'19 F750GS - major issues shifting from 1st into 2nd gear

[steph66moore]

Hello all --

I bought a new 2019 F750GS in August 2019. I finally joined the MOA and this forum because I've got a question about shifting and transmission issues I'm experiencing with this bike. I did try to search whether this had been asked before, but did not find anything pertinent to my question/issue.

Simply put: it's a real pain in the ass to get the bike to shift from first into second gear. Every time. Bike consistently wants to drop into a space that is not quite first, not quite neutral, and definitely not second gear. It also shows a blank gear indication on the FTF display (not even a N) until I can finally manage to get it up into second, which takes several attempts generally. Also, the transmission in general is incredibly clunky with every shift. There is NO smooth / quiet gear shifting on this bike, unlike my Strom and my Ninja.

I did ask the dealer about this when I had the first service done and was told "Yeah, that's just a thing with this bike." That's really not what a new owner who just dropped money on a new bike wants to hear. Made me think to myself, "Well hell, man, if I'd known that before I bought it, I would never have even considered a bike that in every way is a distant second to a second-hand, 2009 Suzuki V-Strom, or even a simple Ninja 650."

Bike came with the factory gearshift pro assist, which I hate and want removed, but I'm wondering if that's part of the problem. Any insights into this problem would be appreciated!

steph moore
New Mexico, USA

 

[omega man]

Welcome to the forum!
I think the first thing I would try is swapping bikes with someone that has no knowledge of your concern and see if they bring it up.
We have some members that are real good with the shift assist that may be able to help.
Good luck.
Gary

 

[drneo66]

Welcome to the forum Steph! How many miles are on the 750?

This is what I would say if this wasn't coming with a quick shifter: "Are you preloading the shifter lever? Before pulling in the clutch, use your toes to give ~40% of the pressure needed to shift from one gear to the next. Typically this helps slide the gearing from one to the next."

 

[PGlaves]

This symptom has been know to be caused by a loose lever on the transmission shift shaft. I had the problem on both of our G310s. Before thinking of digging any deeper take a careful look to be sure that the lever is tight on the shift shaft at the transmission.

 

[jbinaz]

Really sorry to hear of the shifting issues. My 2021 is outstanding - far better shifting than my clunky R1200GS. I think your dealer gave a bogus response amd I would pursue it further. Maybe take a demo one out and see if it's the same.

Are you preloading the shifter lever? Before pulling in the clutch, use your toes to give ~40% of the pressure needed to shift from one gear to the next. Typically this helps slide the gearing from one to the next.

That doesn't work with the quickshifter as it will interpret the initial "preload" as an attempt to shift and may cut power inadvertantly. Anyway the F750 doesn't need preloading.

 

[drneo66]

That doesn't work with the quickshifter as it will interpret the initial "preload" as an attempt to shift and may cut power inadvertantly. Anyway the F750 doesn't need preloading.

Reading comprehension is hard...

 

[bmwgsrider]

Hello all --

I bought a new 2019 F750GS in August 2019. I finally joined the MOA and this forum because I've got a question about shifting and transmission issues I'm experiencing with this bike. I did try to search whether this had been asked before, but did not find anything pertinent to my question/issue.

Simply put: it's a real pain in the ass to get the bike to shift from first into second gear. Every time. Bike consistently wants to drop into a space that is not quite first, not quite neutral, and definitely not second gear. It also shows a blank gear indication on the FTF display (not even a N) until I can finally manage to get it up into second, which takes several attempts generally. Also, the transmission in general is incredibly clunky with every shift. There is NO smooth / quiet gear shifting on this bike, unlike my Strom and my Ninja.

I did ask the dealer about this when I had the first service done and was told "Yeah, that's just a thing with this bike." That's really not what a new owner who just dropped money on a new bike wants to hear. Made me think to myself, "Well hell, man, if I'd known that before I bought it, I would never have even considered a bike that in every way is a distant second to a second-hand, 2009 Suzuki V-Strom, or even a simple Ninja 650."

Bike came with the factory gearshift pro assist, which I hate and want removed, but I'm wondering if that's part of the problem. Any insights into this problem would be appreciated!

steph moore
New Mexico, USA

Was this resolved?

I had the same issue with my cylinder F650 GS. It had something to with the rod in the transmission. It’s been too long ago as I can’t remember if it came loose or broken. I would lean more to what Paul Glaves had mentioned. Everyone was trying to tell me like what some has posted, I wasn’t shifting right and that wasn’t the problem.

I do hope by now it has been resolved.

 

[stormbringer]

I've just bought a new F750GS and it has a strange clutch problem when using the clutch to change gear especially down changes the clutch lever sticks and then releases some times with click also the clutch seems very heavy

 

[stormbringer]

The head of BMW technical UK has riden My bike and ahs confirmed the problem is known to BMW on early 853cc engines
Mine is a 2024 bike so should have had the modifications but it has now had a new clutch under warranty which has cured the problems including the false neutrals

 

[omega man]

The head of BMW technical UK has riden My bike and ahs confirmed the problem is known to BMW on early 853cc engines
Mine is a 2024 bike so should have had the modifications but it has now had a new clutch under warranty which has cured the problems including the false neutrals

Great to hear you have resolved this.
OM