2007 Nomad Shifting

[cocheese72]

On my Nomad, the shift from 1st to 2nd is not always smooth. It is not clunking, it's like the gears are not meshing perfectly, sometimes hitting neutral. Neutral finder works great from stop. If I am in 2nd and down shift to neutral, then back the 2nd, the shift is great. Sometimes it shifts smoothly like the other gears, which is perfect. Down shifting to 2nd is also fine. A forceful shift to 2nd will pop it in, but does not sound or feel like other gears. It is not this way every time, but more times than not.

Could I have an issue with neutral finder, or do others have this issue? On my other Kawasaki, I couldn't hit neutral from 1st when taking off if I tried.

[kenb]

I had a similar shifting issue with my '08. Was using dino oil and after some investigation, switched to full synthetic. The shifting has, IMO, become smoother and the engine seems quieter. Something to consider. I went with Shell Rotella T6. Lots of opinions on oil from the members here. JM2C.

[cocheese72]

Thanks KenBob. I actually just did a change today and put in Shell Triple T. Still Dino and didn't seem to resolve it. I wish I would have tried the T6 now that you mention it, I just didn't have any on hand.

[cactusjack]

Are you using the heel shifter? You get a more solid, positive shift using that instead of trying to "toe up" the toe shifter.

[ringadingh]

When I notice that on my bike, Im usually very close to requiring an oil change. I use Rotella T and when I have new oil it shifts like butter, Ive found that the Rotella seems to work the best for me without changing to a synthetic oil.
When I used other dino oil brands the sticky shifts would appear after about 2000 miles or so.

[cocheese72]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Are you using the heel shifter? You get a more solid, positive shift using that instead of trying to "toe up" the toe shifter.

I took that off, but could try it again. I don't like those too much. Feels awkward to have my heel arched up trying to shift again and again. Plus I like to move my foot around more and it boxes me in.

[cnc]

Originally Posted by cocheese72

I took that off, but could try it again. I don't like those too much. Feels awkward to have my heel arched up trying to shift again and again. Plus I like to move my foot around more and it boxes me in.

I am a heel shifter convert. I too used to find heel shifting awkward on a previous bike after years of dirt biking.
When I bought my Nomad the tow shifter was too low to get my boot under and the dealer said "we are not changing it for you to drive home, get use to heal shifting on the Nomad and you will never go back to toe shifting". He was right and while I can not compare toe vs heel shifting on a Nomad, I have never had a issue with 1st to 2nd gear. A little bit of a clunk, but the shifts are always positive. Perhaps you should give it a second chance.

[vulcanguy]

Hi
Just my 2 cents worth…
I also enjoy the heel-toe shifting...Ring, I also use Rotella T
& always will, gr8 stuff & gr8 price. Filter is a Purolator Pure 1.
Got 6 of them on a Florida trip :)
(Sorry, not an oil post)
Cheers

[Top Cat]

I have the same issue when shifting up into second gear.
Now I use the heel to shift to second but still use the toe the rest of the time.
I like shifting with my toe better, that's how we did it in the good old days.
You remember the good old days, back when some manufacturers put the shift on the right and the brake on the left. That was fun when changing to a different model.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by cocheese72

I took that off, but could try it again. I don't like those too much. Feels awkward to have my heel arched up trying to shift again and again. Plus I like to move my foot around more and it boxes me in.

Mine is set so it's just slightly higher than the floorboard. I don't have to arch my heel, just rase my heel a little and bam! upshift. Seriously, the heel shifter is your friend and you'll get used to it soon enough.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

I have the same issue when shifting up into second gear.
Now I use the heel to shift to second but still use the toe the rest of the time.
I like shifting with my toe better, that's how we did it in the good old days.
You remember the good old days, back when some manufacturers put the shift on the right and the brake on the left. That was fun when changing to a different model.

In the "good old days" you had to walk over to the tv to change channels. In the "good old days", people had to use dial-up to connect to the internet. ::)

[usranger74]

I have an 07 and with similar shifting issues. Changing to synthetic helped.

Also did not like the heal shifter at first but now I use it without thinking - I like it.

[firemanbrent]

mine was rough until i changed the rear end oil.... might wanna check it

[cocheese72]

Originally Posted by firemanbrent

mine was rough until i changed the rear end oil.... might wanna check it

That is interesting, I would not think that would matter or affect only one gear, but worth a try. I am at 20k anyway and don't know whats been done. I assume I can pick up the correct gear oil at autozone? GL-5 80-90w.

[audiogooroo]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

In the "good old days" you had to walk over to the tv to change channels. In the "good old days", people had to use dial-up to connect to the internet. ::)

That's funny right there!