when i first got the bike this summer every once in awhile i was 'miss second' and hit neutral and be surprised....now I'm surprised if it makes it to 2nd gear. I've done some reading here and the common answer seems to be shift harder or bent shift fork. I've tried adjusting my shifting and it doesnt seem to be making a difference. Every other gear is golden.

Some posts have said the forks can be replaced just by removing the clutch. I looked at my manual and havent found a clear way to replace them. What actually needs to be done, and do i need to replace all 3 or is one of them specifically for 2nd gear?

 

Before you go doing any of that, the F3's can be a little notchy between 1st & 2nd gear. Check that the gear changer linkages are lubed, pull back the rubber boot & have a look. Make sure that your chain is oiled & adjusted correctly & that its not past its use by date (worn out) These couple things can have an effect on the the gear change. To do the damage you talk about, you would really have had to giving the box a real work out, & the bent selector problem (could also be return spring) would also rear its head in other gears, especially trying to go from neutral into1st.

 

if im running real low rpms when i shift from first to second i hit neutral alot, dont really have the problem when im doing normal or high speeds, alot of times i'll kind of preload the shifter before i shift i guess you can call it, that has helped me out on some bikes