Hi All, Just started noticing this: sometimes bike won't shift from 2nd to 3rd. 22.5K Miles - feels like return spring isn't firing. Downshift back to neutral and back through gears normally cures it. Rest of gears are fine. Anyone know what's going on with this or experienced something similar? Cheers, FBB
I don't think it's the return spring. When I had the ST4s the return spring broke at about 26,000 miles. Symptoms were it would change up ok but wouldn't change down. To change down I had to lift the lever back to the central position first and then push down on it to change down. If your spring was faulty you'd be able to change up from 2nd to 3rd but would have difficulty changing down from 3rd to 2nd.
Hmmm...interesting. It kinda FEELS like the return spring though, Y'know? Clicks up into 2nd but then there no sprung downward click to engage the next gear....
Maybe there is some friction somewhere that the spring can't overcome. I'd start by removing the gear lever and checking the pivot and linkage are free.
@bradders would a slack chain have that effect? It's definitely a possibility as I have a new chain and sprockets fitted which would be ready for their first adjustment now. Bike is with Ducati dealer right now for 22.5k oil service and to investigate the electronic problems I was having. We'll see what she's like when I get her back (as presumably they'll have adjusted the chain). @Derek Thanks! If the above doesn't fix it, that'll be the next thing I do.
I know my gear change is clunky when chain is slack, was two weeks ago, adj and now way better again. Worth a crack, costs nothing
Yup! Definitely worth a crack. And, as it's in for a service anyway, I shouldn't even have to do anything! ;-) Let's hope it's that simple and not a sign of some ominous looming gearbox problem!
Hmm, mine is getting reluctant changing down from 3rd to 2nd, now at 21k miles. It takes an extra bit of effort to get it to "come out" of 3rd. Changed slave, replaced fluid twice (first flush turned jet black after 300 miles, but latest flush has stayed clear at same mileage), newish chain (under 2k miles) at perfect tension and well lubed and lever out at maximum, so bite point away from bars. Could be an early trade-in
Hmmm that does sound more "clutchy" than my problem but who knows. It's always either 2nd to 3rd or 3rd to 4th that starts to go 'cos they're the most frequent gear changes. Post any updates you have, it'd be interesting to see what the problem is. Cheers, FBB
