Issues downshifting with 2012 Gen I model Super Tenere

[Fennellg]

Start simple then work out. I have noticed on longer trips over 5k my shifts are not as crisp or sharp.

I find an oil change with filter change works miracles. You got the bike used. I would do some recon. How many owners. Any maintenance logs? What oil was used …..

At any rate an oil change, clean and lube of the shifter is in order.… A person selling a thing usually does not care for it as well once they know it is going bye bye. Some just don’t care to begin with. Once these items are complete, should the trouble persist keep going till resolved.

Another reason for the recon, if you discover lackadaisical maintenance you can implement an accelerated oil change plan for a time. I am sure there will be no shortage of opinions on how to proceed in that regard. Just remember there isn’t a Bible written for these type of situations common sense rules.

 

[RCinNC]

If I just bought a ten year old bike and was experiencing an issue like this, I'd probably be looking at changing the clutch fluid. The symptoms you describe can be attributed to a dry pivot shaft for the shift lever, but it might also be an issue with the clutch slave cylinder not operating properly. That might be the original clutch fluid you're riding around on; if it is, it could be pretty gnarly by this time. You can remove the lid on the clutch master cylinder and see what the fluid looks like; it wouldn't surprise me if it looked like coal tar.

 

[Gerard]

Your clutch creep while stopped in gear means your clutch is not fully disengaged; this “drag” is then putting a slight load on the transmission which can make it difficult to find neutral.

That was my first thought too, your clutch not fully disengaging

 

[bloodyeye769]

Just did a full service changing all fluids including the clutch, which solved my clutch issue but did nothing for my shifting. The weird thing is though that over time it's been getting easier to shift even when I haven't lubed the shift pivot lever, though I still can't get it to shift into neutral without revving the engine. Going to lube the lever today to see how it works out.

 

[Mr. BR]

Sounds like you're heading in the right direction.
Lube that shift lever pivot!
Lube/check clutch lever pivot and brass bushing.
Check what number you're using on the clutch lever (1 through 4 on OEM lever. #1 for a FULL stroke).
If shifting issues still remain, perhaps a fresh oil change as suggested by others?
Mr. BR

 

[Checkswrecks]

Just did a full service changing all fluids including the clutch, which solved my clutch issue but did nothing for my shifting. The weird thing is though that over time it's been getting easier to shift even when I haven't lubed the shift pivot lever, though I still can't get it to shift into neutral without revving the engine. Going to lube the lever today to see how it works out.

When you lube the shifter pivot, be aware that it's easy to put it back together with the print washer wrong or even missing.
Just sayin cuz btdt

 

[Travex]

That’s my fix. My lawn tractor uses zerts sleeves and grease instead of bearings. To be honest I wish both used bearings instead. It would make them maintenance free.

Just a friendly fyi-- Why is it called a zerk fitting? The Zerk design is named after Oscar Zerk, it's inventor

 

[Mr. BR]

Good point on that, CW! And here's a picture!
Mr. BR

 

[Fennellg]

Grease fitting, grease nipple, duhickie ……. A rose by any other name What you call it does not concern me nearly as much as what it can do for me. Save me work, keep me from crashing due to a hung hip shift at a critical moment while carving twistiest. The satisfaction of smooth as butter Shifting.
your right of course, but I have one and it works like a dream. What’s in your wallet?

 

[Travex]

Apologies if that came off a bit pedantic, certainly not my intent. My wallet?... Not a zerk, rather a thorough clean & lube on both shift and brake pivots with yamalube molybdenum disulfide at each oil change. Nothing wrong with the fitting in my mind, just prefer the fresh and clean vs the rinse only although that's just splitting hairs.

 

[Fennellg]

It’s a joke and It’s me that needs to apologise. I am out of line.

 

[Checkswrecks]

It’s a joke and It’s me that needs to apologise. I am out of line.

LOL - Another great example of not being face to face when trying to simply be a little funny. I do this too often.

 

[Travex]

It’s a joke and It’s me that needs to apologise. I am out of line.

Haha... Not in the least. Your humor wasn't lost on me. After I hit "post" it seemed I may have been a degree or two off. I'll get the beers next time, Fennellg!

 

[Highwayman]

Just remembered.... Double check the pivot bolt at the clutch lever.... Awhile back the nut had fallen off and the bolt began working its way out and making the lever play sloppy. I'm sure you'd notice, but its worth a 2 sec look.

 

[Fennellg]

I use blue thread lock no troubles so far.

 

[Highwayman]

I use blue thread lock no troubles so far.

I believe, I just replaced the nuts with Nylocks.

 

[bloodyeye769]

Lubed the shift lever pivot, still no dice on the shifting into and out of second gear issue. Do you guys think that I could have a messed up gear that needs to be replaced?

 

[Fennellg]

clean she shit out of everything use brake or carb cleaner. If you keep guns employ those methods of cleaning. Soak what you can in motor oil. Now pack as much grease as you can and see how it is. I have found these shifters are quite fussy. My grease nipple seems to be the problems kryptonite. Remember the grease and sleeve are acting as a bearing. A little dirt or grit really upsets the apple cart.

 

[bloodyeye769]

clean she shit out of everything use brake or carb cleaner. If you keep guns employ those methods of cleaning. Soak what you can in motor oil. Now pack as much grease as you can and see how it is. I have found these shifters are quite fussy. My grease nipple seems to be the problems kryptonite. Remember the grease and sleeve are acting as a bearing. A little dirt or grit really upsets the apple cart.

I cleaned it all very well before I lubed it, so I know there's no dirt or grime.

 

[MFP]

Lubed the shift lever pivot, still no dice on the shifting into and out of second gear issue. Do you guys think that I could have a messed up gear that needs to be replaced?

Perhaps it is a broken shift spring?

Shift spring breakage

Moderator note - We've had a few reports of this. Nowhere near enough to be alarmed, but IF lubing the shifter doesn't fix a problem with shifting, then this is something to be aware of. Therefore, this is being made into a sticky in the Power Sub-forum. Before thinking or posting that you...

yamahasupertenere.com