are you still in the break-in period? remember that it's not only the motor that's being broken in, it's the transmission too. try shifting at 5k rpms or so and it should just slide right in. i had some issues (when stopped) getting my bike into 1st gear from neutral during break-in, but it was just a matter of rocking the bike back and forth a few inches and it would engage. now that break-in is long gone, everything is butter smooth.

 

I know this post is a little old but I think I'm having this exact same issue with my new boots (rode sneakers before this and new rider) with the lever not returning all the way down cause this was hapenning to me all last night riding...

Tacoma could you explain to me how you adjusted the shift lever up/point me in the right direction? thanks

 

I think it needs to be said that riding with your foot under the shift lever is bad . . . bad form.

If you're not shifting, the ***** of your feet should be on the pegs.

 

Oh no I def ride with the ***** of my feet on the pegs for the most part, tend to hover more over the rear brake with my right foot just in case to speed reaction time.

With the new boots I had to either point my toes down so much that it felt very awkward (and unsafe to me) or wedge it underneath from the side while riding neither of which I think is a good idea.

I'd like to see if I can adjust it up about 1/2 inch max just to allow enough clearance without having to take the whole bike apart, I'm a newbie at all of this