1330cc Questions on F3-S tranny

[beachbumPC]

Just upgraded from a 13 ST-S SE5 to a 15 F3-S SE6. It has 2900 miles on it. Compared to the shifting on the ST-S, the F3 is smooth in the gear changes but you can hear a clank when the gear changes. RPM or acceleration changes when shifting result in the same sound. The oil level is correct and I just ordered a Lamonster oil change kit to see if fresh oil will help. Any suggestions?
Also when I rolled backwards into the street this morning, I went to shift into 1st and it wouldn't. I put it in reverse and backed up but still wouldn't go in 1st. I pushed it into the garage, started it back up and it shifted into 1st without hesitation. I rode it for about 20 miles without issue. Anyone ever experience this?

THANKS,
Beachbum

 

[JP58]

The only time it should clunk is from neutral to 1st or reverse. Otherwise very quiet trans. You may have a bad front sprocket. The splines wear out on some F3's all models. Check to see if there is red rust dust on front pulley around the nut.

 

[beachbumPC]

I took the cover off and all there that's on there is a little black dust from the belt.

 

[CopperSpyder]

Good start to change the oil and filters so you know what you have. After that shift at 3500 rpm without letting up. When shifting from R to N then 1st make sure you are not moving, foot on brake helps, I do that sometime, I try and shift while still moving back and it will not work. This is maybe what you are doing now just a review. Might have been just a one time thing. Good Luck I hope it get better for you.

 

[Hypurone]

Also when I rolled backwards into the street this morning, I went to shift into 1st and it wouldn't. I put it in reverse and backed up but still wouldn't go in 1st. I pushed it into the garage, started it back up and it shifted into 1st without hesitation. I rode it for about 20 miles without issue. Anyone ever experience this?

THANKS,
Beachbum

Just remember, you have to have the brake pedal applied "enough" to trip the low pressure sensor to get the shift to complete. And if you are rolling backwards AT ALL while trying to go into 1st it won't happen (yes, you can be applying the brake enough to have the brake lights lit and still not have enough pressure to enable the shift). You have to be completely stopped with enough brake pedal pressure applied to get the forward gear to engage.... Every once in a awhile I have to "hold" the shifter paddle "a bit" to get 1st selected after being in Reverse...

 

[beachbumPC]

Thanks for the replies, that answers what happened to me this morning. I was rolling back and couldn't get it to shift to 1st. As for the clanking noise going 1-2,2-3 all the way to 6th gear, I've tried shifting anywhere from 3000 up to 6000 and same noise. I never roll off the throttle to upshift. On my ST-S, if I held the gears longer it shifted smooth and quiet., it doesn't make any difference with the F3.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thanks for the replies, that answers what happened to me this morning. I was rolling back and couldn't get it to shift to 1st. As for the clanking noise going 1-2,2-3 all the way to 6th gear, I've tried shifting anywhere from 3000 up to 6000 and same noise. I never roll off the throttle to upshift. On my ST-S, if I held the gears longer it shifted smooth and quiet., it doesn't make any difference with the F3.

IMHO this isn't normal and I hope you a still have a warranty on this Spyder ….. Mike hyea:

 

[beachbumPC]

No warranty on it, I bought from a private owner that was 77 years old so I don't think its been run too hard. Just hit 3K miles

 

[Michaelscs]

I think the oil change is a good step and might take care of your issue. Do you even know if it's ever had a oil change?

 

[beachbumPC]

Yes it had it done at 1700 miles at the dealer where it was purchased new.

 

[MakoShark2]

Not sure how to measure the clunk, but mine does it a bit sometimes while shifting, specially under 3500rpm.

Still not the same loud clunk when going from neutral to 1st/reverse, but I do notice it.

Also it seem to work better going from neutral to 1st then reverse, instead of neutral straight to reverse (louder clunk), specially when the engine is not a temperature.

 

[PMK]

Not saying this is your problem as you indicated that you do not back off the throttle on upshifts. Several times owners posted the same or similar concerns. Even though they stated not backing off the throttle, they were ever so slightly. When they did another ride and focused on not closing the throttle, smoothness arrived.

I agree with the oil and filter change. Get known correct and good oil in the machine and that alone should help.

 

[beachbumPC]

I did the oil change today, sort of. I stripped the head on the 6mm side so I have to get a new plug before I get it out. The torx side came out after some cursing. After changing the filter it took 4.5 quarts to refill what I drained out and it is dead center between the add and full marks. On the test ride, when I shifted from reverse to 1st it was smooth and quiet. When going up thru the gears I was shifting in the 3500-4000 rpm range with steady throttle. Each gear change was fast and smooth with just a noticeable click as it changed. Is this the normal operation of the SE6 or should I not be hearing the click when it shifts? My STS SE5 made no click at all upshifting.

 

[Hypurone]

Is this the normal operation of the SE6 or should I not be hearing the click when it shifts? My STS SE5 made no click at all upshifting.

There will always be some noise associated with the shifts. There IS a "synchronized" rpm at which a gear will shift smoother and quieter without effort even WITHOUT a clutch... I rode all of my bikes this way for upshifting, up until the Spyder(SE6)... On mine this sweet spot seems to be 4k....

 

[beachbumPC]

I've tried every different rpm from 3-6000. If you know how a Harley clicks when its shifted, this sounds pretty much the same.

 

[BajaRon]

Yes it had it done at 1700 miles at the dealer where it was purchased new.

A 2015 with virtually the original oil in it. With the problems you are describing, I would be a bit suspicious of the oil. Not that it might not be something else. But an oil change is a pretty cheap investment. I'd look into a good quality, full synthetic. The difference may surprise you. If nothing else, it would eliminate the possibility that your oil is not doing the job. And, you could, at the same time, send a sample in for analysis. That would really give you hard data to help ferret out any other potential problems.

 

[beachbumPC]

I just changed the oil today with a kit from Lamonster. It shifts smooth just clicks every gear change

 

[BajaRon]

I just changed the oil today with a kit from Lamonster. It shifts smooth just clicks every gear change

Awesome! How about that!

 

[beachbumPC]

Its always shifted smooth, it the sound it is making when it shifts I am asking about. My ST-S w/ SE5 didn't click into gear like this, just smooth and no noise

 

[acdcking12]

I have a 2016 F3-T and it clunks some from reverse to 1st, etc...Now when shifting up, I will sometimes get a slight click sound as it goes up from 1,2, etc..But that is it.