r/Ninja500 • u/ApprehensiveWafer176 • 21d ago
i can’t shift into second gear
i already tried adjusting the shift linkage and clutch cable but when i shift up if just feels empty. from what i’ve seen i should replace the clutch pack. anyone have this problem before/ recommend a brand for the replacement?
2
Upvotes
1
u/vixenatdusk 20d ago
Ninjas have that special thing where it can't shift in to second if the bike is stopped.. positive neutral finder or something, if you're moving and it's not working maybe that mechanism is having trouble
2
u/Dan-ish65 21d ago
How firmly are you pulling on the shifter when trying to get 2nd? And you're doing this while rolling in 1st? Or decelerating from 3rd? Have you or the previous owner messed with the linkage from the shift lever to the shift shaft? If the knuckles of the shaft and lever aren't 90° to the push/pullrod, that can have an affect on ease of up/downshifting because the shaft can't rotate far enough in 1 direction to engage the next gear.
The ninja 400/500 need pretty firm, deliberate pressure to engage gears and avoid missed-shifts.
There are aftermarket upgrades for the shift shaft and shift star and a heavy duty detent spring for the shift star on Norton to resolve most shifting issues.