Smooth shift from first to second

[redjay]

Hello All,

Does anyone else have a tough time shifting from first to second cleanly ? I dont think it is solely a transmission thing but more a combination of shifting and a fuel delivery issue. No matter how hard I try I cannot get a clean shift from first to second. Second and up no problem.

[coacha]

I have the same issue sometimes. Seems like sometimes I "baby" it too much going up the gears. I started to use my heel for the 1st to 2nd shift, then toe for the rest and don't have near the problems.

[nomad1600]

I haven't had that problem mine shifts very smooth. One thing I did when I first got my bike is that I raised up the shifter lever so I could get my boots under it and shift up with my toes rather than shifting with my heal. I have never shifted with my heel until I got the Nomad and it just does't feel right to me.

[Heater_Guy]

I did the same thing to mine. This is the first "heel to toe" shifter bike I've owned and it seems strange to get used to. I went the whole first season with the bike stock, then moved the front shifter up at the start of this year so I could get a boot under it. Maybe it's that the heel shifter is so far back. I don't know. I just know I didn't like it.

[ringadingh]

I always use the heel shifter, its my first bike with one ,and I prefer it over the toe shift. Mine shifts smooth into 2nd gear.

[nomad1600]

I had a hard time just making sure that my heel was on the shifter. With the toe shifter I just keep the boot under the shifter until I've shifted all the way thru.

[ells]

You need to "mean it" when you shift from 1st to second on mine. I believe it is a common issue especially if you had a smaller bike previously.

[burkazoid]

You need to "mean it" when you shift from 1st to second on mine. I believe it is a common issue especially if you had a smaller bike previously.

Exactly what I came to say. I hit the heel shifter pretty hard. I found that if I did it any easier it would slip into neutral. It took quite a bit to get used to since my previous bike was the Vulcan 800 Classic.

[joesnomad]

I use the heel shifter all the time its just natural instict now. When i first got the Nomad I used the toe of my shoe to up shift and down shift now i never up shift with my toe. I found on my bike at least if I shift at 25 mph into 2nd and shift and get off the clutch quickly and back on the throttle it goes real smooth. If I shift much slower than that or if I let my rpm's drop to much before getting off the clutch and back on the throttle it doesnt shift smoothly and will clunk into gear.

[Top Cat]

I used to have a problem with 1st to 2nd. I find if I leave it in 1st till I get higher revs it shifts smoother.

[skeeter]

Stay in first a little longer and shift up between 25 and 30. Came off a smaller bike where I had to shift sooner. Was having the same problem. Running next to other "big" bikes I have noticed quite a difference in shift ranges. I have to hang back a little to let them catch up.LOL

The 1st to 2nd shift is the only one that seems to be a problem. I find that if I am aggressive it shifts good,and if I'm lazy, it always clunks into second.I heel up and toe down.Also rarely use the clutch to shift into 4th or 5th.

[VulcanE]

Don't baby it, your not going to hurt it. accelerate up to about 25mph (not creep up to 25mph), then quickly, all at once, squeeze then pop the clutch, as soon as the clutch bottoms out on the squeeze, FIRMLY shift into 2nd. Don't try to break your shift levers, but do it firmly, in all the gears. The shift from 1 - 2 is the way it is due to the positive neutral finder, and being lazy or over agressive with the shift, will wear out the ratcheting mechenism that locates the gear alignment in the tranny.
Oh, by the way, I up-shift with the heel, & down shift with the toe.

[skeeter]

Check out Gadgets' New Vulcan Owners Page. Suggests after break-in shift points at 30,40,50,60. Lots more good info too.

[Idaho]

I usually run the bike up to at least 25 then stomp on the heal shifter. I also use Amsoil in the engine. This question always amazes me when it is asked because my Nomad shifts smooth as glass. The heal-toe shifter was new to me also, I came to the Nomad from an 805cc Suzi with just a toe shift. When I got the Nomad I decided that one way or another I was going to learn to use the heal-toe shifter. Down with the toes and up with the heal. Always smooth.

I find the heel shifter clumsy and inaccurate & I never use it.

To get a clean shift I do one of three things. If I'm going balls to the wall, I just wind it up to 40+ MPH & it'll shift like a champ.

If traffic is going to move out smartly, (or there's no traffic ahead of you) run the RPM up around 3000 or better and do not let it sag nor let the throttle trail one iota before shifting. This is very important. Don't let the engine actually catch up completely with the throttle before you grab the clutch. The RPM will fall too quickly & you'll clunk.

The other method I use in really slow traffic, which is to just barely get the bike rolling, clutch just barely all the way out or maybe not quite completely out, and shift at very low RPM with the drive train totally unloaded. Then I grab a hand full of second and go.

The key in both the latter situations is that the drivetrain must unload before you shift. If the componants are still torqued together they'll unwind and recoil as you de-clutch and you'll clunk.

[Scoot]

I always use the heel shifter, its my first bike with one ,and I prefer it over the toe shift. Mine shifts smooth into 2nd gear.

