klunky shifting PLEASE HELP!

[blackcrowe]

klunky shifting (2014 ST Limited SE5)

Thanks again, I appreciate all your replies...

I should have made it clear earlier that I have the SE5, Rotax 998cc. Maybe you guys replying that shift into the 5500 to 6k RPMs have the manual shift and it might be different I don't know. But I took it out today and 1st to 2nd klunks no matter F'n RPM I'm at (sorry but I'm PO'd right now). I tried shifting over 5k - 5500 range and at that RPM the bike is screaming in 1st. That 5k-5500 RPM range is equivalent to about 35 MPH which is what I have to get to in order to shift to 2nd? so driving through areas where the speed limit is 25 MPH means I'm 10 miles over the speed limit before I'm going into 2nd. Maybe you guys who are shifting at that 5-6k RPM do have the SM5 or maybe the RT or RS are different.

After much playing around today this is what works for me and can get a smooth gear shift in the later gears, so essentially Can Am was correct in stating between 4 - 5k. Getting into the 5-6k range I'm practically gunning the bike every time to shift gears.

1st - 2nd = WTF?

2nd - 3rd = 4200 RPMs
3rd - 4th = 4200-4800 RPMs
4th - 5th = 4800 RPMs

So I guess I need to contact the dealer. OK so there is a klunk from neutral to 1st or to reverse but the 1st to 2nd is troublesome to me.

 

[blackcrowe]

Black Crowe; please note that all of the information you have been given is for the 998 Rotax, not the triple your riding. Might be helpful to identify whether you have a manual shift or the SE transmission. I'm sure others will chime in with more accurate information once this is clarified for them. opcorn:opcorn:opcorn:

Thanks. I'm not sure what you mean by triple your ride? Haven't heard that before.

 

[Jester]

Thanks. I'm not sure what you mean by triple your ride? Haven't heard that before.

Some of us mistakenly think you are riding the new '14 RT which has the three (triple) cylinder Rotax but you have the original V Twin that easily revs to 9,ooo RPMs

i do have the new block and it clunks a lot!

 

[AlEverett]

Black Crowe-- When I got my 2013 with the same set up as you it really bothered me to hear the engine at 5000 RPM is first gear. You get used to it. My bike won't even shift in 2nd until about 27-28 mph. I ride around a lot in first gear. In 2nd gear I ride all day in 35mph speed zones. It doesn't hurt the bike at all to be at those rpms. It just takes getting used to the sound. I bought another Spyder, a 2014 RTs, and now I am getting used to lower rpms and shifting sooner and more often. Ride that 998 Rotax at 4500 to 6000 rpm all day. It will like it and be very responsive. You won't hurt anything. The clunking from 1st to 2nd only happens to me if my rpms are low or if I let up on the throttle. Stay on the throttle nice and steady and you'll do fine.

 

[DrewNJ]

The gear ratios on the se and sm are the same. You don't need to scream it down the road in first. 5k rpms is not screaming either...Shift to second whenever you want to cruise out of the neighborhood.
You need to forget what you think you know about what proper shifting is on the bike. It is NOTHING like a car. They are totally different.

Sent from my Venue 8 3830 using Tapatalk

 

[900Dave]

5800 to 6000 rpm

That is when I normally shift up on my 13 ST and that is when I am just out for a casual ride. when I ride alone and get a little agressive in the corners I will take it up to 7000 to 8000 rpms or even a little higher.

When you shift at 6000 that keeps the rpms above 4500 in the next gear. If you are riding below 4000 rpms you are "lugging" the 998! Dont do that!

 

[otter28169]

I try to always keep my RPMs over 4000, Any lower and it sounds like it is lugging, and the acceleration is sluggish. I have also found that I seem to get better mileage when I "play" than when I am "just cruisin".

Just sayin'...........

 

[ARtraveler]

Thanks again, I appreciate all your replies...

I should have made it clear earlier that I have the SE5, Rotax 998cc. Maybe you guys replying that shift into the 5500 to 6k RPMs have the manual shift and it might be different I don't know. But I took it out today and 1st to 2nd klunks no matter F'n RPM I'm at (sorry but I'm PO'd right now). I tried shifting over 5k - 5500 range and at that RPM the bike is screaming in 1st. That 5k-5500 RPM range is equivalent to about 35 MPH which is what I have to get to in order to shift to 2nd? so driving through areas where the speed limit is 25 MPH means I'm 10 miles over the speed limit before I'm going into 2nd. Maybe you guys who are shifting at that 5-6k RPM do have the SM5 or maybe the RT or RS are different.

After much playing around today this is what works for me and can get a smooth gear shift in the later gears, so essentially Can Am was correct in stating between 4 - 5k. Getting into the 5-6k range I'm practically gunning the bike every time to shift gears.

1st - 2nd = WTF?

2nd - 3rd = 4200 RPMs
3rd - 4th = 4200-4800 RPMs
4th - 5th = 4800 RPMs

So I guess I need to contact the dealer. OK so there is a klunk from neutral to 1st or to reverse but the 1st to 2nd is troublesome to me.

Sorry to hear the suggestions seem to be not working out for you. The shift rpm's are indeed ballpark 5000 (4500-5500). I am actually a bit conservative on that. Others have said to wind it out into the mid 7's. I have had both versions of transmissions (SM5 and SE5) on the 998 Rotax.

The engine is loud and seems to be screaming when you get to 5000 rpms. This is where the power band begins.

Driving through town (35 speed limit) I find I am usually in first to second gear. (45 speed limit) in third gear. (55 speed limit) fourth gear. 65 + then I use fifth gear.

Regardless of speed, I always try to keep the Spyder in the 5000 rpm range.

If you are coming off of a two wheeler, these rpm's and gears for riding seem weird and a bit strung out. They do work, they are recommended, and your :spyder2: will shift smooth and happy. If you are experiencing klunky shifts and following the above, you may have a mechanical issue with your tranny.

The new ACE 1330 is a whole new animal and likes to be shifted at 2500-2750--but that is a whole different story.