I like to find out if any of you have encountered shifting problems or specifically missed shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. I've owned 4 BMW's this being my forth (2012 GTL) and I've never had a missed shift problem before. This is driving me nuts. Can anyone on this forum tell me more about this and what can be done to correct it. Thanks!
Shifting Problems 1st to 2nd
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I have problems shifting to second when I am riding in stop and go traffic situations with my 99LT. I figured it was a rider error. I started using engine breaking more often and it helps to reduce this problem for me.Also highway riding at higher RPM's seems to help this. I also observe unhappy transmission when I am riding one up or with heavier loads. Riding solo at high RPM seems to be the happiest LT for me.
I am not sure if I have totally identified the issue but this is just my two cents.
I am not sure if I have totally identified the issue but this is just my two cents.
I was constantly missing 1-2 shifts (going into neutral) when I first got my LT. For a while, I tried to slow things down and be more deliberate; the problem got worse. Then I went in the other direction...like Steve describes...pre-loading the shifter, and just "kissing" it into 2nd. The problem went away immediately.
When I got my GTL, I approached it the same way and it works beatifully. I have missed probably three 1-2 shifts in the 6K I've put on it...in every instance it was when I got sloppy with my technique.
Give it some revs. Pre-load the shifter. Give it a quick "kiss" to upshift. If you do this, it will be smooth as silk and very reliable.
When I got my GTL, I approached it the same way and it works beatifully. I have missed probably three 1-2 shifts in the 6K I've put on it...in every instance it was when I got sloppy with my technique.
Give it some revs. Pre-load the shifter. Give it a quick "kiss" to upshift. If you do this, it will be smooth as silk and very reliable.
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825 Posts
Well, first you need to buy a Langstrom 7/16" gangley wrench. Then you have to remove the fairing......just kidding. :histericaLTFan said:
Pre-load is a technique where you put a little upward pressure on the shift lever just before you make the gear change.
Every once in a while I will misss a 1-2 shift and it will catch me off guard. When I do this it is usually because I was lazy in the upshift. Almost as if I was back on a Harley type shift. Keep the shift positive with a little pre-load and I just flick the clutch lever never pull to the grip, well unless you are stopped......
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I've had a few false neutrals when going for second on the GTL, but way less than I had grown accustomed to with the LT. I am experiencing spontaneous downshifts from 4th to 3rd, usually as I am acccelerating after a turn. It seems to go to 4th fine then about 10 seconds later it pops back into 3rd. It's happened four or five times in the past month.
My first assumption was that I wasn't being manly enough with my shifting but it has happened after very firm upshifts no as well, so that doesn't seem to be the problem.
Anybody else seeing this?
My first assumption was that I wasn't being manly enough with my shifting but it has happened after very firm upshifts no as well, so that doesn't seem to be the problem.
Anybody else seeing this?
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473 Posts
Friend of mine owns a K16GT. He suffered from a gear dropping out of 2nd back into neutral. He had to leave the bike at the dealer when he checked in to get the 1000 km service. Gearbox will be swapped for new.
Mine occasionally drops out of 5th back to 4th, but only if I shift too quick and not firm enough.
Mine occasionally drops out of 5th back to 4th, but only if I shift too quick and not firm enough.
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119 Posts
I have noticed this, usually when rapidly changing from 1 to 2 or 2 to 3 it has happened as well. This is only my second MC ever, first being the 08 RT, andI had the same issue with that bike. This does not occur all the time but taking off fast almost always and embarrassing, could just be my experience level!
J
J
I have also experienced the spontaneous down shift from 4th to 3rd for no apparent reason. This coupled with the sometimes missed shift from 1st to 2nd is really annoying. I'm hoping that if enough people complain to their dealers and have them report these continued problems there will be a fit for all of this. I went to my dealer yesterday for the most recent software update and for them to check the missed shift problem. As luck would have it on the way there the bike preformed flawlessly. During their testing the same and on the way back home, again, flawlessly. Go figure.
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625 Posts
Wondering if it's related to the shift linkage? My LT did that...missing shifts and/or dropping out of gear and I found the linkage was not adjusted correctly. Made a couple turns giving it more throw (or might have been less...don't remember) and all was fine.
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50 Posts
My current bike (a Honda) has a toe-heel shifter (which I love). In a week or so, I'll be changing from a cruiser to a GTL in about a week. I'm wondering what your thoughts are on a toe-heel shifter on the GTL and does anyone make one for this bike? I just like the idea of not scuffing my boots all up from the shifter more than any other real reason for the toe-heel shifter.
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I've had the same problem on my 2012 GTL. What does pre-loading the shifter mean?JimE said:
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