False neutral between 3rd & 2nd

[Big-red]

I would be interested to know from anyone if I have a looming issue or its just me. My issue is when down shifting from 3rd to 2nd the gearbox keeps finding/selecting a false neutral and then when i attempt to re select it usually goes into 1st gear. It happens quite frequently, from a gear lever perspective everything feels like its working correctly both up and down, there are no strange noises, and the gearbox appears to be engaging correctly. Shifting up through the gears no issues, its only on the down shift. Very frustrating.       

[Grabcon]

Okay since no one else responded I will give an option here. Bad thing I know. But here goes. First I have experienced the same but only once or twice and do not remember the circumstances. So here are a couple of thoughts not knowing anything about your bike.

I would first check the shifting linkage to make sure that is in good repair without extra slop in it's movement. Mine has 30k miles and the shifter has little or no slop and where it is is at the first ball joint after the pivot.

Oil is also a point to look at how long has it ben since the last change? Also the type of oil. I have been running rotella T6 15w40 for the last 15k miles and it has made a world of difference in shifting over the recommended Honda oil.

Are you deliberate with your shifts? On other Hondas that I have own and my VFR1200X being one of them you must shift with a positive movement without gradually moving the shifter. I find that preloading the shifter  up or down helps with positive gear select. I am not saying to put a lot of pressure on the shifter but some does help. It is a feel thing.

Honda transmissions are rocks and I have not heard of anyone breaking one.

I hope you find your issue or solution to resolve the problem.

[Big-red]

Many thanks for the reply & comments very much appreciated, my bike has done 50,000 kms and is in very good condition, the gear linkage mechanism is all good with no wear or slop in any linkages. That said i do constantly make small changes to all areas of the bike mainly because my previous bike was a GSXR 600 so the transition to the VFRX has been the other extreme. I do adjust the gear linkage to suit my riding boots as my winter boots are bulkier and do not have the flexibility of my summer boots, your comment re positive shifting i am taking onboard as the gear box itself feels as it's working correctly and there are no strange noises etc. Also for me this gearbox is slow style changing especially after the GSXR and my Honda Dominator which both have quite slick movement gearboxes. From a servicing perspective the current oil has only done 1,500kms (i change the oil and filter at 5k intervals) to date I have only used Honda GN4 oil in this this bike. My reason for the original query was I didn't know if there may have been a C clip or a thrust washer or return spring issue etc on the VFRX. you have put my mind at ease on that, as stated the box and the shifter all feel and sound good. Monday we went for a 250km ride and I must have missed 2nd 20 times throughout the day. today I did 40kms and didn't miss the down shift at all? So I'm happy if it's me with the problem and not the bike I'm definitely over anylising down shifts at the moment. Many thanks for the feedback.               

[Grabcon]

I would imagine the the differences between the Suzki gear box and the VFR is significant. I hope things stay sorted out take care and happy trails.

[RoadRash]

Apologies for bumping an old thread but I posted a similar issue a few years ago https://www.crosstourer.com/index.php/topic,7034.msg69498.html#msg69498

I don't ride as much as I used to but still have this issue. Did you get to the bottom of yours Big-red?

[__Ray__]

Mostly adjusting the pedal a bit lower enough.

[Banksy]

My gearbox was getting a bit temperamental so I flushed the clutch with fresh fluid and bled and the gearbox is great shifting again..

[Big-red]

Hi All
Thanks for the continued interest and follow up. I'm 100% satisfied that the issue is now with me and not the bike / gearbox. I have been out multiple times this year and out of a full day of hills type riding never missed a gear went out last week and missed the down change approx 6 times. I have swapped bikes with a couple of my riding mates and warn them of the possible miss shifts and no-one other than me is missing the downshift, so it's definitely me. So the multiple possibilities are that I am over analysing (constantly on my mind) the down shift and as such not doing a clear concise down shift as such it's not engaging correctly, or I may be slightly resting my foot (depending on which boots i'm wearing) slightly on the gear lever as such the selector has moved slightly past 3rd as i'm working my way down through the gears .  Additionally it seems to be on the slower type corners so I could be going into 2nd a bit late and a bit slow? Absolutely love the bike.