Hey guys,

I have a '99 S3 Buell that has 15k miles on it. I bought it yesterday off of craigslist and am trying to track down a few problems the bike has. The transmission takes a CONSIDERABLE about of effort to shift between gears(more effort is required for shifting up to the next gear than down). Shifting up and down can be misleading if the shift is successful or not. I didn't know if there could be a spring or cog inside the trans that could possibly be damaged/broken? It does not make any noises or grinding when shifting but it does take a significant amount of effort. I've never had a motorcycle before that required this much effort and didn't give an indication of whether the shift is successful or not. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

I am leaning towards a shifter arm being bent, or the drum having some sort of sliding problem. Maybe the pawl adjustment is off, but that would just make it not go completely into gear, not make it hard. Either way these transmissions are very simple to work on. I'm not 100% sure but you tranny probably comes out just as easy as mine did. If you take it out it will become evident real fast what would be causing the problem.

I am leaning towards a shifter arm being bent, or the drum having some sort of sliding problem. Maybe the pawl adjustment is off, but that would just make it not go completely into gear, not make it hard. Either way these transmissions are very simple to work on. I'm not 100% sure but you tranny probably comes out just as easy as mine did. If you take it out it will become evident real fast what would be causing the problem.

Is this something that someone that doesn't have any experience with transmissions can do or do I need to find an Indy shop to help me with this? I've had a bunch of bikes over the years but have never had to mess with any transmission issues. Thanks.

I had 0 experience with transmissions when I tore into mine a few weeks back. But i do have a lot of experience turning wrenches. If you have experience turning wrenches and have a service manual you can at least get the tranny out to see if things are bent or worn. Hardest part is getting the engine and clutch nuts off the shafts if you don't have impact tools. From what I have read shifter forks get bent from lots of power shifting. Being your bike is a 99 Buell that may be the case

Don't have a Buell but one thing found out the hard way on my Sporty .. Check the belt if tough on the upshift especially ... After the belt broke on me and was replaced shifted smooth as glass... The Belt was the only problem...

I sent you a PM. I live in Cordova and I am somewhat handy with a set of wrenches myself. I suspect your poor shifting is more likely clutch and poor primary chain adjustment. If those two are right, most of these bikes will shift a whole lot easier. Let me know if you need a hand, I live behind hope pres. if you need to roll by for a little tweaking. I have a 99 Buell Manual here to guide us through.

wow thanks for all the advice.

RottenRalph......man what a great offer. I'll send you a pm right now. I live in Collierville about 5-6 minutes from Hope Pres. Thanks!

I think it will be about 5 minutes and we will have your shift problem sorted out. A lot of people don't take care of the small stuff. I may go out for a little putt this afternoon. I could swing by but the only problem with that plan is I am not sure if you have allen screws or torx on the covers. I have all the tools you could imagine here. Let me know when and I will plan to be here.

I think it will be about 5 minutes and we will have your shift problem sorted out. A lot of people don't take care of the small stuff. I may go out for a little putt this afternoon. I could swing by but the only problem with that plan is I am not sure if you have allen screws or torx on the covers. I have all the tools you could imagine here. Let me know when and I will plan to be here.

Thanks again! I will see you this afternoon!

I will be looking for you outside.

Sounds good. I'll leave here around 2:45 and should be there just a few minutes after.

Well, I guess I was wrong. So, for those of you that have 15K on your tacho, how long did it take to loosen up the shifting. My bike has 40K on it so maybe that is why mine shifts so much easier. The shift is really stiff but everything works perfect, the primary chain is 1/2 inch deflection, and clutch is perfect. The bike had a strong thunk when it went into gear. I am guessing that the 2000 miles a year the bike was ridden never really loosened up anything. Anyone have any thoughts on this. Is your shift still pretty stiff after 15K miles?????

Thanks again for the help and advice today! I rode around for about 25-30 more miles after I left and it was easier to find neutral after you adjusted the cable a bit. I replied to your pm this evening as well. Thanks again!

That's what's so freakin' cool about this forum! If someone is nearby they will take the time to help with your issue....

You're da man Ralph!

If it isn't the cable, check your clutch adjustment and the primary chain play first....

Chain was good and so was clutch. The guy he bought it from had it in the shop for a tune up before he got it and from the looks they had already been adjusted. I was afraid the torx would strip and they came off and so did the chain cover. The fact that they came out without much trouble makes me think they were out recently. I got a good chance to look at a buell for the first time. It is a pretty cool bike.

Brotherhood/Sisterhood among harley owners is the best.