Gear shift lever fell off

mohonda

Guest
So I'm cruising down the highway going 65mph and see my exit up ahead. I let off the gas and pull in the clutch to begin downshifting. My left foot can't seem to find the gearshift lever, so I glance down and find that the lever is hanging off the bike, nearly dragging the ground. Fortunately, there was no traffic near me and I was able to cruise over to the far turn lane and dismount. I discovered that the bolt and change pivot that keep the gearshift lever attached to the frame had fallen out. All that was keeping it attached was the transfer arm.

I am standing off the road, trying to figure out how this happened, when I suddenly remember that a month ago, I had taken the bike in for new tires at the dealer, and asked them to make an adjustment to the gearshift. Apparently they did and either forgot to properly tighten the bolt or use loc-tite to secure it. The more I think about it, the more irritated I am that something so simple could have caused some serious problems.

Wouldn't it stand to reason that they would loc-tite every bolt on the bike to prevent such things from happening? Makes me very wary of using the local dealer again. But you'd think they would be the ones that you could trust to do it right!
 
Re: Ever heard of this happening before?

You should be doing a walk around before each time you ride your bike.
 
Re: Ever heard of this happening before?

Yes, unfortunately..A few years ago my bike was in for warranty work and they didn't tighten the swingarm nut...I suppose with the array of various fittings and nuts and bolts especially on today's high tech bikes it will happen from time to time.. it does make good sense to do a quick checkover before you leave the dealer, but who is specifically going to look for a loose gearshifter bolt? You have to trust the expert sometime..that what they get paid for so it really should not happen...
 
The sifter falling off has been mentioned in old postings I know for a fact because I posted about it at least twice in early 2012. I fortunately had my trusty leatherman tool and was able to put it back togather and continue my tripThis is the only loose bolt problem I have had in over 50,000 miles. lock tite itwith non perm Loctite, or safetywire it and you should have no trouble!This was a thing we who rode in 50's and 60's on british , or milwaukie vibraters always had to doduring those years y ou always had a master link and a swag itting to repair a broken clutch or brake cable with youattached securely to your bike !

Eldon
 
I know the feeling, the bolt fell out on me on the way to support a bicycle race. I used an allen wrench, zip tie and tape to hold together for the day, it worked okay. I purchased a bolt (7mm I think) at a hardware store on the way home. I ordered from dealer (2 sets), they were not it stock, one is always with me. I don't think a walk around would tell you what is loose unless you checked with tool.
 
had that on mine as well. First ride after rebuilding it from the deer strike the previous owner had. Good to know that I can accelerate from a dead stop in 4th gear. lol
 
I have read about the loose shifter numerous times on the forum, and each time I made a mental note to check mine and apply the requisite Loc-Tite. My remembery being what it is (it ain't much!) I have yet to do so :^(. Thanks again for the reminder. I am writing myself a note to do this next weekend.

Mike
 
This happened to me, too, some time ago. As I recall, I just put it back together. I purchased the large allen wrench required and check irregularly. the bolt still has the big gouge it got dragging the ground.
 
I put some white paint at the top of the bolt head and check its position periodically. Almost had a footpeg fall off my C10 at Reno a few years ago. I have found that giving the bike a good hands on cleaning and inspection before a trip can find some problems and save some grief.....I was doing this at a motel 6 a few decades ago when a naked lady ran into my room and locked the door....:(

mohonda said:
So I'm cruising down the highway going 65mph and see my exit up ahead. I let off the gas and pull in the clutch to begin downshifting. My left foot can't seem to find the gearshift lever, so I glance down and find that the lever is hanging off the bike, nearly dragging the ground. Fortunately, there was no traffic near me and I was able to cruise over to the far turn lane and dismount. I discovered that the bolt and change pivot that keep the gearshift lever attached to the frame had fallen out. All that was keeping it attached was the transfer arm.

I am standing off the road, trying to figure out how this happened, when I suddenly remember that a month ago, I had taken the bike in for new tires at the dealer, and asked them to make an adjustment to the gearshift. Apparently they did and either forgot to properly tighten the bolt or use loc-tite to secure it. The more I think about it, the more irritated I am that something so simple could have caused some serious problems.

Wouldn't it stand to reason that they would loc-tite every bolt on the bike to prevent such things from happening? Makes me very wary of using the local dealer again. But you'd think they would be the ones that you could trust to do it right!
Click to expand...
 
Loctite is often not used, specified or required so expecting a dealer to use loctite on every bolt is probably a little optimistic. I hardly ever use it and have never had a problem.
 
Yikes! Sounds like this happens way too often. I don't know that any pre-ride inspection would have alerted me to this problem.

Coyote Chris - are you going to finish the rest of your story?!
 
Add me to the list of victims of bolt coming off during a ride. Your friendly Honda dealer will order one ( week wait) for only $20. Seals are extra. Suggest all members add this to your check list. One can slide the shifter arm sticking out of the case backward to get it in high gear and limp home.
 
Mine has come loose. RedBird (Ken Malone) and I were on our way back to Colorado from Spearfish, when it came off the shaft. I stopped and Ken slid it back on and tightened it up. Hasn't come loose since. I check it a couple of times a year.
 
It been awhile since some one had that issue, seems it happen more often I think. I carry an extra one, now I guess I going to looking make sure I still have bolt in my travel kit. I remember taking a allen wrench and tape to make my shifter work doing a bicycle race support. Made it through the day, and purchased 2 replacements, one to carry.
 
I did what Frosty did. Get a spare and chances are you will never need it. Mine originally fell off at 5000 mi. Fortunately I found it.
 
Mine has fallen off the shaft twice, but both times it's stayed attached to the linkage. Your post reminds me that I need to check it again!
 
Hmm. Makes me think a short length of stainless steel wire and tether it off doesn't seem like a bad idea.
 
Most on this forum should know to Loctite ( an adhesive glue) should be good maintenance procedure to spread on threads to help insure Allen head bolt will not come loose. I would be curious if some have done this and it still worked loose. I had to hunt to find Allen head wrench to put in tool bag.
 
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