Question about shifting
 

Hey, folks. I'm pretty new to riding (about 3 weeks). I have an 01 f4i, and now that I've gotten a little more familiar with riding, I'm starting to notice something and I'm not sure if it's a problem with me or the bike. There's been times where I've stopped at a light, and I can't shift down gears. For example, I'll be in 2nd trying to go to first, and I just can't shift down. Idk if this question has been asked before, or if I'm at the right place, but just wanted to figure out what's going on. Does this sound like a problem with me, or the bike? Thanks, and yea like a said, I am new to riding.

that happens sometimes to me with all my bikes. you just gotta rock the bike back and forth a bit when stopped. that way, you can shift down

Put it in nuetral and let the clutch out, problem fixed.

I had an old yamaha when I was young that did that. I could go from 2 to 1 or 3 to 2 etc but if I was trying to shift down more than one gear it would just not go. I figured out that if I feathered the clutch a little in and out (not enough to stall the bike just barely enough to get bite) it would then let me shift down. I figured it must be something to do with gear alignment and by engaging the clutch it would sort itself out. Maybe that would help?

I'm sure someone who's more knowledgable than me will chime in soon. ride safe.

Ps. I know some people will cruise to a stop with the clutch in and then shift down from whatever gear they're in. I never do that, I always go down the gears as I slow down and end up either in first or neutral (first at a stop sign or light that changes quickly and neutral if I know I'm going to be waiting). That's just how I was taught to do it, I drive the same way. Maybe that will fix the problem because you won't be trying to shift down through multiple gears with the bike stopped?

Try Slightly letting out on the clutch, or rocking the bike. It is a simple matter of the teeth on the transmission gears not able to line up and not being in motion.

These bikes don't like to shift while stopped. You should downshift to first as you're rolling to the stop light.

thanks guys. I noticed a huge difference while riding today.

^ ^ ^ Anyone care to explain, what's the harm in that? Approaching a light from 45-55+ mph, in a short distance. From 5th or 6th gear, makes no sense to me to shown shift to 4th - let go of the clutch....let it roll for a bit, then shift to 3rd - let out the clutch....let it roll, then shift to 2nd....and so on till you get into 1st. Usually the speed is a little faster, the distance a little shorter to do all this. And just feel the jerks each time you're downshifting (using engine braking) and pulling in the clutch, then letting out.... Too uncomfortable and too much work on the engine, etc.

I shift from 6th to 5th/or 4th ~ and that's usually "in traffic" slow/or ready to stop position. Then use the front brake approaching the light/stop sign. While pulling in the clutch and shifting through gears to 1st. Keep it in 1st till Green light. If it's a long wait, then maybe go into Neutral.

Now, is that a wrong way.... :icon_couchhide:

I believe the main reason is so you always have the ability to get on the gas if you need /want to. I Shift through the gears to practice my downshifting and keeping it as smooth as possible. Have always wondered but never asked either.

Reason to downshift into first when coming to a stop is readiness. During the approach or while actually at the light in a gear too tall will make it more difficult to get on the gas if necessary. MSF teaches (actually demands) the rider downshift to first when stopping for this reason.

I don't see any reason not to downshift as you slow down except laziness. Laziness which will leave you vulnerable in a situation