2005 zx6r 1st gear downshift issue

[grim]

For the past two weeks the ninja has been giving me an issue with down shifting into N and first.

When im coming to a stop ill cycle through all of my gears but when it gets to 2nd to go to 1st the shift lever doesn't have the tension in it to shift down into first or neutral. I found that if i just tap the shift lever up with my toe it will put the tension in and i can down shift into first or N.

I also noticed my chain was a little loose so i tightened it and it seemed to fix the issue. However i found this morning that im having the same issue again and my chain is yet again loose.

I have done some research on this issue and have found it is quite common but there have been no definite answers as to what the root cause of the problem is any thoughts on here?

[brennahm]

I don't see your chain affecting this. Sounds like the shift star is wearing in your tranny.

If your chain gets loose quickly like that it means it's worn out.

[grim]

I don't see your chain affecting this. Sounds like the shift star is wearing in your tranny.

If your chain gets loose quickly like that it means it's worn out.

Yea im thinking i need a new chain the sprockets are steel and look great so it looks like there still good for one more chain.

In regards to the shift star the entire clutch needs to be dis-assembled to get to that if im not mistaken.

if that is indeed the problem i may just get an entire clutch rebuild kit and replace all of the plates. might as well put new parts in while its apart.

[brennahm]

the sprockets are steel and look great so it looks like there still good for one more chain.

No.

In no way shape or form is this a good move. Anyone who tells you otherwise is one of those people who THINKS they're a moto mechanic but in all actuality shouldn't be trusted to change their own battery.

[Ezzzzy1]

Shift linkage may be out of wack...? One that is mis-adjusted will give you the same symptoms.

AAAnnd if any part of the shifter or linkage is bent it could be problematic as well.

[grim]

No.

In no way shape or form is this a good move. Anyone who tells you otherwise is one of those people who THINKS they're a moto mechanic but in all actuality shouldn't be trusted to change their own battery.

cant argue with that i will just go the proper route and go with chain and sprockets thanks for the help!

Whatever the issue seems to be will hopefully be resolved if i replace all of the clutch discs and the shift star but once i get everything apart on sunday i will be able to see whats going on inside.

Im just wondering if this has happened to anyone else.

[brennahm]

And don't go doing internal work until after you've checked things like shift linkages and changed your oil.

[rfranks303]

Didn't you just Change your oil

[grim]

Didn't you just Change your oil

yup about 3 weeks ago

[rfranks303]

Ok I'm still just learning but I hear of people having these kind off issuses with certain oils. What brand, weight, and how close to the start of the issue?

[grim]

it was a semi synthetic cant remember what the weight or brand was it was recommended by performance

[rfranks303]

I think your bike takes 10w40 and mine likes full sythetic silcolean. That's a cheaper, easy thing to try.
The service manual is the best thing I ever got for the bike. If you ever need a garage, tools, stands or whatever let me know.

[The_Jackel]

If its not a simple shift rod/bent shift lever issue it is either the star or the shift shaft it self, as stated above. I cant remember but does your shift linkage have to come off to take your front sprocket cover off? If so this could be at the wrong angle on your splines and be causing your only issue. Any good moto tech should be able to eye ball the linkage and tell if its out of adjustment within a few minutes.

Factory pro makes a nice replacement "shift kit". We have had several issues with shift shafts on ZX6's and zx10's. On the arm that connects to the shift star there is a inferior weld that gets the slightest crack and is enough to put it out of whack. If the bike has ever been layed down on the left side even at a stand still then this is most likely your problem.