2013 RT Limited with gear shift issues?

[Drummer53]

I have been having an issue with shifting from 3rd to 4th gear. It almost feels like it is going into neutral before it figures out it needs to be in 4th. No problems shifting down auto or manually. Only when shifting up. Semi automatic. Any ideas? It seems to be doing it more frequently. Love the bike, hope not too serious! Dealership said it may be due to low oil. Well I just had a service and is still doing it. HELP!

[JayBros]

You had it serviced, but did YOU check the oil? BRP technicians are very far from infallible. Possible gear position sensor problem?

[Peter Aawen]

Have you checked the oil, using the correct method & preferably after a reasonable ryde?? The SE5's are very dependent on the oil level, and it's not uncommon to find that 'dealers' have somehow screwed up getting the oil change quantity correct!! So your first step REALLY should be to take your Spyder out for a ryde, saaay 20 mins or so, then stop & check the oil level! If it's too low OR if it's overfilled, then that could well be your problem....

That said, oil level gear change issues are USUALLY 'selection' issues, causing difficulties selecting gears either way, up or down; and especially when trying to select either first or reverse from neutral.... so maybe your problem is something else?! If it's not the oil level or maybe if they've used the wrong oil, cos you REALLY need to use oil suitable for motorcycle wet clutches in these things - using anything else can cause.... wait for it..... shifting issues &/or clutch slip!! The only fix for the latter there is to change the oil.... again!

Anyhow, if it's not the oil level or oil type, it might pay to get down on the ground alongside the LHS of the Spyder & look underneath the tupperware at the trans case just inboard of the riders LH Foot plate to check that the selector arm is properly seated & secured on the shaft sticking out of the side of the box. If it is fixed properly & not flopping around, then any other problems are likely to be electrical or internal, and likely require a visit to your dealer. Sorry!

Good Luck!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Have you checked the oil, using the correct method & preferably after a reasonable ryde?? The SE5's are very dependent on the oil level, and it's not uncommon to find that 'dealers' have somehow screwed up getting the oil change quantity correct!! So your first step REALLY should be to take your Spyder out for a ryde, saaay 20 mins or so, then stop & check the oil level! If it's too low OR if it's overfilled, then that could well be your problem....

That said, oil level gear change issues are USUALLY 'selection' issues, causing difficulties selecting gears either way, up or down; and especially when trying to select either first or reverse from neutral.... so maybe your problem is something else?! If it's not the oil level or maybe if they've used the wrong oil, cos you REALLY need to use oil suitable for motorcycle wet clutches in these things - using anything else can cause.... wait for it..... shifting issues &/or clutch slip!! The only fix for the latter there is to change the oil.... again!

Anyhow, if it's not the oil level or oil type, it might pay to get down on the ground alongside the LHS of the Spyder & look underneath the tupperware at the trans case just inboard of the riders LH Foot plate to check that the selector arm is properly seated & secured on the shaft sticking out of the side of the box. If it is fixed properly & not flopping around, then any other problems are likely to be electrical or internal, and likely require a visit to your dealer. Sorry!

Good Luck!

...after 8 + years on this site V-twin engines and LOW oil issues are quite often ..... as Peter said, if you are going to check your OIL level do it AFTER a ride .... then the next time you know it's OK ..... then check again After the next ride ..... Mike

[DGoebel]

See my thread titled SE5 Gear Shift Lever fail at 30K, it started like you're describing and I let it get waay too far...