So my girlfriend bought this machine yesterday and it is VERY difficult to shift from High to Reverse and vice/versa. The only way to get it to shift is to do a sharp "palm strike" on the shift lever. Shifting into/out of Low is a much more "normal" feeling shift. The machine has 2,200 miles on it and it in runs very well. I haven't picked up a manual for it yet, but I was wondering what your thoughts might be on how to remedy this. The previous owner claims to have changed the tranny fluid. Suggestions?

 

It may be idling too high, does the machine want to creep ahead while in gear? Should idle at about 1150 rpm you wont be able to verify this being you dont have a tach on the atv but you may have to just listen for high idle?

 

The idle feels very good. I've got an '05 scrambler, so I'm familiar with what you are talking about. I guess I could idle it down a bit and see if that helps.

 

Or try and shift it with the machine OFF and see if it shifts better? If not , it could be linkage adjustments.

 

It seems to be just as difficult when the machine is not running, so I'll tinker with the linkage. I certainly appreciate your help on this.

 

The shifter itself can be taken apart cleaned and relubed. They can get nasty inside.Doc

 

Do it yourself,not sure about the 425 but the SP500s tranny takes "chaincase fliud",a full sythetic brand is the top choice.

 

Ditto on this plus check the bellcrank on the tranny where the rod hooks they are alluminum and do strip out

 

That gear selector tends to hold water. This rusts all of the detents and switches which causes shifting problems. You might want to clean and adjust the gear selector and see if that fixes it. It's not a bad idea to seal the boot up with silicone and snug the top up with a zip tie.