Rough shifting into 3rd

[dk_nj]

Had my first day out on the K1200RS today, and wow! Cruised down I-287 through NNJ and was hitting 80-90mph without realizing it. Such a pleasure to ride. The acceleration and breaking are amazing.

My only complaint, and it may be me: I seem to miss 3rd gear every so often. I could understand if it were any gear, but it's always 3rd. Couldn't possibly be mechanical, could it?

[dk_nj]

It's a lonely place for a newbie on this forum. Ah, well, I can always talk to myself.

Speaking of which, I did my first commute with the KRS. The trip was way too short. Then I kept worrying about the bike, all lonely out there in the parking lot, but somehow we both survived. I took the long way home, but it was still too short.

The shifting problem happened several times on the way home, but I think it's my steel-toe shoes. They're too fat, and the shifter isn't retracting all the way. Getting into 1st is no problem. To shift to 2nd I have to move my foot under the shifter for the first time, so that always works. All of the remaining shifts are iffy (not just 3rd) because I'm not pressing my foot down far enough after each shift.

That's the current theory, anyway. Any dissenters?

[kbasa]

Could be. I've discovered that some bikes like the shifter to be preloaded a bit before you pull the clutch in and actually shift.

[roadcrave]

I noticed on my k1200lt shifting problems till someone on this forum gave the advice to not pull the clutch in all th way but rather to pull in slightly and i agree with KBasa to pre load the shifter, and final welcome....matthew,,,,,Ps. im a newbee also and am very thankful for all the people that are so supportive on this forum.

[deilenberger]

Originally posted by dk_nj
It's a lonely place for a newbie on this forum. Ah, well, I can always talk to myself.

Speaking of which, I did my first commute with the KRS. The trip was way too short. Then I kept worrying about the bike, all lonely out there in the parking lot, but somehow we both survived. I took the long way home, but it was still too short.

The shifting problem happened several times on the way home, but I think it's my steel-toe shoes. They're too fat, and the shifter isn't retracting all the way. Getting into 1st is no problem. To shift to 2nd I have to move my foot under the shifter for the first time, so that always works. All of the remaining shifts are iffy (not just 3rd) because I'm not pressing my foot down far enough after each shift.

That's the current theory, anyway. Any dissenters?

No dissention. You might try getting motorcycle specific boots. I've found that boots with steel toes just aren't useable on motorcycles - at least for me. The toe is too thick/tall, and missing shifts is way too easy to do.

[kbasa]

Originally posted by deilenberger
No dissention. You might try getting motorcycle specific boots. I've found that boots with steel toes just aren't useable on motorcycles - at least for me. The toe is too thick/tall, and missing shifts is way too easy to do.

What he said.

[dk_nj]

After the bucks I spent on the Aerostich suit this may be a tough sell, but it makes sense to me. Any suggestions on boots?

[rapz]

I also miss third every now and then. I think it's mostly when the bike is cold or it could be me...my brain is still cold and haven't focused yet. I figure it will work itself out in about 20K or so? As for riding boots, I've got the Sidi City model and they're great. I keep dry in heavy rain and they seem to provide good protection, plus they are great for just walking around.