Problem shifting

[Sopher]

I have a hard time shifting between 1,N and 2nd gear.
Oil level is fine.
Clutch fluid level is fine, but could stand a flush and refill.

Mostly cant get into neutral. Only when the bike is OFF will it easily go into Neutral.
ideas?

[jerpinoy]

What year and model?

[NancysToy]

If the clutch fluid is full of black sludge, you could be having slave cylinder problems. By the same toke, it could be something as simple as some air in the system. Flush and bleed the clutch, then keep an eye on it. If it doesn't improve, the slave is probably in need of O-rings at the very least. If it improves it was probably air. If the fluid gets dirty again quickly, have the slave cylinder looked at...not just the O-rings but for scoring on the cylinder and/or piston.

[Sopher]

Thanks Scotty!
The fluid looks cleaner on the top layer but not on the bottom.

Is flushing and changing the clutch fluid something you recommend _I do_ ? Or is too delicate that a dealer should do it?
I can change the oil myself, as well as some other wrenching.

It's a RTS Sm5 2010. 11,980 miles

[NancysToy]

Thanks Scotty!
The fluid looks cleaner on the top layer but not on the bottom.

Is flushing and changing the clutch fluid something you recommend _I do_ ? Or is too delicate that a dealer should do it?
I can change the oil myself, as well as some other wrenching.

It's a RTS Sm5 2010. 11,980 miles

BRP recommends periodic clutch fluid flushing. I would not go more than two years (although they also have a mileage specification). I was doing mine myself, for the most part, before the slave cylinder was replaced. It is not hard, but your dealer can do it quicker and with less possibility of damaging paint, etc., from the corrosive brake fluid. If you have bled brakes before, you can do it, but it helps to have an extra person to watch the smal reservoir. If you are the least bit uncomfortable, or don't have help, enlist your dealer to do it.

Was your fluid at the proper level? If it was low, you may have a leak (bad slave cylinder o-rings?), so seeing the dealer might be a good idea if that is the case.

[Bob Denman]

Could it just be something like sticking clutch plates??
Or is it definitely in the lever?

[NancysToy]

Could it just be something like sticking clutch plates??
Or is it definitely in the lever?

It is likely neither. It could be warped clutch plates, but that isn't that common and any severe warpage would be accompanied by clutch slipping and/or chatter. It has nothing to do with the lever. The master cylinder could be faulty, but they usually fail completely, not just get weak. My money is on air in the system or the slave cylinder.