Hi guys,
I bought a 2003 F3 last month. After the test ride I said to the seller that I was never quite sure if I had engaged 5th and 6th gear. He said that as it wasn’t used in a while that the gearshift would sort itself out. I took him at his word. Because of lockdown I didn’t get out much since. I was out today and it feels like that there are only 4 gears, 1 down and 3 up. Has any one come across anything like this? I’ll hand it in to the local Honda dealer next week and keep my fingers crossed.

 

Deaconblue,

Welcome to the forum. I've never heard of that. I can assure you it's got 6 speeds. Could be the shift linkage not adjusted properly. Are you able to put it up on a paddock stand and manually work through the gears? You could also have bad/worn dogs for that gear. Might not allow you to get into that gear.

 

Hi and thanks for the reply. I had a 600f about 6 years ago and I never had any problems with it. That’s what prompted me to go for another CBR but just to come up a few years. I’ve worked the clutch with one hand and the gear shift with the other. Still only 4 clicks 🤔. 1 down 3 up. Something must be happening on the road though as otherwise my speed would be limited by having only 4 gears. It’s very obvious when I’m shifting up or down the 4 gears as there is an obvious feel of a gear shift. If a shift is happening when going into 5th and 6th then it’s the most subtle shift I’ve ever come across. I’ve been riding since ‘82 and never come across anything like it. I’ll hand it in for a checkup as soon as I can. It should be interesting.

 

The scary thing is that checkup could cost more than the bike is worth. Hopefully you'll get an estimate/opinion before work starts so you're not on the hook for the costs. F3 engines are fairly common on the used market. Might be worth a look. Might even be a fun lockdown project.

 

 

Then and now 😎

 

Spooky, I had exactly the same Colour F3, bought in 98 and traded in for a silver F05 in 2005 that had 22 miles on the clock!