I have had the shifter for about three months with no issues. Lately I notice that first gear requires more force than normal. The extra force is required not when I’m stopped but when I’m rolling. What can the issue be? I recently changed the transmission fluid but all other gears feel great. Any ideas?

 

you're downshifting into 1st while moving? (that's not recommended)

 

If you need to catch first while rolling you'll need to master rev-matching and probably heel and toe technique.

 

No reason to shift into first moving.....We have low torque..but it's not that bad :D

If you changed to Synthetic...the syncro's may be a bit slower to react, cause the oil is a bit sticky

 

Whats wrong with shifting into first while moving, I only do it when Im going slow mainly bellwo 5mph. Mostly when I coast in N to a stoplight then it turns green, to slow for second so I use 1st. As for the rev matching I am starting to do that but it doesn't help much.

 

Nothing if you can synch the gears....there just is a higher probability of there being a poor RPM match into first because of the ratios......

I haven't found a reason to do it....unless you are racing away from a light.......2nd will work well

 

the shifter itself really cannot change the caracteristcs of the transmission.... if you are unsure put the stock shifter back in and see if it changes...

i am noticing the same thing, but my trans fluid is due for a change...

beers

 

I have adopted not downshifting into first if moving but if I need to for some reason I blip the gas pedal as I am clutching.

I also have noticed it is a tougher if the fluid is cold.

The shifter isn't the problem with the stock shifter it just would feel like it was going more into gear because it is not as solid as the AF SS.

I am thinking of bleeding the clutch again is there a benefit of bleeding it when the fluid is hot vs cold? (I can see a downside being the engine is hot and to get back to the bleeder valve for the clutch a person is bound to bump the engine on the way back behind the oil filter). I have the Speedbleeders so it isn't as much of an issue, since I would only get burned at most twice. Once to loosen and once to tighten. I can live with that.

 

ss line maybe?

beers

 

Try bleeding it...but usually due to the small cylinder size...you will really notice any air in the system.

It is really a lot to expect the syncros to work moving in first...a lot of tranny's don't even put syncro's on 1st gear....cause if you are moving second will usually be fine

 

I can't see how the shifter would cause shifting into first to be more difficult..

 

I have a braided stainless clutch line installed.

(that helped with consistancy)

With the speedbleeders is there a preferred way to press on the pedal? Like slowly and then holding on the bottom, medium paced or fast?

 

funny you ask.. i dont know.. but the bike people swear by them..

i am debating on how to change the fluid. it needs to be done, and at the same time i am going to pull and repaint the calipers.

i am thinking about going to all stainless lines and that would be the time to do it..

i also have to change the rotors and pads (new toys)

let me know how it works out..

beers

 

I got my agency ss lines for brakes and clutch in yesterday I'll put them in next week. As for the shifter issue, I'll just leave it as is. Since there is no issue with the other gears and since there is no grinding going on I guess its just normal or me just being paranoid. Thank you all for your help

 

I found the answer: using the speedbleeders the pedal should be slowly pumped and it is better if the pedal doesn't go to the floor.