K1200GT Shifting Problems

[raphaelJ]

I own a 2004 K1200GT. I am having a problem shifting thru the gears, especially while revving to enter a highway/freeway. It even happens while pulling out of my driveway. The problem is 2/3/4/5th gears. I pull in the clutch lever and the shifter will not budge. I have to "milk it in place with the side of my boot and then it goes. It never shifts when I have a "full boot" under the shift lever. The dealer has never heard of the problem and checked the bike with no problem found. It continues...

Anyone else having this problem? Help!

[jgr451]

Hi Raphael,I have the same bike as yours,in the fast colour; and have had no shifting problems.The shift lever is a bit awkward I find.Do you have big feet or wear bulky boots?The design seems better suited to smaller feet...I sometimes find that using the side of my boot on the end of the lever makes for smoother shifting.The lever is somewhat adjustable...
Do you preload the lever between shifts?

With a new bike,that expensive,eliminate your technique as the problem;then,if it persists,have your dealer give you satisfaction.
Hope that helps.
You know that there is a big forum devoted to the mighty K1200GT/RS?

[gmr1200gsa]

I have the same bike and have not had any trouble as yet ...

I do know that if you do a change and o not let the gear change machanism come to rest, the next time u try and change it will not .. Ie you do a change and then get your foot out and the the leaver return completely ..

This mabe of some help

you can also adjust you leaver higher or lower the pegs to compensate

[117712]

Raphael,
I have an 03 GT and have this exact problem. It started with a switch to new boots that are taller than the old. I have found if I do not make a concerted effort to point my toe lower than is commfortable the boot lifts the shifter slightly and I have trouble.

I did find using the edge of the boot works better but I am hopeful I can avoid this in the future after the boot breaks in a bit and the height is slightly less.

Hope this puts helps. Mine is a great bike that I can't get enough of.

Jim

[raphaelJ]

Raphael,
I have an 03 GT and have this exact problem. It started with a switch to new boots that are taller than the old. I have found if I do not make a concerted effort to point my toe lower than is commfortable the boot lifts the shifter slightly and I have trouble.

I did find using the edge of the boot works better but I am hopeful I can avoid this in the future after the boot breaks in a bit and the height is slightly less.

Hope this puts helps. Mine is a great bike that I can't get enough of.

Jim

Jim, I have a new set of boots also, and that may surely be the problem. I have started using the side (edge) of the boot and that does seem to work. When things are working well, the bike is really fantastic. Thanks for the input. Ride safe, and maybe we'll meet in Lima (Ohio) that is...

[raphaelJ]

Hi Raphael,I have the same bike as yours,in the fast colour; and have had no shifting problems.The shift lever is a bit awkward I find.Do you have big feet or wear bulky boots?The design seems better suited to smaller feet...I sometimes find that using the side of my boot on the end of the lever makes for smoother shifting.The lever is somewhat adjustable...
Do you preload the lever between shifts?

With a new bike,that expensive,eliminate your technique as the problem;then,if it persists,have your dealer give you satisfaction.
Hope that helps.
You know that there is a big forum devoted to the mighty K1200GT/RS?

I now use the side of my (new) boots, and that may have solved the problem. But that shouldn't be the solution, because you can miss a shift if it slips. I have not tried adjusting the lever up yet. That's next. Thanks for the help.

[Bobmws]

The linkage is adjustable. You can raise or lower the shift lever to accomodate your boot. It's a bit difficult to get to, but it can be done. There are also some other more radical adjustments. Visit the K12RS site at www2.i-bmw.com Do a search on shift lever adjustment.

[raphaelJ]

The linkage is adjustable. You can raise or lower the shift lever to accomodate your boot. It's a bit difficult to get to, but it can be done. There are also some other more radical adjustments. Visit the K12RS site at www2.i-bmw.com Do a search on shift lever adjustment.

Hey, thanks for that. I do need to have that lever adjusted...

[gazinyaGT]

You know that there is a big forum devoted to the mighty K1200GT/RS?

What is the http: address for this website please?

Peter

PS. I had the same problem with the shifting at first, especially getting on the freeway like you said. I called the dealer and my "boy" Marrin said you have to kind of feather the clutch "pre-load" before you shift. It worked. Now I guess it's broken in and doesn't do it anymore (8K+ mi). I don't know..

[Bobmws]

Look above and read all the words :stick