| Author | Message | ||
     Silas_clone |
I bought the upgraded shift linkage for the M2 a while back. I installed it "GP" style, that is reversed. I didn't like the "geometry" of the standard installation, so I flipped it around. I have been riding it that way and like it, but that's another story. NOW, to my point. I remember someone posting that shifting was "painful", actually hurting the top of his foot. Well Mister, I gotta tell you that today I decided to shorten the shift linkage in order to "up-shift" [for me this is tapping down] a little quicker. Well, it worked great for ascending the gears, but it was PAINFUL, actually almost impossible, to shift down [again, lifting toe up]. After a test ride, I went back to the "shop" [my garage, where my wife stores her stuff and allows me to work on my useless toys] I lengthened the linkage, about 1/2"...WOW! Another test ride and now the thing shifts like butter, up and down!!! So, I don't know if this is because I shift "backwards" or what, but if anyone seems to have trouble shifting and you know your clutch, tranny fluid and all the other simple stuff is right, well try to mess around with the linkage!!?? Geez, these "semi-hi-tech" motorcycles are fun! | ||
| Mikef5000 |
Mines almost painful to upshift (regular linkage) when I'm in tennis shoes. But in my boots it's fine. I guess that's just motivation to wear boots more. | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
If my memory is right the X1 has a longer shift lever(which will solve your problem)Longer lever, easier shifting. I use the Storz lever which is also longer(shifts like butter both ways).........Charlie | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
I have no complaints about my X1 shifting. You know so long as everything is lubed and stuff. It might be worthwhile to poke around your clutch. Perhaps it's dragging a little? Take a little of your cable's slack away and see if it's different. (Message edited by Natexlh1000 on January 01, 2007) | ||
| Silas_clone |
I have been wearing my new NIKE AIRPEGASUS!!! I had just pulled the derby off to check fluid levels, because the shaft seal I had installed when I upgraded the primary tensioner a while ago had worked itself loose. It was weeping a bit, so I figured it would be worth a look. A deep wall 9/16 socket made a good drift, I originally tried to install the seal with the cover off the bike. The socket centered itself over the shifter shaft, so now the seal is in properly. The clutch cable is adjusted to spec, so I figured it would be a good time to play around with the linkage, just to get it more comfortable with my riding position Really, It had been shifting very nicely, but I decided to try and move the shift lever peg a little lower, to eliminate some ankle flex. Now, the AMERICAN SPORTBIKE linkage kit is pretty nice, but the shift lever is shorter than the one Cyclonecharlie is describing. I wondered about that, as I was expecting that lever with the kit. The reason I went "backwards" shifting originally was to try and form a parallel relationship with the shift lever and the nubbin that fits on the shifter shaft. It looked better. I remember reading that there is an optimum length for the linkage when installed the regular way. When I adjusted the linkage, I lost that "parallel" setup. Upon riding, I was amazed how the resultant geometry made shifting in one direction easier but nearly impossible in the other. Seemed to lose all leverage on the upwards movement. Going back a little made it even better than I had it before I started tinkering. I remember reading somewhere that the stock "Rube Goldberg" "over the primary" linkage was the very best setup??? Just amazed at how such small adjustments in the replacement linkage have such a big effect. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
if your toe sits in the right place like mine does, use steel toe boots. | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
Nate, Your X1 shifts better because the X1 has a longer lever than an M2. Bottom line, longer is better.  Charlie | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
ahh. So you think he can swap an X1 part in there? The pivot diameter must be the same right? | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
Every thing fits.........Charlie | ||
| Silas_clone |
Except my size 13 foot! Would the throw be longer or do the other parts make up for the longer lever? | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
It has a longer throw(perfect for a big foot). I have a size 14, that's why I love the Storz(plenty of room for the big shoe)and a real quality lever. When I test rode the XBR I had to shift with the back of my heel. Before I bought the XBR, I took the Storz off the M2 and tried it on the XBR to make sure it would fit(the shaft is the same on all the buells).........Charlie | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
I have size 12s and mine fits me fine. Also remember that you adjust the ends of the linkage for a fine tune of lever height. | ||
| Rick_a |
I ended up making my own race-pattern shifter for use with rear-sets. I grafted the front of a Blast! style shifter to the back end of an X1 lever at a 90 degree angle. It bolts directly to the shift shaft. No slop, smooth shifts, infinite adjustability...and easy to make more if I bust one! | ||
| Silas_clone |
Rick Do you have any pictures of your shifter? | ||
| Rick_a |
Naww man. I am in cave man status right now with no cool digital gizmos to use. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I just changed my tranny fluid and re-adjusted my clutch cable... I'm amazed at how much nicer it shifts! When my shifter bushing comes in this week then we'll really be in business! | ||
| Silas_clone |
Speakin of tranny fluid... I went down to the dealer's to pick up some of that "Sport-Trans" stuff, which I am running in my M2. Happened to look on the bottle and it said "good for '71 and up" sportys. This happens to co-incide with the "wet clutch" that all Sporty's '71 and up have, this includes us up til... [I dunno if XB's are wet clutch] Huh. Well, my Sporty has a transfer valve between the primary and the crankcase. I believe it was an attempt to vent the primary. If you run anything BUT motor oil in old Sportys with transfer valves, you will be "transferrin" it into your crankcase. I don't know when they stopped with the transfer valves, I think they went until the mini-sump cases ['78?] Without transfer valves, run what you've been running [my guess is that motor oil would do fine] |
