[MD11]

Ok, so I'm trying to figure out the quirks to this new bike and make sure these are just quirks or maybe breakin items and not problems..

My new bike sometimes refuses to shift into 1st from N, this usually happens after starting the motor, and not so much when the bikes been running for a while. I push down on the shifter and it doesn't move... there is no detent feel like there would be in a normal shift. This happened like 10 times out of 20 starts and drive offs today. Usually after about 30 sec of screwing with it, it shifts into 1st..

Also, should there be a loud clunk or thunk when I downshift the bike into first as I coast in from 2nd? Seems like the rest of the gears are quiet in the shift down, except 1st..

Last question... how long should the flashing ABS and ASC lights last for? Seems like mine stay on for at least a two seconds into the drive off..

 

[las]

The shift problem is common. To get the bike to shift neutral to first when it won't go, move the bike a smidge forward or backward manually and it will shift.
PS: presumably, you leave the bike in first, when parked. It is best to start again in first (clutched, of course), and, as per the manual, drive right off. Safer, better for engine and tranny and no downshift from neutral to first issue!

The labs light situation is normal. Happy and safe riding!

 

[flbmw]

AS far as downshifting into first. I never do. When I approach a stop sign, I downshift to second and roll to a stop in second and then shift into first while I'm stopped. It's just something I do to avoid that loud clunk of shifting into first while still rolling.

 

[Happy Camper]

Hey Md.
Mine also does it. Just let the clutch go a little bit while putting it in first. It shouls go in much easier. Lights are normal. My dealer also told me to let the top yellow warning light with the exclamation mark go out before I start the bike. It runs a diagnostic of all systems apparently.
Otherwise, hows the bike?

 

[drDave]

MD11, My bike had funky shifts for the first couple of hundred miles; dropping into neutral from 2nd or 3rd. It all went away. The only thing that is still there is when you start the bike, it does not routinely shift into first unless I either move the bike or open and close the shift lever once or twice. Not a big quirk. Give your bike a few weeks to run in and see what happens.

 

[fleuger99]

My bike does the same thing when its cold right after starting up and trying to get it into first. I move it forward ever so slightly and it drops into first. It only happens once upon start up.

I downshift to 2nd gear and as I'm coming to a stop I drop it into first just as I put my legs down to stop so in the event the light changes or someone behind me doesn't look like they're going to stop I'm in first and can power out the way.

 

[MD11]

so glad to see I'm not alone.... yeah, i figured out that if I put it into 1st as soon as I hit the clutch, rather than wait a bit it always goes. Seems when I hold the clutch in for an extended period then try to shift it that's when she's not as happy. I also (as per MSF recommendation) stay in 1st at a stop but I think I'll also add the no downshift to 1st until stop as a technique.. though sometimes if traffic is moving slow enough I found that a downshift into 1st is necessary.

Otherwise I'm absolutely adoring this bike... God I'm so mad that it's gonna rain a lot the next week here in PDX and then I hit the road on the 14th so I won't get to play with it for the rest of the month!

 

[drDave]

I love the balance on mine; the low center of gravity. On the few times it's tipped over (hint: NEVER put down your kickstand on a sandy patch of asphalt it's much easier to pick up than my old G650gs, even though it weighs more.

I also like the fact that 1st gear is long enough to actually let you make turns, drive in SLOW CHILDREN side streets, etc.

 

[yonderbob]

pretty much what everyone is saying... all is normal.

Every bike I've ever had would sometimes need a "double clutch" to get it into first gear when standing still. Usually just requires a release of the clutch in neutral, then squeeze it again and it will shift into first.

I have also noted the clunk from neutral to 1st when downshifting. it doesn't happen, however, when shifting all the way down from 2nd to first while moving. nice quiet snick into gear then.

enjoy the ride!

Bob