Hard downshifts pt. 2

[daddysbike]

I dropped the bike off at the dealer Thursday (April 5) and hope to hear soon what's up.

I'll let you know what they say.

I'm at 3k miles now and the hard down shifting is better though it still happens mostly when the bike is cold. It also still clunks rough going from neutral to 1st after starting cold and the bike can't be pushed when off in gear with clutch pulled in. Something is up for sure with the clutch.

I still love it though and just ordered the G2 cam, gel grips and grip puppies. That and hopefully clutch fix should enable me to just ride, enjoy and quit bitching.

Steve

 

[ionbeam]

It also still clunks rough going from neutral to 1st after starting cold

That is normal, they all do it. There are some work-arounds that let you avoid the clunk.

the hard down shifting is better though it still happens mostly when the bike is cold...the bike can't be pushed when off in gear with clutch pulled in.

That is not normal, something is wrong. Several Forum members with similar problems have had this issue resolved by changing the clutch slave cylinder. I don't think anyone's problem has been totally solved by repair/replacement of the clutch plates or by changing oil. The problem some of the Gen II bikes have with clutch release may have something to do with the changes made to accommodate the AE. IIRC, someone said that the Gen IIs have a longer clutch rod throw.

 

[HaulinAshe]

If any of you needs a clutch slave off the 07 to test with, just PM me. I changed out to a Gen-I slave cylinder a couple weeks ago and have no need for the 07 slave. Will make you a real deal!

 

[daddysbike]

The service manager also asked me if this was the first year of the bike "great" I thought, I hope the mechanics know more than this manager.

I spoke with him today and he said the mechanic has not found anything (surprise!) and they will check with Yamaha.

Also it helps when I blip the throttle when downshifting. I'll mention to him the slave fix and see what happens. If no luck with that dealer, I'll just ride it hoping it gets better. If it continues I'll just take it to another dealer and so on.

Stay tuned,

Steve

 

[daddysbike]

Turns out I was talking to a new service counter guy not the service manager (Thank God!)

I spoke with the acutal service manager today and told him that others on this forum had the problem and that the problem for some turned out to be the slave cylinder. He said that sounded like a good place to start and would take a look at it then call the Factory engineers and see what to do. It will be interesting to see if they issue a recall if this continues.

They still have a few bikes ahead of me. They've had mine for 5 days and I should have it back soon. All the ATV's etc coming out of the woodwork for spring tuning/repairs.

I'm taking off for the Blueridge parkway and 2000 miles of riding for 4 days first week in May and just want to ride!!

Steve

 

[Captain B]

I don't have quite the same situation most of you have with the clutch, but thought I would join in this conversation to learn/share more. I just got a 2007 1300AE. It has taken me about a week and 400 miles to get used to the shifting "clunk". At least half was on me trying learn the foot shift and the toggle shift, but the part that was worrying me most was the hard engagement I get. I was concerned that I would damage the tranny before I even got to the 600 mile service. I have gotten better at feeling/listening when to shift up and down, and that has helped a lot. I find that the advice in the OM is ok for downshifting, but not quite accurate for upshifting. Sounds like I also need to be patient with the bike for @5k or so. When I get it in for the 600 mile service I am going to have them go over things a bit, but it sounds like this is part of the "querkiness" I had heard about from the service manager. Thoughts, opinions are most welcome. This is an awesome machine, and I am completely in love with it. Would hate to think I was doing any serious damage because of my stupidity.

 

[mcatrophy]

-->

QUOTE(Captain B @ Apr 11 2007, 06:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't have quite the same situation most of you have with the clutch, but thought I would join in this conversation to learn/share more. I just got a 2007 1300AE. It has taken me about a week and 400 miles to get used to the shifting "clunk". At least half was on me trying learn the foot shift and the toggle shift, but the part that was worrying me most was the hard engagement I get. I was concerned that I would damage the tranny before I even got to the 600 mile service. I have gotten better at feeling/listening when to shift up and down, and that has helped a lot. I find that the advice in the OM is ok for downshifting, but not quite accurate for upshifting. Sounds like I also need to be patient with the bike for @5k or so. When I get it in for the 600 mile service I am going to have them go over things a bit, but it sounds like this is part of the "querkiness" I had heard about from the service manager. Thoughts, opinions are most welcome. This is an awesome machine, and I am completely in love with it. Would hate to think I was doing any serious damage because of my stupidity.

