Go Back   Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum > Main Category > General Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-08-2018, 08:28 PM
Sitting Bull's Avatar
Sitting Bull Sitting Bull is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 1,715
Default Need HELP with shifting gears on my bike.

Hey guys, I am a total new motorcycle rider. I have put about 400 km on my used 96 DR350 dual sport. For the first 200km I had no problems shifting through the gears either slowly or fast. The last 200km or so I am having difficulty going from 2nd to 3rd and sometimes 4th. It doesn't want to go in and when I release the clutch I find myself in the same gear and have to re engage the clutch a few times before it finally goes in. I have tried different footwear and no change.
The bike idles at about 2000 rpm if that is important.
Any thoughts or advice you might have?
Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-08-2018, 08:42 PM
Coyotebutcher Coyotebutcher is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 288
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sitting Bull View Post
Hey guys, I am a total new motorcycle rider. I have put about 400 km on my used 96 DR350 dual sport. For the first 200km I had no problems shifting through the gears either slowly or fast. The last 200km or so I am having difficulty going from 2nd to 3rd and sometimes 4th. It doesn't want to go in and when I release the clutch I find myself in the same gear and have to re engage the clutch a few times before it finally goes in. I have tried different footwear and no change.
The bike idles at about 2000 rpm if that is important.
Any thoughts or advice you might have?
Thanks.
I would consider taking it to a mechanic? Might have something to do with your trip to the sand pits?
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-08-2018, 08:51 PM
expedition expedition is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 584
Default

Check clutch adjustment . If its cable one eighth inch free play . If its hydralic check fluid !
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 08-08-2018, 09:00 PM
Ebrand Ebrand is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Behind my Sako
Posts: 1,012
Default Idle set too high.

Pretty sure it is idling too high for starters....

No issues getting into 1st and taking off?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 08-08-2018, 09:03 PM
Sitting Bull's Avatar
Sitting Bull Sitting Bull is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 1,715
Default

No issues at all going from 1st to 2nd. I am checking the clutch adjustment right now.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-08-2018, 09:12 PM
rocpilefsj's Avatar
rocpilefsj rocpilefsj is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Alberta
Posts: 717
Default

Check clutch adjustment as stated above, when is the last time it had the transmission fluid dropped and replaced? Do you use the clutch when you shift or just let off the throttle (other than from first when starting out)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 08-08-2018, 09:33 PM
Sitting Bull's Avatar
Sitting Bull Sitting Bull is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 1,715
Default

I use the clutch on every shift. Clutch adjustment seems fine. This bike uses the motor oil in the tranny. No separate oil reservoirs. I did notice the shift lever left some gouge marks on the tranny case. I bent the shift lever away from the case a bit , maybe that is the problem. I won't be able to ride until tomorrow night so I will keep you posted.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 08-08-2018, 10:20 PM
Coho911's Avatar
Coho911 Coho911 is offline
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: NW Calgary
Posts: 509
Default

Yup. Clutch. Sometimes when a bike has sat for a while before use is drops a tiny bit of fluid. As you use it, clutch doesn't engage quite completely.

Just top it up a bit if its fluid or adjust the cable if its mechanical.

AND RIDE !
__________________
Yes - I am a leather worker. (just ask)
FIVE Leather, Calgary AB
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 08-08-2018, 10:39 PM
mooseknuckle's Avatar
mooseknuckle mooseknuckle is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,114
Default

Adjust your idle screw too bud. 2000 is pretty high.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 08-08-2018, 11:37 PM
Blastoff Blastoff is offline
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Canterbury
Posts: 1,315
Default

That bike should idle at around 900 to 1100 rpm.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 08-09-2018, 02:45 PM
S-in-Cochrane's Avatar
S-in-Cochrane S-in-Cochrane is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Cochrane
Posts: 603
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sitting Bull View Post
I use the clutch on every shift. Clutch adjustment seems fine. This bike uses the motor oil in the tranny. No separate oil reservoirs. I did notice the shift lever left some gouge marks on the tranny case. I bent the shift lever away from the case a bit , maybe that is the problem. I won't be able to ride until tomorrow night so I will keep you posted.


One of our dirt bikes had this issue. Bent the shifter back and problem solved. Not sure about the idle though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 08-09-2018, 04:13 PM
Selkirk's Avatar
Selkirk Selkirk is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: In the shadow of the Valhalla Mountains, BC .
Posts: 9,174
Lightbulb Just so you know . . .

