Sticky downshifting

[Checkswrecks]

Do you have the link to your photo instructions? I looked, but only found a single pic...

If YOU didn't see it then I'll start a thread just for the Technical Discussion stickies. I'm due for an oil change and need to do this again, so the timing is great. In the meantime and for those wondering what to lube, it is the #28 pivot shown below from IonBeam in FJRForum. (Like I wrote previously, the design is common in Yamahas.) The thing to be careful of is that washer #29 sticks to the shifter and is easy to lose. It is a wavy spring type of washer and needs to go where shown.

 

[TimLaw]

I did a simple fix for now with WD40 and it worked. Thanks for the help!!

 

[motodoc42]

What torque do you apply on reinstall and do you recommend loctite?
Motodoc42

 

[Random ride]

What torque do you apply on reinstall and do you recommend loctite?
Motodoc42

 

[Doug44]

There has been considerable discussion on this. Most of the time the cure is to remove the shift lever pivot bolt, clean and grease it and reinstall and downshifting will be fine. Make it a part of regular maintenance, perhaps every oil change.

Fred, I tried today to remove mine put holly cow the bolt won't break loose. It isn't backward threaded is it? I sure don't want to snap it off even tried to tighten it a bit then back but no joy. Maybe I need to put some wheezal pee on it and let it soak for a few.

 

[Simon]

I'll join the others to say that lubing the shifter shaft helps, but I will also tell you to consider changing the clutch fluid if your bike is nearing the 3 year old mark. I've just changed the fluid in mine, being careful to remove every last air bubble. The transformation is brilliant - I had a downshift that felt like I was needing to push the lever far too hard, now I have an 'as new' lighter clutch operation with much better shifting up and down. I've surprised myself how much difference it made.

Also not the pivot bolt is fitted with Loctite so it needs some more force than feels natural to remove it - thread is normal right hand thread.

 

[fredz43]

Fred, I tried today to remove mine put holly cow the bolt won't break loose. It isn't backward threaded is it? I sure don't want to snap it off even tried to tighten it a bit then back but no joy. Maybe I need to put some wheezal pee on it and let it soak for a few.

Hi Doug,

No, it is not backward thread, but if I recall correctly it has a bit of locktite on it from the factory. After the first time, it is easier, as I didn't put locktite on it when I put it back. I lube it with each oil change and it has stayed in place fine on my 32,000 mile 2012 and my 8,000 mile 2014. I used a 3/8 torque wrench the first time to give me a bit of leverage.

 

[motodoc42]

This afternoon I cleaned and lubed the shift pivot bolt and took her for a spin and the improvement is indeed impressive. Still would like someone to please relate the recommended torque value you use. I found mention of 22 ft-lb and that sounded about right for that size bolt so that's what I did. I used a drop of red(medium) thread locker for good measure.
Motodoc42

 

[tomatocity]

This afternoon I cleaned and lubed the shift pivot bolt and took her for a spin and the improvement is indeed impressive. Still would like someone to please relate the recommended torque value you use. I found mention of 22 ft-lb and that sounded about right for that size bolt so that's what I did. I used a drop of red(medium) thread locker for good measure.
Motodoc42

The Shift Pedal Bolt is 22 ft lbs

 

[XtreemLee]

So I just found this thread yesterday after figuring my second gear shift fork was toast (wouldn't downshift into second, others poor but second is tough). So I have left the bike sit while I ponder getting up the ballz to take my new bike into the dealer. So I figured I would take a look at the pivot first...

 

[XtreemLee]

Why they didn't use a bushing of some sort, but a grease zerk will turn a 15 minute job into a 30 second job...

 

[Checkswrecks]

So I just found this thread yesterday after figuring my second gear shift fork was toast (wouldn't downshift into second, others poor but second is tough). So I have left the bike sit while I ponder getting up the ballz to take my new bike into the dealer. So I figured I would take a look at the pivot first...

Now that you have seen that you are in the fraternity.
::022:: ;D

 

[tomatocity]

Why they didn't use a bushing of some sort, but a grease zerk will turn a 15 minute job into a 30 second job...

Some of us have a zerk (Phil's Tech Day). Now if we can find a seal (engine side) to spread the grease evenly.

 

[XtreemLee]

Some of us have a zerk (Phil's Tech Day). Now if we can find a seal (engine side) to spread the grease evenly.

I was thinking va circumferential o-ring land on the frame post and shifter might be the ticket, although you would need a custom tool made to make it...