Captain -

It took me quite a while to get used to my 1300AS (as we call the AE this side of the pond).

Suggestions:

-- Start it in gear (side stand up, brake on). There's a slight pull as the clutch disengages, but no clunk. I rarely put mine into neutral (only for pushing when the engine's stopped).

-- Use the finger paddle to change gear, I use just the forefinger to pull or push away the front part of the lever, I don't use the thumb part. I find it is much more precise on timing when you ...

-- ... Momentarily dip the throttle on up changes. You only need to dip it a fraction, and only for the shortest time as you flip the lever. You can get very smooth changes doing this.

-- Down changes when slowing I usually do on a trailing throttle, but if needing to (going up a hill, or wanting that extra overtaking acceleration), again, just dip the throttle momentarily to take the drive off the gearbox.

-- I find up-changes much smoother at higher revs. My horrible city traffic-bound commute make this difficult when trickling, but it does help for a smooth shift on the open road.

I know there are many different opinions on the "best" way to use the electric shift, I'm not saying mine is better than anyone else's way, but this is what works for me, and may help you with yours.

Persevere with it, it will eventually come as second nature.

Some more of my early thoughts on this bike are here:

https://atrophy.lock.net/atrophy/do/fjr.php

Good luck!

 

[Sherman]

As I understand it...

Downshifting is not to be used as a braking assist. The massive brakes can do the job much more economically. When you say hard downshift do you mean engine braking?

Mine has gotten easier to shift with time also.

Bruce

Call Gary McCord at University motors for all your Yamaneeds. He is listed in the Vendor section.

 

[daddysbike]

Talked with service again today, they said they had a Yamaha rep in the other day to acknowledge the problem and provide input??

I guess they've ridden it and agree that I know what a normal clutch should feel like and this isn't it.

I again mentioned the clutch slave and he said "they would look into it and let me know"

Today is day 7 since I dropped it off, if this had been my favorite Honda dealer that I've gone to for years it would have been ready next day max, that's the main reason I rode Hondas for so long (and never a problem with any of them!!)

Oh well, hopefully when this gets solved I won't have to go back often.

Steve

 

[otrfjr]

Steve,

Please continue with the updates: I'm in the exact boat as you. If we--those experiencing this problem--can get a rep to acknowledge that's something is going on & then someone else can get another rep to acknowledge it, maybe a service bulletin will emerge & thus help other '07 owners. Or at the least help the mechanics who work on their bikes & thus cut down on the time it takes to correct the problem.

Keep the faith.

Talked with service again today, they said they had a Yamaha rep in the other day to acknowledge the problem and provide input?? I guess they've ridden it and agree that I know what a normal clutch should feel like and this isn't it.

I again mentioned the clutch slave and he said "they would look into it and let me know"

Today is day 7 since I dropped it off, if this had been my favorite Honda dealer that I've gone to for years it would have been ready next day max, that's the main reason I rode Hondas for so long (and never a problem with any of them!!)

Oh well, hopefully when this gets solved I won't have to go back often.

Steve

 

[vabrzn]

I recently purchased an 07 and was concerned about the clutch... If you live in an area where there are some hills, try coasting down them in gear with the clutch disengaged. I did this for a week or so on some long grades on my commute to work and the clutch sticking is essetially a thing of the past except on cold mornings ( below 40F) when the clutch sticks a bit for a few minutes after I take off.

Gary

 

[DonRed7]

I recently purchased an 07 and was concerned about the clutch... If you live in an area where there are some hills, try coasting down them in gear with the clutch disengaged. I did this for a week or so on some long grades on my commute to work and the clutch sticking is essetially a thing of the past except on cold mornings ( below 40F) when the clutch sticks a bit for a few minutes after I take off.
Gary

This IS 2007,...so one should not have to PLAY with a $14,000 US / $19,000 CDN motorcycle just to make it function "normally",....If Yamaha believes that comsumers will still accecpt and try to work with inherent design troubles,....then they will continue to ignore the areas that they need to focus on with current and new models....

-Don

To add...

Kinda' like my latest frustration in these short 400 km's,.....1)Normal to moderate acceleration 2)Throttle off / Clutch in (tranny should be perfectly unloaded and syncronized based on my many Km's in the saddle) 3)Upshift from 4th to 5th 4) Release lever and realize i'm Still in 4th. Not happy.

 

[daddysbike]

Talked with service again today they said Yamaha is shipping out clutch plates and they don't expect to get started until Wed. April 18, today is Friday April 13 and they've had my bike 9days.

