Xt1200 2011 gear shift up sticky

[Nicktenere2023]

I read about gear shifting being not very smooth on this forum and on you tube.
Took off gear lever and it was in real need of a clean and lube grease, now it’s smoother shifting - mostly!
However I noticed if I try and ride very enthusiastically using the full power bestowed it sort of refuses to shift up and I sort of have to have another go or two, it’s mostly 1to2to3
I’m using clutch and dropping revs.
Any ideas, bike only has 16k miles and good service history only just got it so wondering if it’s me!
Thanks

 

[swakop_toe]

I found, on my 2010 1st gen, that when I "preload" the gearshifter, slightly, before shifting, it engages the gears much smoother. Not easy when you attempt it whilst standing, but possible.

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[fac191]

Take the gear shifter off and lube it. Solved.

 

[Nicktenere2023]

Take the gear shifter off and lube it. Solved.

Tried that it’s well lubed

 

[fac191]

Try adjusting the lever to suit your foot position.

 

[Sierra1]

I know it only has 16k miles, but how old is the brake fluid?

 

[WJBertrand]

I’ve found if the lever is adjusted too low I have to be deliberate about pointing my toe downward more to make sure the mechanism can catch the shift “star” completely. On this bike it seems the lever must completely return in order to select the next gear.


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[Nicktenere2023]

Thanks for your replies
The extra grease and clean up did kit appear to make a big difference at first, but went for another ride and it’s shifting a better, so maybe it just needed working through.
I checked the position too and this was about right so all good for now.
Thanks for all the great hints and comments

 

[lund]

I read about gear shifting being not very smooth on this forum and on you tube.
Took off gear lever and it was in real need of a clean and lube grease, now it’s smoother shifting - mostly!
However I noticed if I try and ride very enthusiastically using the full power bestowed it sort of refuses to shift up and I sort of have to have another go or two, it’s mostly 1to2to3
I’m using clutch and dropping revs.
Any ideas, bike only has 16k miles and good service history only just got it so wondering if it’s me!
Thanks

Yes this bike shift like a tractor or old school semi.
Its a poky shifter in the first 3 gears, you have to allow the shift lever to return to its rest position so the fork can pickup the next gear, normal. Kinda wish a quick shifter would be nice.
Its one of the slowest shifting bikes I've ever owned. It kind of drives me nuts at times LOL, especially when the wife behind you squawks on the Sena "come on old man, your shifting like a girl" as she just about to run me over.

 

[Sierra1]

I can actually shift up smoother without the clutch than with.

 

[MFP]

I read about gear shifting being not very smooth on this forum and on you tube.
Took off gear lever and it was in real need of a clean and lube grease, now it’s smoother shifting - mostly!
However I noticed if I try and ride very enthusiastically using the full power bestowed it sort of refuses to shift up and I sort of have to have another go or two, it’s mostly 1to2to3
I’m using clutch and dropping revs.
Any ideas, bike only has 16k miles and good service history only just got it so wondering if it’s me!
Thanks

What kind of boots are you wearing when riding?

 

[lund]

What kind of boots are you wearing when riding?

Boots makes a huge difference on this bike. I have two kind of boots, Klims and Alpinestar.
My Klims shift the smoothest and quickest, almost as good as a sport bike, but are very uncomfortable for long days, so only wear them on short runs.
While my Alpinestar are extremely comfy, took them when I went to Dawson but the shifting sucks, you really have to pay attention or you miss shift with them.

 

[MFP]

Boots makes a huge difference on this bike. I have two kind of boots, Klims and Alpinestar.
My Klims shift the smoothest and quickest, almost as good as a sport bike, but are very uncomfortable for long days, so only wear them on short runs.
While my Alpinestar are extremely comfy, took them when I went to Dawson but the shifting sucks, you really have to pay attention or you miss shift with them.

I have found that it is all about the height & width of a M/C specific boot’s toe box area regarding shifting function. I always wear my Forma ADV Tourers with my S10 and it is all good-to-go….

 

[Sierra1]

My Wal-Mart flip-flops haven't failed me yet.

 

[fac191]

Yes this bike shift like a tractor or old school semi.
Its a poky shifter in the first 3 gears, you have to allow the shift lever to return to its rest position so the fork can pickup the next gear, normal. Kinda wish a quick shifter would be nice.
Its one of the slowest shifting bikes I've ever owned. It kind of drives me nuts at times LOL, especially when the wife behind you squawks on the Sena "come on old man, your shifting like a girl" as she just about to run me over.

I would offer to pack all the luggage and put all the heavy stuff on the Wife's bike.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Thread moved to appropriate subforum.