Gear Shift Issues!

[MonsterMadMarty]

Took my 'new to me' 1995 916 for its first long ride today. When changing from first to second it would go into neutral every single time! The only two way I could get the bike into second was to almost redline first gear then change, or change really early without the clutch.  It also made quite a metallic sort of sound (different to the usual gear changing sound)

The bike has 41,000 kms (25,000 miles) & has been sat idle the few last few years. (Of course I replaced the oil & filter, waiting for new belts to arrive)

Any suggestions, comments or advice?

Cheers 

Just to show off - here she is with just a few of her Italian sisters 

[clubhousemotorsports]

Start by checking to see if the shifter is centered,  is the movement from center to up the same as center to down. The jump from 1 to 2 ( and 2 to 1) is the greatest in the gearbox. If the shift arm under the left engine cover is not centered it will do this. Has the bike ever fallen on the left side?

If the bike has 25,000 miles I would have a replacement shift arm in hand if you go in under the cover. They are relatively cheap and are a wear item if the bike is shifted hard. A local racer breaks one a season, I might wear one out in 50,000 miles.

Most likely a simple fix but one worth doing.

[MonsterMadMarty]

Cheers clubhousemotorsports,

The bike was dropped on its left side by its previous owner he told he it a slow 30 Km/h (18 mph). The foot control was bent in on itself which I've replaced, I think you could be onto something there!

Cheers once again 

[clubhousemotorsports]

If the bike fell on the shift shaft it may have rotated the adjustment under the left engine cover. If you find the shifter has more freeplay up than down (or vise versa) then the adjustment may have been moved. Simply pull the cover and check the centering of the shift arm, if it is off re-adjust and you are back in business.