LUC’S TIPS OCTOBER 2013: Smooth Shifting

Published: Posted on by admin

Last Updated: November 29th, 2020

TEAM Arizona Motorcycle MechanicGreasing our motorcycle’s pivot points can get overlooked.  It is a tiny piece of mechanical maintenance that can pay huge dividends for increasing riding enjoyment.  If it has been awhile since you greased the pivot point for your gear shift lever, get your grease tub out and get prepared for some SMOOTH SHIFTING!

As always, your local trusted dealership or reliable repair shop can be a great resource for lubing your gear shift lever, but if you want to tackle this job yourself, we’ll provide the inside scoop.  Greasing pivot points should occur at every maintenance interval.

TOOLS and SUPPLIES

The procedure for greasing your gear shift lever pivot point is fairly straight forward.  Make sure to check your motorcycle’s service manual for the correct tools, tool sizes, and step-by-step procedures.  You’ll want to have the following tools and supplies handy:

  • Wrenches necessary for your job
  • Shop rag(s)
  • Grease (Bel Ray Axle Grease works fine, but molybdenum sulfide grease lasts longer)

GREASING THE MOTORCYCLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER PIVOT POINT

MOTORCYCLE GEAR SHIFT LEVER PIVOT POINTFollow the step by step instructions of your service manual to disassemble your gear shift lever pivot point.   The next step is CRUCIAL:  Clean the pivot point and permit it time to dry.

If you feel so inclined, and we would, make sure to grease any heim joints (aka gear shift rod ends) that are connected to your gear shift lever and may be used by your motorcycle.  Next, apply the grease in appropriate amounts.

Reassemble the pivot point and clean the area around the pivot point to prevent the attraction of dirt.  NOTE:  Avoid using degreasers to clean the area as it will affect the ability of the grease to reduce friction.

The end result should be a gear shift lever that moves freely and easily.  Your shifts will be silky smooth; your passengers and transmission will love you for it!

So, where will you be grabbing gears this weekend?  If you perform this procedure and go for a ride, why don’t you tell us about it on our Facebook page?

-LUC

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DISCLAIMER:  THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS COLUMN ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF ANY MANUFACTURER.  THE CONTENT PROVIDED IS MERELY EDUCATIONAL AND NOT INTENDED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL REPAIR.  TEAM ARIZONA, ITS STAFF, AND ITS RIDERCOACHES ARE UNAVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE MOTORCYCLE REPAIR; WE RECOMMEND SEEING YOUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP OR REPAIR SHOP.