left over. 600 miles service was completed and I intend to follow the maintenance schedule by the book. I do not think something is wrong but again I'll check with the dealer if a warranty claim can be justified at the next service. It is a bit odd that the shift lever cannot move the cogs once stopped in 3rd gear or higher. Usually I control this easily, but any abrupt stop and then I have to start in 3rd or 4th gear. Easily done on a flat street, but could be a problem on an incline.

Thank you all for the useful feedback.

 

[Longdog Cymru]

I find if this happens, instead of rocking it, I let the clutch out a little and this seems to take-up the slack or something
and allows it to keep shifting when stopped.

Other than that........?

Yes, that’s all you should need to do.

 

[tallpaul]

I thought this was normal with this type of gearbox. Certainly, I can't think of a bike that I've owned that didn't do it! Usually I just downchange as I'm slowing but as the OP has said, sometimes you get caught out. In those cases I just let the clutch out slightly and it clicks down.

Or as they say at BMW dealers, "they all do that, sir..."!

 

[Checkswrecks]

When it feels like the shifter is broken or getting tough, do this:
https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/problems-shifting-lube-shifter-and-brake-pivot.15230/

 

[ace50]

This is one reason I love Kawasaki's. Positive neutral finder. I miss that.

 

[scott123007]

This is one reason I love Kawasaki's. Positive neutral finder. I miss that.

One of the coolest inventions ever.

 

[MFP]

When it feels like the shifter is broken or getting tough, do this:
https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/problems-shifting-lube-shifter-and-brake-pivot.15230/

I had the same issue regarding down shifting to the lower gears and trying to find neutral.
Removing the shifter pivot and putting a fresh coat of grease on it as per the directions in the above listed thread link worked like a charm.
Amazing how dry the shift pivot was (basically metal on metal) for a less than 8K miles on the clock '13 S10.

 

[Cycledude]

Yes the positive neutral on the Kawasaki was a great feature on the 1000 I owned many years ago !

This is one reason I love Kawasaki's. Positive neutral finder. I miss that.

 

[Banderboy]

This is one reason I love Kawasaki's. Positive neutral finder. I miss that.

How does that work?

 

[Dogdaze]

How does that work?

The transmission is equipped with a positive neutral finder. When the motorcycle is standing still, the transmission cannot be shifted past neutral from 1st gear. To use the positive neutral finder, shift down to 1st gear, then lift up on the shift pedal while standing still. The transmission will shift only into neutral. This only works when at a stop, not rolling.