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sitting Bull View Post
I use the clutch on every shift. Clutch adjustment seems fine. This bike uses the motor oil in the tranny. No separate oil reservoirs. I did notice the shift lever left some gouge marks on the tranny case. I bent the shift lever away from the case a bit , maybe that is the problem. I won't be able to ride until tomorrow night so I will keep you posted.
Sitting Bull,

As a side note, lots of newbie riders are not aware of this ...

Motorcycles where the engine & transmission use the same oil, need 'Motorcycle Specific Oil'. Using regular auto oil will cause all sorts of problems.

Or maybe you know this.

Selkirk
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 08-09-2018, 07:49 PM
spoiledsaskhunter spoiledsaskhunter is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,701
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Selkirk View Post
Sitting Bull,

As a side note, lots of newbie riders are not aware of this ...

Motorcycles where the engine & transmission use the same oil, need 'Motorcycle Specific Oil'. Using regular auto oil will cause all sorts of problems.

Or maybe you know this.

Selkirk
new to me, and I've been riding for 55 years!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 08-09-2018, 08:14 PM
liar liar is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ft assiniboine area
Posts: 1,392
Default

the biggest issue to watch out for with the oil is that the clutch is in the oil so if the oil used has too much friction modifiers in it , it can slip . the best policy is always use the oem manufacture recommendations . trying to save a few bucks by using off the shelf engine oil "may" end up causing more grief than its worth .
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 08-09-2018, 08:49 PM
Sitting Bull's Avatar
Sitting Bull Sitting Bull is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 1,715
Default

Looks like it was the shift lever. It was rubbing on the case so I gently pried it away a bit and took it out for a quick spin. The problem seems to have gone away. Went through all six gears with no issue.
Thanks so much.
I picked up a few bottles of the Suzuki 10-40 oil from the dealer today.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 08-09-2018, 10:42 PM
Bigbuckwsm Bigbuckwsm is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 157
Default

Was that you pulling into cooking lake yesterday looking like you had a problem?
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 08-09-2018, 10:49 PM
SlightlyDistracting SlightlyDistracting is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 438
Default

Amsoil!!!!
Metric Motorcycle Oil
Ive used nothing else in any of my bikes.
For the extra little bit of money ($17ish a litre) its money well spent.
But really most bikes need 3 or 4.
In every bike ive put it in the bike has always run a few degrees cooler.
I just got rid of my factory oil in my cbr 1000 and replaced with Amsoil.
My temperature is on ave 5 degrees cooler, even on days like today.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 08-10-2018, 03:14 AM
Hunt4Ever's Avatar
Hunt4Ever Hunt4Ever is online now
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Beaumont, AB
Posts: 594
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sitting Bull View Post
Looks like it was the shift lever. It was rubbing on the case so I gently pried it away a bit and took it out for a quick spin. The problem seems to have gone away. Went through all six gears with no issue.
Thanks so much.
I picked up a few bottles of the Suzuki 10-40 oil from the dealer today.
Good to see you fixed your problem.
There’s a big difference between car and motorcycle oil!
https://husqvarnaoutlet.com/the_true...automotive_oil
__________________
"NO GUTS ... NO STORY"
All my hunting videos
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...1OnAYLQKBJqozn
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 08-10-2018, 04:42 AM
HeavyD111's Avatar
HeavyD111 HeavyD111 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Wakaw SK
Posts: 789
Default

Now that is it fixed, might as well ask how you like the bike? Pros/cons? In the spring I want to buy a something like what you have..
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 08-10-2018, 10:21 AM
Tom Pullings Tom Pullings is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Southwest
Posts: 532
Default

My old dr350 would sometimes get a bit fussy shifting when it got really hot. Might wanna experiment with oils till you get one that has the right feel. The motorcycle oil thing is an old wives tale to get you to pay 18 bucks a litre for some magical wet clutch oil. I’ve never had an oil in any bike perform better than rotella synthetic 5w40 heavy duty engine oil. If you’re still worried about wet clutch certification look for Allison C4 on the bottle.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 08-10-2018, 02:34 PM
Selkirk's Avatar
Selkirk Selkirk is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: In the shadow of the Valhalla Mountains, BC .
Posts: 9,174
Thumbs up 'Motorcycle Specific' Oil

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hunt4Ever View Post
Good to see you fixed your problem.

There’s a big difference between car and motorcycle oil!

https://husqvarnaoutlet.com/the_true...automotive_oil

That ^ !!!

It's amazing how many Ol' Schoolers still think it's a wives-tale, or a marketing ploy!

The times, engines, and oils have changed, boys ... welcome to the modern world!

