Hi all,

1999 CBR 600 F4, about 23K miles (3K of them being me); new clutch cable. I feel like the bike doesn't shift from first to second gear as easily/cleanly as it does between the other gears. Is this typical? any tips on how to alleviate this? maybe shift into second only at moderate RPMs and not at too low RPMs.

I'm using Honda dyno oil (put it in about 2K miles ago). Maybe some Amsoil 10w-40?

I'm wondering if there's an easy way to ascertain the level of clutch wear. Is it easy to just open up the clutch housing and take a peak (without having to drain the oil and create a mess and/or any risk of damaging stuff if it's my first time)?

Wet road up here and in Southern NH and raining off/on but good enough for a ride (with rain pants on).

Thanks,

Dennis

 

Are you shifting at a high RPM or a low RPM with the bike? Try it both ways and see if there is a difference.

 

Kinda clunky? Are you a new rider? I've noticed that on all my bikes, and I figure it's because you have to pass through neutral to get to second. Try pulling in the clutch and pausing half a second before you kick it into 2nd. Or you can try leaving the clutch out, and putting pressure on the shift lever, Back off the throttle a bit and it'll shift for you. Sometimes that's smoother.

 

yea if you check out the reviews and tests the only 2 complaints on the f4 was vibration and 1st to 2nd gear shift

 

If I shift at higher RPM the shift is smother. I'll try to raise the revs a little more when I shift from now on.

Thanks for the responses.

Dennis

 

Don't lazt shift it, shift fast, that'll help.

 

That's what I'm finding. I sometimes want to baby the clutch and shifter only to find that this bike wants me to really ride it and it responds by having smoother shifts.

Such a different personality from my cruiser (Vstar 1300).

Dennis