Totally unacceptable and likely my first and last trip to this place, its close to where I work so I was hoping to establish a good relationship but I've got dealers 10-20 miles in every direction of my house and have bought bikes from all of them but always went 80 miles to the GA mtns for service to my favorite Honda/Kawaski shop so I'll try others next time.

Anway he said they didn't think it was the slave and Yamaha told them to take apart the clutch and start with the plates.

I don't seem to have any choice but to be patient so for now I am. I'll give them another week or so to get some results then start demanding some or take the bike elsewhere. This should not be too difficult for them and I don't think it is, I just think they need a fire lit under their butt's. If I have to I'll put the bike back on the trailer and haul it 250 miles to AL to D&H cycles where I bought it, I know they'd treat me better, very polite/professional staff there!!

Steve

 

[Shadow]

If I have to I'll put the bike back on the trailer and haul it 250 miles to AL to D&H cycles where I bought it, I know they'd treat me better, very polite/professional staff there

After reading all your posts I would be inclined to take it there before this mob touch it.

I wouldn't want my bike touched by what seems to be incompetent people.

As your bike is still going, consider taking it elsewhere before they start on it.

 

[daddysbike]

If I have to I'll put the bike back on the trailer and haul it 250 miles to AL to D&H cycles where I bought it, I know they'd treat me better, very polite/professional staff there

After reading all your posts I would be inclined to take it there before this mob touch it.

I wouldn't want my bike touched by what seems to be incompetent people.

As your bike is still going, consider taking it elsewhere before they start on it.

I'll see what happens this week.

I do have at least 4 Yamaha dealers in a 10-20 mile radius so no shortage there, this crowd is just close to my work.

I may end up buying a service manual and take it to Depot Power Center in Blairsville, GA for non warranty service (Honda/Kawasaki) where I worked for 2 yrs about 5 yrs ago and have been taking my Hondas/Kawasakis/Suzukis for service ever since and have a great relationship with Sevice managaer and GM.

Steve

 

[TruWrecks]

I hope it works for you. I've noticed that it's pretty hard to push mine in gear, clutch pulled, and engine off. It feels like the back brake is on. Mine does shift fine. 1700 miles so far.

 

[daddysbike]

Day 16:

I just got off the phone with service manager. He said they took the clutch apart and found the clutch plates dry. He said they will soak them and take for test ride and that the slave looked good. He believes this should solve the problem. I asked why its taken 16 days and if this is what I could expect in the future. He said that this was/is an unusual situation and they had to go/wait through Yamaha/reps/engineers then wait for parts (plates) to arrive before even opening up the bike. He said future service should be in and out same day.

I'm hoping this solves the problem and hope to pick up the bike end of day today or Sat. a.m.

I haven't gone 2 weeks w/o riding in years and am suffering withdrawals. I need to get back on pace for my 22,000 mile/yr avg.

Steve

 

[huk finn]

keep updated info posted on outcome please. cant push mine either.

 

[otrfjr]

Steve,

Sorry for the hassle & withdrawals, but thanks for the update. I have an appointment tomorrow to look into the same issues. Hopefully the word is spreading within the Yammie rep system so others don't have to wait as long. Did your service manager give any indication as to why the clutch plates would be dry?

Best,

-Andrew

Day 16:
I just got off the phone with service manager. He said they took the clutch apart and found the clutch plates dry. He said they will soak them and take for test ride and that the slave looked good. He believes this should solve the problem. I asked why its taken 16 days and if this is what I could expect in the future. He said that this was/is an unusual situation and they had to go/wait through Yamaha/reps/engineers then wait for parts (plates) to arrive before even opening up the bike. He said future service should be in and out same day.

I'm hoping this solves the problem and hope to pick up the bike end of day today or Sat. a.m.

I haven't gone 2 weeks w/o riding in years and am suffering withdrawals. I need to get back on pace for my 22,000 mile/yr avg.

Steve

 

[daddysbike]

Steve,
Sorry for the hassle & withdrawals, but thanks for the update. I have an appointment tomorrow to look into the same issues. Hopefully the word is spreading within the Yammie rep system so others don't have to wait as long. Did your service manager give any indication as to why the clutch plates would be dry?

Best,

-Andrew

He said he thought the plates were not soaked when the bike was put together.

I guess that the factory would be the ones to soak the clutch when built?

Steve