Triumphrat

08-12-2005

I know there are probably a few reasons for this. When I start the bike and go to put it in first gear it grinds. Once I start rolling it shifts fine even down shifting. But if I put it in neutral while sitting still and go to first it grinds. Clutch problem or gear problem? It is a 1969 Triumph Bonneville. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. :???:

jimballard · 08-12-2005

First and foremost, if you haven't already done it, adjust the clutch using the method described in the manuals. Start by loosening the cable, then go the the operating rod, etc. If the bike's idle is high that can cause it as well. You may have to pull the primary cover and check that the clutch is lifting evenly, again a manual will walk you through it. I got into the habit of pulling the bike into 2nd gear before I drop it into 1st, which pretty much negates the clunk, but this is a matter of personal choice for me, although it seems we all did it "way back when"

Hope this helps a bit: Jim

Lutz · 08-12-2005

Hey lipmorg,
It sounds like a normal Triumph to me. Jost punch it in gear that is if the clutch was freed up before starting .You can do as jimballard says put it into second gear then into first.I have been doing one or the other since 19-- lets just say since mid last century.

Lutz

08-12-2005

Hey guys thanks for your quick response. I failed to mention that when I try to put it in second from neutral it also grinds. What has me confused about it is the fact that as long as the bike is rolling the gears work fine. I've got a feeling Jim is picking up on the problem as being in the clutch. I'm gonna get my manual out tommorrow and see if I can adjust the clutch. But, the clutch seems to work fine when the bike is moving or once it is forced into 1st gear. Heck I'm no mechanic. Thanks again for your response.

jimballard · 08-13-2005

Hi Lip,

If the truth be know, once you're rolling you can get away without using the clutch. I never do this, but, back in my young and foolish days, I tried it and it worked just fine. Remember, the clutch is running in oil and that'll make it keep spinning a bit even when it's disengaged. As Lutz said, clear the clutch before you start the engine and a bit of a clunk when you go pull it into 2nd before hitting 1st is normal.

Hope the clutch adjustment works: Jim

P.S. Hey Lutz..."since the middle of the last century"...you too, eh??

6StDailyRider · 08-13-2005

Im Sorry to change the subject. But I was wondering if there was a gear changing pattern that is Strict.
I ussualy Kick down once into first
One kick up to second
one up to 3rd
one up to 4th

Then one down to 3rd
one down to 2nd
from here is it bad to half kick from second to nuetral instead of goin straight down to first and then half kicking up to nuetral when i come to a light?

jimballard · 08-13-2005

Hi dailyrider,

No problem, whatever "floats your boat". The gearbox doesn't know the difference.

Enjoy the ride: Jim

6StDailyRider · 08-14-2005

Some times i get into nuetral in between 3rd and 4th, some times in second to 3rd
Is that normal?
What are the other nuetrals for?

Thanks,

Andrew

jimballard · 08-15-2005

There is a "neutral" between each gear, it's the gap between the dogs. There is only one detent in the camplate, however, and that's for the one between 1st and 2nd; all the others are "false neutrals". If your bike is constantly finding these ones, you'd better check the gearbox out as the bike can go into gear real easily from one of them. Are you shifting the bike firmly enough? I don't mean pounding on the lever, just a good firm push or pull. Some shift a bit harder than others.

Hope this helps a bit: Jim