I bought a 250 recon 2007 model brand new about 1 month ago and it runs good once it warms up but until it has been going for a little while you can't shift the gears with your foot. When I first start it and start down the road I have to pull them with my hand and even then it is hard to shift but once I go through the gears and get down the road a little way it shifts fine. Is this something that will fix itself or do I need to take in to be looked at? It has not been rode alot and never been in big mud just trail rides.

 

Doesn't sound like the dealer adjusted the clutch or if he did it wasn't adjusted right..

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My Foreman was a little tough to shift up the first time after a cold start when it was new. It seemed to get better in time. I don't know if that was due to it breaking in or my adjusting the clutch as part of the break-in service, but I'd guess it was a bit from column A and a bit from column B.

Anyway, now it shifts perfect.

 

HondaMechanic, I have the same problem as JeffinTD but mine are a 05 TRX 350FM and a 04 Recon. Does the same solution apply to these older bikes? Thanks

 

Yes the clutch should be adjusted once in a while for 2 reasons ..
1.. To keep the bike shifting at 100%
2.. To keep the adjusting bolt/stud from seizing in the clutch cover..

 

If they shift hard after adjusting the clutch, hold the shifter up (or use the emergency shifter), while holding the shifter up in clutch position and not letting it down, hold the brakes and give the unit some throttle. The engine should spin freely like the clutch is held in. If not, while in clutch position, keep giving it throttle and the clutch should free up. A fiber and a metal clutch disc are stuck together and this proceedure will break them loose and shifting will be smooth. I have seen stuck discs on new units from setting in crates for a while

Ok, I will climb down off the soap box now.... hehehe

----- Gimpster -----

 

HondaMechanic, I adjusted the clutch on my Recon and Rancher as you suggested and it made a big difference on the Recon. The Rancher maybe improved slightly, so I will try adjusting again. Thanks for the help, Jim