Topic: Gear Shift Issues

[LoVel]

When I originally bought my CB500 over a year ago gear changes were often not felt through the shift lever.  I would pull in the clutch and shift and get no feeling through my toe of any change actually being made but when I released the clutch and increased throttle the bike had changed gears.

As I put miles on the bike and ride it hard on occasion and change the oil regularly gear shifts have actually become more noticable.  Almost every time I shift now I can feel the little snick in the lever that lets you know the gear has actually changed.  I am assuming this is a good thing. 

Is this a good thing?  Has anyone else experienced this?  Besides lack of use previously what was sticking or not sticking that would have changed the feeling in the lever.

I have had the engine apart all the way to the case without cracking the case and replaced the cam shaft and cylinder head since I had a minor oil starvation issue.  I don't think this had anything to do with the transmission changes.  Just providing a little history.

[Retro Rocket]

Dave500 is the guy to ask....

[phil71]

Sounds like the dogs are getting tired..
Other possibilities include clutch wear, or a drastic change in the type of oil you are using.
what's the mileage on the low end?

[LoVel]

Odo says a little over 13000.  I know this may are may not be true but I also know she sat for a long time.  When I bought the bike the tires were over 20 years old and had rusted to the wheels.

[dave500]

the shift drum locator wears on the 500s,allowing the drum to move sideways as you shift,if its not jumping out of gears dont worry about it.

[LoVel]

Thanks Dave.  It has never jumped so I am happy.   

[dave500]

no worries love,,if you do positive shifts without trying to speed shift etc itll be ok,the drum locator is different on the 550s,one of the "improvements".

[bwaller]

You might try a clutch adjustment for a tad more "disengagement"