FZ6 Shifting Problems from 5th to 6th

[cjb600]

Hi,

I am new to the forum. I just picked up a 2005 FZ6 with only 300 miles. I have been having problems shifting from 5th to 6th. It doesn't happen all the time, but occasionally when shifting from 5th to 6th, it won't grab 6th and falls back to 5th. Just wondering if there is a fix for this. Thanks.

[Raid The Revenge]

Sounds like the clutch plates. Hang on...I'll double check!

[Raid The Revenge]

I'm back! Here's what I got; the problem might not be as bad as I thought!

CLUTCH SLIPPING

1) Insufficient clutch cable freeplay. Check your clutch cable freeplay and adjust.
2) Clutch plates worn or warped. Overhaul the clutch assembly.
3) Clutch springs broken or weak. Renew heatdamaged or damaged springs.
4) Faulty clutch release mechanism. Replace defective parts with new ones.
5) Clutch housing unevenly worn. This causes improper engagement of the plates. Fix.
6) Incorrect oil used in engine. Oils designed for car engines often contain friction modifiers, which if used in the FZ6's wet-clutch, that can promote slipping. Check/change your oil to motorcycle 4-stroke oil.

[Raid The Revenge]

Triple Post! Hooray!

Based on the condition of your 300 mile-FZ6, I'd perform an oil change and check your clutch cable freeplay. Since your engine is so new, it's VERY UNLIKELY that your clutch plates would already be damaged. Good luck! May the force be with you! Live free and die hard! You either die a hero or live long enough to become the villian! Momentai! All those other overused and crappy sayings.

[rvbiker]

I'm curious why a '05 FZ6 would have only 300 miles on the odo. Do you have any background on the previous owner or know how it was ridden?

[cjb600]

I actually know the person I bought it from. He bought it as a hold over in 2006 and claims he didn't have time to ride it. Everything else on the bike seems okay. Just curious about the shifting problem.

Since I purchased it, I have ridden 300 miles, and did my first oil change using the Rotella Synthetic 5W40. It shifts smoother, but still occasionally misses between 5th and 6th.

[Raid The Revenge]

Check your clutch cable freeplay. If that doesn't solve the problem then it's likely that one of the clutch springs has become loose.

The worst case scenario would be someone lying to you. Perhaps the guy bagged the crap out of the engine? Changed the instrument panel to reset the mileage? Not likely.

Clutch cable freeplay. After a long time, it could've stretched! Try that next time and come back if you need more help.

[Nick J]

I asked the mechanic at my dealer if I should use synthetic oil and he recommended that I didn't and said one of the reasons he doesn't recommend synthetic is that it could possibly make the clutch plates slip. Are you sure you're fully shifting it enough to engage the gears?

[stevesnj]

Wouldn't this still be under warranty? If not...I would just have the dealer look at it...even if you have to pay for them too look at it...its beats guessing at the issue.

[cjb600]

Do I want to tighten the clutch cable freeplay or loosen it? Is this the adjustment at the clutch lever? I have noticed the clutch doesn't engage until the lever is about 3/4 released. Is this normal?

I do need to get a repair manual for this bike. I have had 1980's vintage cruisers and learned how to do the minor adjustments. This is my first modern street bike, so some of the repairs may be different.

Thanks again for the input!