Mine 2, I really like the Heel shifter

[racinchef]

How odd! I've never noticed any problem at all with my bike; it shifts like melting butter. I got so used to kick shifting with my '99 LC1500 Intruder. With that bike you had to shift like you meant it; no girly-man shifting. My Royal Star was a good shifter, but my Valkyrie would dead-shift on me; you'd put your toe under the shifter, clutch and shift, but nothing was there, you'd have to let the shifter pop loose from your foot and try again. For some reason it wouldn't reset all the way and grab the next gear. I was looking at floorboards and a kickshifter for it if I hadn't gotten my Nomad. Sorry guys, but to me toe shifting is girly-man riding on a cruiser like the Nomad.

[radco]

I sometime have a problem as well. This is my first Kick shifter.. and I sometimes miss second and get a False neutral....I just raised the kick pedal and will see how that helps.. I like the idea of raising the front shift so I can use it as a Toe shifter up and down,,,,,,,,,,,THANKs,,,,,,Rich

[kawgirl]

I had trouble with the shift from first to second at first. I raised the heel pedal up one notch so it sits just above the floor board and have not had the problem since. I agree with shift like you mean it.

[coldfingers]

Redjay, I have the same problem, I agree with the fuel thing also. If I wait a second or two for the throttle to drop off it helps but then you get the jerk as you come on to the throttle again. The other gears shift fine. I have never noticed this in my gold wings or honda shadow.

[dhelfritz]

I use the heel shifter and set it where it is just above the floor board. I dont have to take my foot off the board, just raise the heel. I think if you rev a little higher and get offthe clutch quickly, you will eliminate the problem. I only have a problem if the bike is real cold.

[oledawg]

I have found the Nomad to have the smoothest shift of any bike I've ever owned or rode, and as has been said, shift it with authority. As for the heel shifter I don't think there is a better designed one on any bike I've ever seen. If its adjusted properly it can be shifted as fast or faster than a toe shift, and you don't have to scuff your shoes or boots in the process.For anyone who never has used a heel shifter, I believe if you'll give it a chance you'll come to really appreciate its advantages. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

...toe shifting is girly-man riding...

Tell that to Valentino Rossi. Err... OK...bad example....well then Mike Hailwood. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Top Cat]

I had a heel toe shifter on my 650 Yamaha. It shifted realy smooth. I tried it for awhile but I am definatly old school. All the bikes I rode previously were toe only shifting. I tried the Nomad with heel toe because my boot would not fit under the toe shifter. Moved toe shifter up so boot would fit under it. I do not like shifting with heel. Soooooooo I guess racinchief's opinion of me would be Girly Shifter ;D

[bobzinger]

My 05 Nomad shifted much smoother after switching to synthetic oil. Recently when I put Seafoam in the crankcase the clunking shift was back, I guess due to the thinned oil. I put in new 15W50 Mobil 1 (Grey Cap) and the shift clunk is gone. I shift at 20mph normally.

[redjay]

Redjay, I have the same problem, I agree with the fuel thing also. If I wait a second or two for the throttle to drop off it helps but then you get the jerk as you come on to the throttle again. The other gears shift fine. I have never noticed this in my gold wings or honda shadow. Hi, As I said in my original question it feels to me like a combination of gear shift and fuel delivery just as you describe. It is as if there is fuel starvation when you open the throttle after shifting to second. I dont think it has anything to do with toe only or heel shifting, I have tried that with no effect.

[coldfingers]

Redjay, Its almost like the bike is going to cough or die but doesn't so when it catches you get the uneveness. I thought maybe it was too much throttle play but I don't have much. My heel shifter works good but just can't get the two together either.

The heel shift works, and I can do it, but I just don't like moving my foot back on the board. I ride in traffic every day, and I do a lot of shifting. I tend to keep my feet forward as much as possible.

[redjay]

Redjay, Its almost like the bike is going to cough or die but doesn't so when it catches you get the uneveness. I thought maybe it was too much throttle play but I don't have much. My heel shifter works good but just can't get the two together either. It has to be something to do with fuel delivery in my opinion. Throttle play would affect the other gears but it is only from first to second gear when the bike falters for a second, then catches with a jerkiness every time from first to second. I am thinking some kind of gear/throttle position sensor that is out of whack ????

[bobzinger]

Without my TFI (Resister mod, TPS adjust, etc) I got a stutter or cough when I'd crack the throttle. Once I added a little fuel at idle it went away. You might also check your idle RPM. Raise it just a little. just some thoughts.

[nomad1600]

The heel shift works, and I can do it, but I just don't like moving my foot back on the board. I ride in traffic every day, and I do a lot of shifting. I tend to keep my feet forward as much as possible.

I agree caddmannQ it is clumsy. I am 6'4" amd I have to raise my leg up to get my heel on the shifter. I like the toe shift much better. I can just keep my boot under the shifter and never have to move my foot at all even when I'm thru shifting.

