QuestionFalcon, I have a 1984 Honda Shadow.It is very hard to shift to 1st gear.Usually on take off it will go in gear, but when I try to downshift to 1st sometimes it will go in and sometimes it won't.If I rev up the rpm it seems to help on downshift.Someone told me it could have the wrong weight oil in it.Could this be the problem.If not I would appreciate any advice on this.
Thanks Freddy
AnswerHi Freddy.
Is the clutch engaging near the begining of the lever throw or near the end? If it is near the end, then that is your problem.
Since the Shadow has a hydraulic clutch, then it must be bled, just like the brakes do.
Bleeding brakes, as you know, is not a complicated thing and it works to get air bubbles out of the line.
But, here's the part they don't tell you;
Some bikes have an additional problem with both the clutch and front brakes, including my own on my V65 Magna. The problem stems from the configuration of the master cylinder, which is that the connection to the hydraulic line at the master cylinder creates a pocket that air bubbles like to hide in (this is called a reverse trap) and the method for bleeding that section is a little tricky if you've never done it before.
Here's the proceedure;
1) Bleed the clutch/brake line like normal.
2) Put a wrench on the banjo fitting and squeeze the lever.
3) (NOTE: Use a box end wrench for this) While holding the clutch/brake lever in, crack loose the fitting and reclose it quickly. Have a rag over the fitting connection that you are working on because it will spit at you as pressure expells the air and a little fluid.
<<<<<<<IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT release pressure on the lever till the fitting is tightened back up or you will suck air back into the line.>>>>>>>
4) Test the clutch/brake again. If done correctly, you will have pressure near the beginning of the lever movement rather than at the end.
5) repeat as needed, but you should not need more than 2-3 times to get the system working correctly.
Good luck.
FALCON