Selkirk
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 08-10-2018, 04:44 PM
Tom Pullings Tom Pullings is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Southwest
Posts: 532
Default

If anything the old school mentality was never to use any oil other than mc oil. I’m sure everyone has a friend who’s grandma had a clutch slipping problem in 1972 when she used car oil. We’re talking about a 30 hp bike here that’ll be rode lightly, not a motocrosser. I’ve used hdeo (diesel motor oil) in all sorts of bikes up to 150 hp sportbikes (including many track days) and never had an issue nor have I ever personally heard of anyone having an issue due to not using crazy expensive motorcycle specific oil. If your clutch starts slipping and you think it’s the oil something is wrong with your clutch.

It’s your money guys. Spend it how you want. Better yet, educate yourselves and I’m certain you’ll start saving a lot of money on motor oil.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 08-10-2018, 09:12 PM
Sitting Bull's Avatar
Sitting Bull Sitting Bull is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 1,715
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by HeavyD111 View Post
Now that is it fixed, might as well ask how you like the bike? Pros/cons? In the spring I want to buy a something like what you have..
Well , as 57 year old beginner rider, I can't tell you to much as I have nothing to compare it with. I wanted a dual sport in order to explore a bit of highway, forestry roads and easy back trails. I have no interest in motocross type riding with jumps and aggressive riding as i am not in the greatest shape and have knee issues and such. Just want to ride casually at my pace.
I decided to buy a used bike as I was not sure if I would even enjoy it and that way I was not into a $6000.00+ unit. It was hard to find a reasonably priced bike, but I ended up with this 1996 Suzuki DR350ES. So far it has been a joy to ride with great fuel mileage. A bigger tank would be nice! My bike runs great so far. The only issue I have, is with me and my lack of experience and confidence in riding on gravel roads or soft sand/dirt. I don't understand how the bike reacts and I want to tense up and hang on for dear life in those conditions even when going slow.I'm scared to fall and dump the bike and get seriously injured. I know most would probably say If I am that scared or uncertain, I should not be riding. I am good on pavement, just the other stuff is the issue.
Anyway I love my bike and I will keep trying at my pace until I understand how to ride in those conditions.
Thanks to all that have guided me in my purchase and the shifting issue.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 08-10-2018, 10:38 PM
HVA7mm HVA7mm is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 1,209
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sitting Bull View Post
Well , as 57 year old beginner rider, I can't tell you to much as I have nothing to compare it with. I wanted a dual sport in order to explore a bit of highway, forestry roads and easy back trails. I have no interest in motocross type riding with jumps and aggressive riding as i am not in the greatest shape and have knee issues and such. Just want to ride casually at my pace.
I decided to buy a used bike as I was not sure if I would even enjoy it and that way I was not into a $6000.00+ unit. It was hard to find a reasonably priced bike, but I ended up with this 1996 Suzuki DR350ES. So far it has been a joy to ride with great fuel mileage. A bigger tank would be nice! My bike runs great so far. The only issue I have, is with me and my lack of experience and confidence in riding on gravel roads or soft sand/dirt. I don't understand how the bike reacts and I want to tense up and hang on for dear life in those conditions even when going slow.I'm scared to fall and dump the bike and get seriously injured. I know most would probably say If I am that scared or uncertain, I should not be riding. I am good on pavement, just the other stuff is the issue.
Anyway I love my bike and I will keep trying at my pace until I understand how to ride in those conditions.
Thanks to all that have guided me in my purchase and the shifting issue.
I think that you should cut yourself some slack, you're only 400 KM into off-road riding. There is a big difference between being scared and being cautious. With a top heavy bike it may take a little while to gain confidence, but it will come. You are doing the absolute best thing by learning at your own pace, and riding within "your" comfort zone. A lot of guys that I rode off-road with would throw caution to the wind (myself included), and sometimes end up wrecking their bike, or worse, seriously injure themselves.

Also, don't be afraid to go riding with other more experienced off-road riders. The majority don't care about your skill level and are more than willing to offer up advice/riding tips, and are an invaluable resource should you run into mechanical issues on the trail.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 08-10-2018, 11:11 PM
SlightlyDistracting SlightlyDistracting is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 438
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sitting Bull View Post
Well , as 57 year old beginner rider, I can't tell you to much as I have nothing to compare it with. I wanted a dual sport in order to explore a bit of highway, forestry roads and easy back trails. I have no interest in motocross type riding with jumps and aggressive riding as i am not in the greatest shape and have knee issues and such. Just want to ride casually at my pace.
I decided to buy a used bike as I was not sure if I would even enjoy it and that way I was not into a $6000.00+ unit. It was hard to find a reasonably priced bike, but I ended up with this 1996 Suzuki DR350ES. So far it has been a joy to ride with great fuel mileage. A bigger tank would be nice! My bike runs great so far. The only issue I have, is with me and my lack of experience and confidence in riding on gravel roads or soft sand/dirt. I don't understand how the bike reacts and I want to tense up and hang on for dear life in those conditions even when going slow.I'm scared to fall and dump the bike and get seriously injured. I know most would probably say If I am that scared or uncertain, I should not be riding. I am good on pavement, just the other stuff is the issue.
Anyway I love my bike and I will keep trying at my pace until I understand how to ride in those conditions.
Thanks to all that have guided me in my purchase and the shifting issue.
Its never to late to start riding
The biggest piece of advice I would give? Relax. Dont tense up. If you are nervous, slow down. Practice. You will only get better and in turn your confidence will build.
No bikes are made for gravel roads. Period. None
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 08-11-2018, 06:09 AM
Tom Pullings Tom Pullings is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Southwest
Posts: 532
Default

