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[dennis t c]

Opinions want please, I purchased a new GT 535 last Saturday, a lovely bike, really pleased with the build quality and general finish, I took the bike out for the first time today, after doing about eight miles I found changing down into second gear was sometimes a problem, it is finding a false neutral,a second attempt sometimes misses second and goes into first gear, I've clocked only fifty three miles, also finding neutral can be difficult with the engine running or not. Has anyone else had these problems with the 535? I've had similar problems with an Electra X I certainly don't want this with a new bike, is this down to simply adjustment What does the team think?

[sofiaspin]

I test drove one a year ago but cant say I found that particular problem. My issue was it was gutless, but it was new and they need to have 3000 plus on the clock I would imagine plus open pipe etc (not power commander route). I am interested in them but also found the handlebars far too wide and would hope our hosts produce a more refined cockpit with narrower bars, adjustable even. Keep us updated! in truth, with one efi under my belt, I dont think you can beat the late model iron barrell four speed classic....

[Thack]

Dennis, that doesn't sound right. However, are you using the "Brit-bike" gearchange technique?



It's very simple: keep pressure on the gear lever AS YOU RELEASE THE CLUTCH. Quite often you will feel the gear lever snick the last part of the way into gear. In fact, I always do this on every bike and it eliminates 98% of "false neutrals". Most of those aren't gearbox faults at all - they arise because of the way motorcycle gearboxes work.



Unlike cars, which use synchromesh, motorcycle gearboxes just use plain dog teeth. That "blocking" effect where the tops of the dog teeth clash and stop you engaging them is an inevitable side effect of this type of gearbox. The payback is in compactness and reduced weight.



If you are definitely still getting false neutrals when using the technique above, it would certainly suggest a problem which needs discussing with the vendor. Meanwhile, that difficulty getting neutral isn't unusual and will probably improve enormously - probably go away - over the first thousand miles.

[sofiaspin]

Thack that is bang on. I also found at the weekend that a heavier boot helps with that process!