Shift struggles

[BlkDakDave]

Well after almost two weeks of being cooped up in the shed while doing the go-over, I was able to bring the ol' 220 out in the sunshine this morning.

IMG_20191104_095802 - Edited.jpg (597.11 KiB) Viewed 2491 times

The intent of the test ride was to see how my carb cleaning went and to warm up the transmision oil before changing it to what I knew would be fresh. The bike had good pull and acceleration. However shifting into the upper gears was not an effortless or thoughtless task. Sometimes is was 2nd, sometimes 3rd and even 4th. I did change the postion of the shifter to a little higher postition, but after the ride this morning I'm thinking about bringing it back down to see if that helps.

Reading through some transmission threads here, some say that ATF-F is a choice, while others use motor oil. What I drained out of my bike was some clean motor oil. Just wondering what the consensus would be on the shifting woes on my bike. Try some ATF, stick with motor oil, change the position of the shifter, or learn how to shift

Thanks in advance!

EDIT ALERT!

After having my lunch while writing the above post, I went back out to check on how the oil draining process was going. Checking the drained amount, it was less than 16 oz while it should have been closer to 24 oz. That could have been part of my shifting problem. Also, reading few more threads on transmission oil, I saw where a few were using 80w gear lube. I know my RoadStar 1700 used that in the trans.

I think I'll hop on the KLR 650 and run up to Walmart and buy some of their conventional 10w-40 dino oil then call it a day. I'll set the sag tomorrow.

[bufftester]

Just don't go mixing ATF and oil, the fibre plates don't appreciate it much. After drained put a full quart of wet clutch friendly oil (no friction modifiers) in and see how it does.

[BlkDakDave]

Just don't go mixing ATF and oil, the fibre plates don't appreciate it much. After drained put a full quart of wet clutch friendly oil (no friction modifiers) in and see how it does.

That would be a "strange brew" although it seems like I read one post where someone did just that. I made the trip to Walmart and bought a few quarts of conventional 10w-40. I put in a little under 24 oz, which I'll run a for a while before dumping and then add a fresh one. I also readjusted the shifter down a little. The shifter was pretty bent up when I bought the bike. I straightened it up during the go-over and straightened it up some more today.

It's time for an adult beverage, so will check it out tomorrow once the wife and rest of the neighbors go to work.

[Molly's 70]

Your bike looks fantastic! If it were me, I'd run the best wet clutch oil I could.

[KDXGarage]

16 years young!

Maxima MTL-R 80 or Bel-ray Gear Saver 80 weight have worked well for me.

[BlkDakDave]

Your bike looks fantastic! If it were me, I'd run the best wet clutch oil I could.

Thanks! It took a little TLC to get it to that point. Would like to eventually replace the rear rim as it's bent with a small crack. Justifing the coin for another one is a little hard especially when the one on there now seems to be pretty true and rides fine.
Here's a before picture (when I first got it home) and then and after picture.

Kdx comp_resize_7.jpg (596.52 KiB) Viewed 2461 times

And If I may, what brand/type are you running? -- Thanks again.

[BlkDakDave]

16 years young!

Maxima MTL-R 80 or Bel-ray Gear Saver 80 weight have worked well for me.

Question here KDXGarage; is this 80w similar to rear differential fluid. Seems like the best protection. Also are you using a conventional or synthetic 80w?

Thanks in advance!

[Molly's 70]

This is what I use.

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/ ... =DBTFQT-EA

[KDXGarage]

Bel-ray once advertised that their 80 weight gear oil was similar to 10w-40.

I don't know if it is conventional or synthetic. I just buy it and go. :-)

[Molly's 70]

As stated, Bel Ray is also a top choice.

[BlkDakDave]

This is what I use.

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/ ... =DBTFQT-EA

The name Amsoil speaks for itself. How often do you change it? I read where some change their oil every three tanks or so. Probably not Amsoil, or mabe they're just riding hard.

Appreciate your input.

[BlkDakDave]

Bel-ray once advertised that their 80 weight gear oil was similar to 10w-40.

I don't know if it is conventional or synthetic. I just buy it and go. :-)

Reading up on their site it doesn't state if it is or not. I did see where it similar to 10w-40 and used in engines larger than 125cc. I'm currently using Bel-Ray synthetic mix @ 40:1 and very satisfied with how it performs.

Thanks for the info!

BTW- took the bike out this morning. The oil change and bringing it up to the right level last night seemed to do the trick. The bike shifted great! Still need to address the sag.

[BlkDakDave]

As stated, Bel Ray is also a top choice.

Good to know, thanks!

[KDXGarage]

I am glad it is shifting properly now. Good deal!