I had an Acerbis tank on my dr350. I can’t remember how much gas it held but no matter how hard I tried I could not even get close to running out of gas lol.

The gravel road feeling is hard to get used to. Some people never do. For me I didn’t care so much about the rear end floating around but I was worried the front would wash out. Just took practice and eventually the feeling became normal. Try to look way ahead of you and not at the front fender or just ahead. Relax your grip a bit too and let the bike do it’s thing.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 08-11-2018, 08:29 AM
Digger1's Avatar
Digger1 Digger1 is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Southern Alberta
Posts: 635
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by liar View Post
the biggest issue to watch out for with the oil is that the clutch is in the oil so if the oil used has too much friction modifiers in it , it can slip . the best policy is always use the oem manufacture recommendations . trying to save a few bucks by using off the shelf engine oil "may" end up causing more grief than its worth .
When I got the old Yamaha I figured I'd give it a treat and put in synthetic oil. Not good. Clutches slipping. Washed it out and went back to Yamalube. Later a parts man told me Valvoline motorcycle oil was good for clutches. Nope. Some slippage there too. Back to the old fashioned non slippery Yamalube for $10 a litre. Not really complaining, the old machine is a 1986 and running quite well! LOL
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 08-11-2018, 09:07 AM
Tom Pullings Tom Pullings is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Southwest
Posts: 532
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Digger1 View Post
When I got the old Yamaha I figured I'd give it a treat and put in synthetic oil. Not good. Clutches slipping. Washed it out and went back to Yamalube. Later a parts man told me Valvoline motorcycle oil was good for clutches. Nope. Some slippage there too. Back to the old fashioned non slippery Yamalube for $10 a litre. Not really complaining, the old machine is a 1986 and running quite well! LOL


That doesn’t make any sense unless your clutch is so worn out that small differences in oil cause it to slip. A lot of bikes come with synthetic and friction modified (no real rule as to what that even is) oil in the motor as the initial fill.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 08-11-2018, 09:57 AM
liar liar is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ft assiniboine area
Posts: 1,392
Default

The only issue I have, is with me and my lack of experience and confidence in riding on gravel roads or soft sand/dirt. I don't understand how the bike reacts and I want to tense up and hang on for dear life in those conditions even when going slow.I'm scared to fall and dump the bike and get seriously injured.



i've had a bike of some sort since i was 14 . 45 years later gravel and sand still scare me so dont get down about it . as mentioned before , the throttle is your friend . you have way more control under power , trouble is , at some point you have to slow down ....
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 08-11-2018, 06:25 PM
Selkirk's Avatar
Selkirk Selkirk is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: In the shadow of the Valhalla Mountains, BC .
Posts: 9,174
Lightbulb Suggestion . . .

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sitting Bull View Post
Looks like it was the shift lever. It was rubbing on the case so I gently pried it away a bit and took it out for a quick spin. The problem seems to have gone away. Went through all six gears with no issue.
Thanks so much.

I picked up a few bottles of the Suzuki 10-40 oil from the dealer today.

A tip on where to buy MC (Motorcycle) Specific Oil . . .

Years ago, the only place you could buy MC specific oil, was at MC dealerships. Their prices were ridiculously high, And Still Are!

Fast-forward to today, and things are a LOT Better! Good quality MC Specific oil can be found at many places now ... Napa, Parts Source, Canadian Tire, etc. I just wait for their sales, and stock up for the year. Prices during their sales are usually less than half of what they charge at the MC dealerships.

As long as the MC Specific oil has a JASO rating of 'MA' or 'MA2' (it will say on the container), you're good-to-go! I run Lucas brand MC Specific 10W-40 Synthetic MA2 Oil in my air cooled dual-sport (Yamaha XT250). It works Grrreat, and it shifts 'smooooth as butter'.

Selkirk
__________________
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:42 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.