I'm getting pretty ticked off with my 650's shift linkage. For the third time, it is in need of adjustment. Mine seems to loosen to the point that when coasting in Low Range, I hear an load and obnoxious ratcheting/rapid-clicking noise. NYRoc's site says this is the linkage not being able to fully engage the Low range and that it is stuck in between Low and High. I confirmed this by recreating the conditions in High Range (no problems noticed).

This is getting old. The dealer has supposedly "fixed" the problem twice now. I guess I'm going to learn how to adjust this myself and use some locktite when I'm done.

Does anyone have a better idea?

 

My method was to put the machine in reverse and adjust the linkage until the reverse light went out. Turn the linkage the other way until the light just barely comes back on. Done. Worked for me.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Did you raise the rear end and run the bike stationary, or did you actually ride up and down the road, adjusting it after each ride? This sounds like a great plan. I'm thinking that I'll jack up the rear end, put it in 2WD, and adjust it that way.

 

I just put the machine in reverse, and let it idle, sitting stationary. Didn't need the drivetrain actually turning.

 

Same way I adjusted mine. I think I might actually readjust mine again and make it pull further into first and thus making the reverse light go out. If you do this, there is no need for the override button.

Anyone have any problems with doing it this way? Think it will hurt anything?

 

That's the way I had mine set up originally. It worked great with good engagement in all gears. I just wanted to see if I could get the light to work again. I might consider adjusting the light out again so I don't need to use the override. I use mine for plowing, and with the red spring in the primary, it's bumping the rev limiter constantly in reverse. It actually causes a temporary flooding condition in reverse; you give it more throttle in reverse and you get less spark to light it up.

 

My 400 prarie keeps ripping the threads out of the aluminum adjuster. At almost $30 each, it is getting old.

 

That's a new one on me. My dealer sold a pile of 400's. Don't recall hearing of that problem.

 

I have had mine to hte dealern twice for shifter problems now. Mine was making the loud noise when coasting, so they adjusted it and it seemed to be fine. Then shortly after that I was going up a steep hill and it came out of low gear all together. The shifter was between low and high and I was stuck on the hill with a death grip on the brakes. They adjusted it again but I havent had a chance to hit the hills again to see if its ok.

 

Range Rover - I had a similar sound yesterday. I was taking a small jump to see if I could get any air, but the jump was followed by a gradual downward slope. After I landed and started downward with the throttle off, it sounded like I was grinding every gear I had. A truly aufull noise! A fellow rider who was sitting 50' away even heard it.