Hard to shift

Dragon · 06-13-2009, 07:16 PM

My brand new lf200-iii is difficult to shift. I am using Valvoline 10W40 without "energy conserving" oil. I've tried adjusting the clutch cable. I made it so tight that I think the clutch may now be slipping, but it allows me to shift. If I loosen the clutch cable so that there's a little bit of freeplay (the way it's suppose to be), I couldn't shift at all. Will it get easier after break-in? or is something wrong?

TheRealWorld · 06-13-2009, 11:42 PM

You have a problem, but I don't know what it is. I would check the pivot arm that the clutch cable connects to and see if things look OK there, then follow the cable from top to the bottom, if you don't see a kink or something obvious, then. I hate to say this but I think you have a problem in the clutch it self. That clutch is not complicated but it is not something you will want to attempt without feeling comfortable with it.

Qingdao · 06-13-2009, 11:51 PM

When you get off the lever the cable should be a little taut, but your cluctch shouldn't slip. If so then you do have major problems.

I am willing to put $50 down that says that Lifan forgot to put a plate in.

Dragon · 06-14-2009, 12:08 AM

The little bracket that holds the end of the clutch cable was flexing. I fixed that, and now, the shift is better, even with proper cable tension (little tension when lever is let go, and no slipping clutch). However, it's still stiffer than what I'm used to. I mean, I have to make sure my whole foot is under/over the lever and pull up or push down very firmly. On my other bike, I can change gear with one toe; it's that easy.

So, should I open the cover and check the plates? I've never done that before. Or, should I keep riding and hope it'll loose up?

Qingdao · 06-14-2009, 07:21 PM

Keep riding, changing it is a pain. If you do decide it needs changing just replace all of the plates.

Dragon · 06-16-2009, 10:44 PM

I think I have the problem fixed! I sprayed a little grease onto the joint on the shift lever (the one by my left foot), and now it shift nicely. The joint has too much free play. I don't think it's adjustable. I guess I'll have to lube it regularly. I am really surpriced by how big a difference a little bit of lube made. Now, the bike is running pretty smooth.

Thanks!

06-13-2009, 07:16 PM	#1
Dragon Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tejas Posts: 834	Hard to shift My brand new lf200-iii is difficult to shift. I am using Valvoline 10W40 without "energy conserving" oil. I've tried adjusting the clutch cable. I made it so tight that I think the clutch may now be slipping, but it allows me to shift. If I loosen the clutch cable so that there's a little bit of freeplay (the way it's suppose to be), I couldn't shift at all. Will it get easier after break-in? or is something wrong? __________________ Chinabikeless
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06-13-2009, 11:51 PM	#3
Qingdao Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 351	When you get off the lever the cable should be a little taut, but your cluctch shouldn't slip. If so then you do have major problems. I am willing to put $50 down that says that Lifan forgot to put a plate in. __________________ <div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2ilH...s</a></div><br />
	0

06-14-2009, 12:08 AM	#4
Dragon Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tejas Posts: 834	The little bracket that holds the end of the clutch cable was flexing. I fixed that, and now, the shift is better, even with proper cable tension (little tension when lever is let go, and no slipping clutch). However, it's still stiffer than what I'm used to. I mean, I have to make sure my whole foot is under/over the lever and pull up or push down very firmly. On my other bike, I can change gear with one toe; it's that easy. So, should I open the cover and check the plates? I've never done that before. Or, should I keep riding and hope it'll loose up? __________________ Chinabikeless
	0

06-14-2009, 07:21 PM	#5
Qingdao Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 351	Keep riding, changing it is a pain. If you do decide it needs changing just replace all of the plates. __________________ <div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2ilH...s</a></div><br />
	0

06-16-2009, 10:44 PM	#6
Dragon Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tejas Posts: 834	I think I have the problem fixed! I sprayed a little grease onto the joint on the shift lever (the one by my left foot), and now it shift nicely. The joint has too much free play. I don't think it's adjustable. I guess I'll have to lube it regularly. I am really surpriced by how big a difference a little bit of lube made. Now, the bike is running pretty smooth. Thanks! __________________ Chinabikeless
	0

06-13-2009, 11:42 PM	#2
TheRealWorld Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 817	You have a problem, but I don't know what it is. I would check the pivot arm that the clutch cable connects to and see if things look OK there, then follow the cable from top to the bottom, if you don't see a kink or something obvious, then. I hate to say this but I think you have a problem in the clutch it self. That clutch is not complicated but it is not something you will want to attempt without feeling comfortable with it.
	0