Hey there, I'm new to the site and have a question. I have a 98 and i'm having trouble down shifting, the bike upshifts fine all the time. When the bike is cool it seems to down shift fine but when it gets hot then i have trouble down shifting. I have replaced the shift forks and the gear shift drum. Went for a ride around town the other day and after awhile it had trouble shifting. Now i'm wondering if it could be a bent shift shaft. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Hi. I haven't had much experience with modern clutches, having had many British bikes, but they all work in a very similar way. I would check the clutch adjustment first before spending any more money on your bike. As an engine gets hot everything expands as you probably know and if the clutch plates aren't disengaging properly you willl get clutch drag whereby the clutch plates don't free off properly. Another cause is a worn clutch basket that stops the plates from sliding in their grooves. Usually though, this causes problems changing up and down. If getting the adjustment right doesn't sort out your problem then I guess other members will! Great bunch of knowledgeable guys in the club!