I can't seem to get a clean shift into 2nd gear. Here's the situation:

1. In first gear, accelerate to about 4000rpms, shift quickly into second with no problems (usually). All other gears are fine. No gears pop out.

2. In first gear, accelerate to anything over 6500rpms, and it won't go into 2nd. It makes a griding/clacking noise, and rejects the shift. When this happens, I usually end up rolling in neutral while struggling to get into second gear. All other gears are fine. No gears pop out.


The oil is fresh and is the correct weight (10w40 MX4T mobile1).

Any ideas on what could cause this? I hate when it does the grinding think. I kills me a little inside, and I can really feel in on my foot (just kicks it back down).

 

does this happen all the time? It could be a bad gear, 2nd takes the most beating.

 

2nd on my bike has always been a bit notchy, you can try double clutching it, that sometimes works (when you remember to do it). I have found though, that setting up your chain (lube & tension) & making sure you clutch cable & clearances are spot on, you keep to a good oil change regime & a little dab of grease on the gear lever links, all seem to have an effect of the gear change issue.
There are other things that can cause this problem (selectors, springs & even the way the lever height has been set up).

 

Thanks for the replies.

At higher rpms, its almost always a given it will do it.
It seems like if I shift at 6000 rpm, it never does.

I did buy the bike used, but I don't think it was abused or anything. Everything on it is original, with the exception of a hindle pipe.

How should the clutch be adjusted? I know how to adjust (at the handle and ride side of the bike), but I mean... what I looking for? I've got it adjusted to the way I LIKE it, but maybe the bike doesn't like that?

It's currently setup to have about 1/4" slack before it kicks in.

Also, how should the foot lever thing be adjusted? Again, i know how to do it, but what is the best position to have it in for smooth shifting? Right now I've got adjusted so that my foot is in a downwards angle at about 35-40 degrees. I'll try adding some grease to the linkages tomorrow.

I lube the chain every 400 miles, and the tension has been adjusted to spec.

I change the oil every 2000 miles with Mobile1 MX4T Synthetic. Theres a store near my house that also carries Belray, Mutol, and Repsol....should I try one of those on my next oil change?

For the time being, I've been shifting into 2nd at either 3-4000 or right at 6000 rpm. But I would really like to find out what is causing this. I love the bike and want to keep for a while.