Hard to Smoothly Speed Shift with the 6-speed FJR

[SkooterG]

So don't speed shift and use the clutch the engineers included.

Gee, thanks. That was helpful. Your reading comprehension seems to be lacking.

[Bounce]

Not at all. Glad to help. When all options are possible, the simplest is best. Yes?

[FJRMGM]

I've never had any brand bike that "wanted" to clutchless shift very well from 1st to 2nd.
2nd-5th or 6th works fine and I do it every ride and have since day 1 on my '05 FJR with 124,000 miles.

Sent from my LG-H700 using Tapatalk

[N4HHE]

I've never had any brand bike that "wanted" to clutchless shift very well from 1st to 2nd.

KTM and Beta dirtbikes go right through neutral without clutch.

[bill lumberg]

My six speed shifts as smoothly as my 5 speed did. But I use the clutch.

[bungie4]

What's funny is Fjr transmissions are clunky as f@$k, but it's for that reason they're so reliable. Best transmissions on motorcycles for smooth shifts, suzuki and kawi

[danh600]

You guys need to ride a VT1300 Honda for a few years before you discover the joys of an FJR. Then you will know CLUNK.

[N4HHE]

What's funny is Fjr transmissions are clunky as f@$k, but it's for that reason they're so reliable. Best transmissions on motorcycles for smooth shifts, suzuki and kawi

I thought my FJR transmission was dirtbike sweet the first 300 miles then it changed by 600 and the initial oil change. Ever since have learned to be extra careful shifting 1-2 because it could pop out of 2 if not solidly placed. Then along came the 6 speed recall for which I am still waiting on my dealer to hire and retain a 2nd mechanic.

GL1800 and PC800 were truck clunky. Honda VT500FT was a sweet shifter. Wish I had never sold it.

[HotRodZilla]

I've never had any brand bike that "wanted" to clutchless shift very well from 1st to 2nd.

KTM and Beta dirtbikes go right through neutral without clutch.

Neutral on a KTM can be hard to find. It is pretty quick from 1st to 2nd. UNLESS you are balls out, climbing a sandy hill and have to upshift. Then MAGIC: Neutral! Haha!

[bigjohnsd]

I'm trying to get used to my "ESA" Electronic Shift Assist on my new bike. Smooth up shifting into 3rd - 6th, 1-2 is a little snatchy unless at WFO. Down shifting good as long as the throttle is closed.

[Canadian FJR]

Just back from a couple of weeks of very warm Florida biking and the shifting was very frustrating.

Clutchless upshifts remained smooth but when using the clutch it was very notchy.

I have been using Amsoil 10-40 in both FJRs for many thousands of kms. Curious on thoughts about trying 20-50 in the warmer weather??


Canadian FJR

[FJRoss]

Seems that some bikes don't "like" some oils. Lots of people have complained that Rotella T6 made shifting notchy although I have never had any issues with it in 450,000 FJR kilometers. Definitely worth trying another oil - whether a different xxW40 or an xxW50. I wouldn't expect to see a major difference but it doesn't cost anything to try (assuming you are changing oil anyway). Seems you have had this from when you first got the 2018... Always Amsoil?

[N4HHE]

Just back from a couple of weeks of very warm Florida biking and the shifting was very frustrating.

Clutchless upshifts remained smooth but when using the clutch it was very notchy.

I have been using Amsoil 10-40 in both FJRs for many thousands of kms. Curious on thoughts about trying 20-50 in the warmer weather??

Am thinking that you are assuming there can be nothing wrong with Amsoil and that only a change in viscosity is needed. My FJR experience does not support that notion. I think you will have to try different brands until you hit on something that works for you.

Valvoline 20W-50 4-Stroke Full Synthetic Motorcycle Oil purchased in August 2014 has been the best shifting oil I have found for my 2016 FJR.

This is equally good at shifting and what I am currently using. I got better pricing than this, but last time I bought a case of 4 gallons so that was pre-COVID. Clutch grabs harder with this oil than any other that comes to mind.
https://firepowerparts.com/product/raci ... il/280952/

[Canadian FJR]

Ross,

I used Yamalube for the first 42,000 kms as per dealer recommendation. Amsoil ever since.

N4HHE,

At this point I’m completely open to trying another brand (of oil).
Thanks for your feedback.


Canadian FJR

[raYzerman]

I don't know if I'm much help, but I know of this 5 speed for sale in Igloomifuktuk......

If I remember rightly, you've had this almost from day one. You're not the first one to complain of shifting issues with the 6 speed, the odd person does. Those helical gears have to slide into each other at an angle to get fully engaged, so perhaps there's something in that. Not sure why better with a clutchless shift than with the clutch. Clutch should take the pressure off that engagement.... hmmmm. I assume you're backing off the throttle a bit during a clutchless shift, which would help things get engaged..... if you do the same amount of back off on a clutched shift, any better?

Just my experience, but best shifting on the 5 speed was with Amzoil 10W40. No shifting issue with 20W50 either, but I didn't like the ticky noises for that few seconds when the engine fired up on fast idle.... tickies went away when I diluted down to 15Wsomething, just saying in your temperate climate something to listen for, spring and fall. We want our engine oil to get where it needs to as quick as possible. Our oil choices here aren't what they are in the US, so we can't get many they can get..... you could try Rotella T4 15W40 if you're going more viscosity and not worry about tickies. T6 15W40 if you're in the US and happen to find it on the shelves, not available here. Otherwise go for a 20W50 just to test this shift thing.

Not sure about this clutch thing..... have you ever taken it apart and done a clutch soak? Much of the clutch doesn't see very much oil, and sometimes the two or three inner plates may need a cleaning. Nothing to lose, but try the higher viscosity oil first.

Edit added - how is the brass bushing in the clutch lever? Scored or oval, get a new one if needed.

[Dan Cooper]

You're not the first one to complain of shifting issues with the 6 speed, the odd person does. Those helical gears have to slide into each other at an angle to get fully engaged, so perhaps there's something in that.

Uh, gee Ray, the videos I've seen tend to show the helical gears in the 6 speed gearbox are constant mesh design with only the engagement dog ring moving instead of any gears moving. Have I missed something??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqNCsPTefk4


dan


I try to think; but nothing happens. -- Curly Howard

[N4HHE]

Uh, gee Ray, the videos I've seen tend to show the helical gears in the 6 speed gearbox are constant mesh design with only the engagement dog ring moving instead of any gears moving. Have I missed something??

Yes, even the straight cut gears are constant mesh. But helical have a "problem" if the shaft is not turning it has to turn a little bit as the gear slides into full mesh due to the angle of the helical cut. When spinning this means one has to change what is probably an insignificant RPM, to speed up or slow down 2° of rotation or something, and little things like this are often felt.

[bungie4]

Maybe he's just getting old.

[raYzerman]

Definitely old..........

[wheatonFJR]

Definitely old..........

Ray, no matter what age you are, yer still smarter than most here. Certainly me.