Hard to get it first gear

[miairhead]

First gear sometimes is a struggle into sometimes. I not quite sure why, just it acts as you have to really hit the peddle hard to get in first.

 

[20774]

Try rolling the bike a little forward and backward as you shift. Also be sure that the clutch lever is adjusted properly. It's possible that the bushing that supports the lever is worn, causing some binding, but you would think that would affecting all gears.

 

[tvrla]

This can be normal, but another thing that can make this worse is dry trans input splines.

 

[88bmwjeff]

Don't know if this is your problem. You didn't say under what circumstances this occurs. Does it occur while downshifting? Or, after a stop while idling in neutral? If it's the latter it can be due to the dogs not lining up properly. Sometimes when the bike is idling in neutral, the gears shift slightly. It's just one of the quirkinesses of these transmissions. I've noticed, and have been told, to release the clutch then try again. This trick does work. Don't force things because you'll most likely just create more problems down the road.

 

[tvrla]

Rolling the bike slightly will also change the position of the gears and help them line up.

 

[Bill Burke]

Rev it slightly as you're shifting into first until you feel resistance in the lever, then click it down into first gear.

 

[bikerfish1100]

New problem for this bike, or has it done this since you've owned it? If new to the bike- start looking at adjustments or parts replacements as suggested above. If it's always done it to you, look to change your operating behaviors as suggested above. If second condition, you might want to bring it to someone who knows airheads to see if they feel it is abnormal for the breed.

 

[keelerb]

The definitive answer - you can't pull in the clutch and then lollygag. The shift must be made quickly after the clutch is in, or else it won't go in (the gears stop turning and then the dogs won't engage - it's a design feature). If you do this, let the clutch out, then re-engage it and shift quickly into first.

Can't tell you how frustrating it was until someome let me know this secret.

Try it, and please do report back. I think you'll be amazed. Works 100%.

 

[AnnapolisAirhead]

Just curious, what year and model bike is this?

 

[sumran]

First gear sometimes is a struggle into sometimes. I not quite sure why, just it acts as you have to really hit the peddle hard to get in first.

Is the difficulty when you are downshifting as you approach a stop or shifting into first from neutral after starting the bike or both?

 

[bmwwrench]

Pull the clutch lever in only partially while pushing down on the shift lever. When first gear begins to engage, pull the clutch lever all the way in. Doing this allows the shafts in the gearbox to turn enough to let the engagement dogs line up. This is such an ingrained habit of boxer riders that most of us do it unconsiously.

 

[AnnapolisAirhead]

Pull the clutch lever in only partially while pushing down on the shift lever. When first gear begins to engage, ... This is such an ingrained habit of boxer riders that most of us do it unconsiously.

er, subconsciously I hope.

 

[keelerb]

The shift must be made quickly after the clutch is in, or else it won't go in (the gears stop turning and then the dogs won't engage - it's a design feature). If you do this, let the clutch out, then re-engage it and shift quickly into first.

Just do it.

 

[bmwwrench]

I do everything unconsiously.

 

[keelerb]

Just trust me on this one, please. Engage first QUICKLY after pulling in the clutch (else let it out and re-engage). Problem solved.

 

[bikerfish1100]

hey guys, I hope ya'll realize that until we hear back from the OP about under what conditions and actions his 1st gear problem occurs, we are all just pissing in the wind with advice, right?
i'm seeing a lot of favorite solutions, but they only apply if the problem he's experiencing is related to what your solution addresses.
so how about we go quiet until he comes back? hmmm?

 

[keelerb]

With all due respect, my response referenced a DESIGN FEATURE of airhead gearboxes that gives rise to this phenomenon. I don't need details of a particular airhead to know that it will act this way - or that my suggested "cure" will fix it.

I don't take credit for coming up with this knowledge, BTW. It was imparted to me in response to just such an inquiry I made some time ago.

Thanks - BrianK

 

[keelerb]

Was hoping the OP would report back...?

 

[miairhead]

First gear

I seems that the problem comes and goes. some rides never develops, some it always a problem, I have not check the adjustment of linkage as yet. No real reason. I don't want to do much during riding season, it is short enough as it is.

 

[keelerb]

Have you tried making sure you shift gears quickly after pulling in the clutch? I find that if I do this, it works 100% of the time. If I don't, sometime it works and sometimes it doesn't - all a question of if the dogs on the gears, once the gears stop moving (which happens shortly after the clutch is pulled in), are in the right position - hit or miss.

Again, I understand that this is a design feature - BMW told the gearbox designers to make sure the gears stopped turning within some specified period after the clutch is pulled in (I forget why - maybe noise reduction?).

Try it!