HELP 2012 RSS SE5 stuck in first gear - any suggestions?

[ScarMace]

My 2012 rss is stuck in first gear..wont let me shift to neutral or reverse..any suggestions the bike has just over a 1000 miles. thanx

[mcaccamise]

First, check the shift linkage. I believe there is an Allen key in your kit to manually remove the shifter back to neutral.
Also, you may try to make sure the Park Brake is on and also the foot brake, then start the bike and try to shift into neutral.
Mike

[H.L.Spyder Guy]

Roll the bike forward, then backwards then try shifting again

[ScarMace]

Thanx I will try when I get home from work..The bike starts up fine and I have driven it for a few blocks in first just to see, in case I have to go to my dealer, who is about 20 miles away... but I thank you for the info.

[Derek Paisley]

I have the same year and model.
I've always had success by shutting down (kill switch), parking brake, remove key, and walk away. Come back in a minute and give her a try. My experience has show that it will start in neutral.

It's happened, maybe 3 times over the past year.
I'm sure someone else here will provide you with a more descriptive response.

Good luck!
D

[boborgera]

thanx i will try when i get home from work.. the bike starts up fine and i have driven it for a few blocks in first just to see incase i have to go to my dealer which is about 20 miles away.. but i thank u for any inf

There's a 13mm wrench in the toolkit, You can use it to manually shift into neutral, That might help? It should be in the manual that came with the Spyder...

[NancysToy]

The standard procedure is to press the brake while starting. The alternative is to manually change the gear with the wrench from the toolkit. Both procedures are in your owners manual. Beyond that the shift linkage could have come loose on the shaft. If none of these bear fruit, you'll need a tow to the dealer somehow (hard if the Spyder can't be moved).

[ScarMace]

I don't see anything in the manual that shows me how to put it in neutral with the allen wrench... Did I mention it's an automatic? This is so frustrating... We finally have nice weather in NY and this happens. Smh... It starts like a charm, then lurches forward a few times, then goes into idle and stays on...

[NancysToy]

I don't see anything in the manual that shows me how to put it in neutral with the allen wrench... Did I mention it's an automatic? This is so frustrating... We finally have nice weather in NY and this happens. Smh... It starts like a charm, then lurches forward a few times, then goes into idle and stays on...

It is not an allen wrench, it is a 13 mm open end. It should be in your manual. Anyway, if stepping on the brake isn't working, you may need dealer assistance anyway... providing your oil level is adequate. Low oil will prevent proper shifting.

[billybovine]

It is not an allen wrench, it is a 13 mm open end. It should be in your manual. Anyway, if stepping on the brake isn't working, you may need dealer assistance anyway...providing your oil level is adequate. Low oil will prevent proper shifting.

Scotty it's not in the 2012 manual. I am not sure what year it was taken out.

Here is the procedure out of the 2009 GS Manual.

manual shift.jpg

[ScarMace]

Thanx for the pic of the 09 GS manual. I will attempt.
Do I need a lift to do this? Oil level is fine, I pulled main fuses then tried to start it - same thing. Maybe gear shift sensor is faulty?

[boborgera]

Thanx for the pic of the 09 GS manual. I will attempt.
Do I need a lift to do this? ......

NO, You don't.......

[NancysToy]

Scotty it's not in the 2012 manual. I am not sure what year it was taken out.

Here is the procedure out of the 2009 GS Manual.

manual shift.jpg

Thanks for the update.

[Y-me]

Did you try to start it with your foot on the brake to force the comp to drop you back into neutral?

Y

My 2012 rss is stuck in first gear..wont let me shift to neutral or reverse..any suggestions the bike has just over a 1000 miles. thanx

[billybovine]

Did you try to start it with your foot on the brake to force the comp to drop you back into neutral?

Y

In post #4 the OP stated it starts just fine.

[ScarMace]

Did you try to start it with your foot on the brake to force the comp to drop you back into neutral?

Y

Yes I did, still no luck... Anyone have a phone number for BRP? Is it even worth it to call them? Has anyone had any luck dealing with them?

[billybovine]

yes i did still no luck....anyone have a phone number for brp..is it even worth it to call them? has anyone had any luck dealing with them?

How come you're not calling the dealer? BRP is going to tell you to take it to the dealer anyway.

[ScarMace]

How come you're not calling the dealer? BRP is going to tell you to take it to the dealer anyway.

Honestly, the dealer is a prick! And the only other dealer in town is not much better... I'm going to have to bite the bullet and take it there. I'm just trying to exhaust all my resources first... plus I have to take highways and a bridge to get there, and I'm not really happy about driving it in first gear all the way there... And I really don't want to have it towed (unless it's my last resort).

[ScarMace]

Thanx everyone for all your help

[ScarMace]

So I finally broke down and had my flat bedded to dealer on Wednesday... They call me on Friday telling me that my air filter was clogged and that's why I couldn't shift out of first gear... I have had 2 wheel bikes before (I know the is a different animal) but a clogged air filter never prevented me from being able to shift gears before (the bike would overheat and shut down)... Has anyone else heard of an air filter preventing you from shifting gears on a ?? Like I said in previous posts, I'm not to fond of this dealer, but what can I do if they've got it working? Any thoughts on an air filter causing shifting problems? Thanx



2012 RSS SE5

[boborgera]

So I finally broke down and had my flat bedded to dealer on Wednesday... They call me on Friday telling me that my air filter was clogged and that's why I couldn't shift out of first gear... I have had 2 wheel bikes before (I know the is a different animal) but a clogged air filter never prevented me from being able to shift gears before (the bike would overheat and shut down)... Has anyone else heard of an air filter preventing you from shifting gears on a ?? Like I said in previous posts, I'm not to fond of this dealer, but what can I do if they've got it working? Any thoughts on an air filter causing shifting problems? Thanx



2012 RSS SE5

That's a new one on me [air filter] Could be that he got it working by dumb luck and just made up a story about the air filter? I would look for anther dealer the next time you have a problem.

[ScarMace]

what dealer do u go to boborgera in north/central jerzy? i take mine to staten island so i wouldnt mind going a little further. there is only two dealers some what close to me and they both have bad reviews.

[boborgera]

what dealer do u go to boborgera in north/central jerzy? i take mine to staten island so i wouldnt mind going a little further. there is only two dealers some what close to me and they both have bad reviews.

Wish i could help, But when i did have a Spyder i went to a dealer in PA, Which in all honesty i won't recommend him for Spyders, For bikes yes i would recommend him....

Just a side note, I was born in Brooklyn [Bushwick] move to Jersey in the 70's....

[Chupaca]

better story would be the oil filter. Oil level and pressure can cause a shifting problem but the air filter never. Clogged air filter would cause a rich mix situation for which you would get a code to that effect and the engine would shut down. Watch your oil level, get in the habit of checking it after long rides cause they use oil but get better about it with time... If possible change service/dealer....

[ScarMace]

thanx everyone for ur help.