GUYS, JUST DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Well, maybe the TPS mod would help. Have you read Gadget's site?

[pablo]

I lowered my toe shifter where I can't get my toe under it to shift. I like the heal shifter and the lower toe shifter. It's so natural now, I don't even think about it.

[racinchef]

I had a heel toe shifter on my 650 Yamaha. It shifted realy smooth. I tried it for awhile but I am definatly old school. All the bikes I rode previously were toe only shifting. I tried the Nomad with heel toe because my boot would not fit under the toe shifter. Moved toe shifter up so boot would fit under it. I do not like shifting with heel. Soooooooo I guess racinchief's opinion of me would be Girly Shifter ;D
Toe shifting is neo-old school. Kick-shifting is real old school when real men rode real bikes. Old-old school is suicide shifter.
From the Total Motorcycle online dictionary:
Suicide Shift - Suicide Clutch - An early-style gear shift mechanism. Unlike modern motorcycles, early motorcycles used a foot-actuated clutch and the gear shifting was done with the rider's hand via a long gear shift knob that was connected directly to the transmission (much like a manual transmission on a car). Because the rider had to remove one of his hands from the handlebars in order to shift - a dangerous prospect given that most of the thoroughfares of the day were rutted, unpaved dirt roads or brick and cobblestone streets - many people felt that motorcycle riders were literally "taking their lives into their own hands" … hence the term, "suicide shift".

[aj]

Just got the bike and thought it was me, always rode smaller bikes and never had the "clunk" It happens 1-2 and 3rd rest are ok. I'll persist with the heel and see how it goes. Thanks for the good ideas. Aj

[b2]

Hey Aj.. I notice you are in Austalia. I'm from Sydney & living in USA now but lived 2 years in Hampton.. nice part of the world down at Rosebud.

I just got my Nomad about a month ago and getting used to the same shift thing.. I raised my heel shifted a little to that it's easier to find, and that's worked well for me.

Sure would love to ride the great ocean road on one of these bike.. perhaps when (if !) I return home.. Enjoy.

Cheers,
Brian

(p.s. You seen the prices on bikes over here.. it would break your heart...)

[caddman11]

I'm finding that if I use my heel shifter instead of my toe shifter, I get a more postive shift. If your having problems, or making extra grinding sounds, try your heel shift, it really works.

[flightdoc]

I didn't like the heel shifter at first. It was very "clunky". I keep using it though and now it works great.I was told by someone else to "load" the shifter before actually doing the shift...what that means is applying a little pressure to the shifter prior to shifting, enough pressure that when you squeeze the clutch it slips right into gear. works slick as sh--.

vin

[ringadingh]

The heel shifter does take a bit of getting used to, but now that I have one I prefer it over the toe shift anyday, especially when riding a V twin.

[VulcanE]

The heel shifter does take a bit of getting used to, but now that I have one I prefer it over the toe shift anyday, especially when riding a V twin.

AMEN ringadingh http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif My opinion exactly!!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[ells]

I like to keep my foot in a position to shift up or down, anytime, as quickly as I can when in traffic. Thought I'd use the heel shifter when I moved up to the Nad but never have. Had a little trouble with the 1st to 2nd at first but now no problem, unless I drift off the game some.

[redjay]

Wish I could say the same.

[redjay]

Just got the bike and thought it was me, always rode smaller bikes and never had the "clunk" It happens 1-2 and 3rd rest are ok. I'll persist with the heel and see how it goes. Thanks for the good ideas. Aj What year is your bike ? It sounds like you have the same issue as me.
I dont think it has anything to do with the driver, its a bike issue I think. Mine Nomad is a 2005.

[rickyboy]

I don't think it is a year issue at all, myself. I have had the same "problem" on my 06'. But I just took the rpm's a tad higher before going to 2nd, along with "shifting it like I mean it."

[redjay]

I think I have tried everything but I will try your suggestion next time out.

[bobzinger]

For you long time Nomad Riders....Doesn't the clunking go away after 6,000 or so miles and with synthetic oil? Mine did.

[pablo]

My clunking goes away after two or three shots of tequila :-)

[bobzinger]

Pablo you crack me up!

[aj]

Mine is a 01 F1, must admit the "loading" thing does improve the clunk.
B2, great to hear from an Expat, I'm 15 mins from the Sorrento Ferry and get off at Queenscliffe then straight onto the Great Ocean road. When I get a little fitter that's the plan! So close and yet so far!! For those of you who are wondering what we're on about check the link.
http://www.greatoceanrd.org.au/Highlights.aspx

[beezer]

I always use the heel part. I don't want to ruin the shine on my steel toe work boots. That is actually why they made the heel/toe shifter in case no one knew.

[refugio]

Practice...Practice....Practice = Smoother Shifting

[redjay]

Hi, Unfortunately practice is not improving the shift from 1st to 2nd. It is as if the bike is gasping when you open the throttle after the shift and it stumbles. Others have posted the same.