| Author | Message | ||
     Wvbuelling |
I have recently purchased a 2001 M2L with low miles and I love everything about the bike except for how hard it is to shift gears. I have adjusted the clutch according to the owners manual, I have replaced the transmission fluid with Syn3 (it took a little more than 3/4 of a quart - and it did not make any difference), it doesn't have any real problem with getting into neutral, it doesn't have any false neutrals or grinding, slipping etc. I measured the force needed to shift it from neutral to second gear with the clutch pulled in and it takes around 25 to 27 pounds. I measured my Suzuki V-Strom and it takes around 7 to 9 pounds to do the same thing. I have never driven another Buell so I have nothing to compare it with. I used a fish scale to gage the force needed to shift and I guess that it is a fairly accurate scale. I looked through the information in the KV and it looks like there are several companies that offer parts to help with shifting but I first want to make sure that what I am seeing with this M2L is more or less normal. Any info is greatly appreciated! | ||
| Oldog |
Sounds way high, the buells should shift easily with reasonable effort, It may be clunky but normaly never should require a stomp you may want to chek for the dreaded Circlip problem, pull the primary cover and inspect the linkage and the drum cam this is a common problem area | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
How many miles are on the bike? I have seen several m2's(mine included) that was hard to shift and finally loosened up after a few thousand miles. Some would use the X1 lever which is a little longer(better leverage) I put a Storz shifter on mine, also longer than stock.........Charlie | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Wvbuelling, Ah ha! Another one does live  I bought a 2002 M2 (still got it and won't let it go) and it was a foot bruiser for 2k miles. I never measured the amount of force necessary to actuate the shifter, but it was enough that I started taping a pad on my foot. I filled her up with Mobil 1 gear lube and it smoothed out in short order. I've had, and still have, a bunch of these things and the M2 had me baffled -- had a couple of highly qualified Buell techs scratch their collective heads as well. Lately there's been a huge debate, here and elsewhere, about the issues around using Mobil 1 gear lube in the Buell and all sides (seems to be more than two sides to this one) have valid points to their arguments. I'll continue running M1 GL in mine and see what happens  I also use carb cleaner and a pressure washer on a regular basis G2 | ||
| Wvbuelling |
The bike has 2530 miles on it right now. I don't know if this amount of shifting pressure is normal - or if I have some kind of problem with the transmission. It seems to shift OK but I think I will need to eat more spinach and develop bulging leg muscles to ride this bike very far. Again, I really enjoy riding this bike but I am looking for a way to make shifting less painful. I live in WV where there is no such thing as a straight road (makes for lots of great rides), but it also means plenty of shifting is required. What do you think guys, does this bike have a problem or do I just need to suck it up and deal with it? Anything I should look at or try adjusting? | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
Check the length of your shifter against the X1, should be about an inch longer(will make a difference).........Charlie | ||
| Wvbuelling |
I would check it against a X1 but I have only seen a few Buell Blasts and XBs around here and nothing else. This M2L was totally stock so I am pretty sure that the shifter is stock as well. I thought I would check the primary chain and I have a question on making sure I measure the vertical freeplay the right way. If you press the chain down and find a reference with a tape measure and then press the chain up and measure again - should you go from the inside of the chain to the inside of the chain or should it be from the outside of the chain to the outside? Sorry for the stupid question but it sounds like this is a measurement that if too tight will cause many problems. I also read in the KV that the measurement should be around 3/4 inch and not the 0.375 to 0.5 that is in the manual. I also know to check the chain in several spots and make this adjustment in the tightest spot. | ||
| Oldog |
Id measure it [ the shifter level ] Wv but its not here just now Ill check it this week end and get back to you. |
