Hard to shift gears

rickster1990 · Post by **rickster1990** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 1:29 pm

Have 1990 GL1500 and it shifts terrible loud clunking noise, the clutch seems to be working fine, any ideas this is my first Goldwing not sure what to do?

YouTube · Post by **WingAdmin** » Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:06 pm

The first thing I would do is to change the oil and put a quality synthetic in there to see if it helps quiet things down.

bellboy40 · Post by **bellboy40** » Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:58 am

Yes changing the oil is the first step in getting it shifting better. A lot of Goldwingers use the Delo 400LE 15w-40 oil in their Goldwings, including me. My current bike is the best shifting Goldwing I have ever owned. It just snicks into gear most times with the occasional clunk. Most Wings have a clunky shift though. It is just the nature of them. The 1500 has a really torquey motor and it needs some heavy duty parts in the transmission to handle it. They will never shift as smoothly as the smaller bikes.

Kiwi2 · Post by **Kiwi2** » Thu May 03, 2012 5:33 am

The first thing I would do is check the oil level which by now you would have done (I hope!!)
The change the oil, I use Mobil 1 for the last 18 years on my 1988 1500/6 and I have had no problems.
You will find that the gear box of the 1500 is a bit "agricultural", in other words it really clunks so when you put it into gear the first time it sounds like you have just sent all the gears thru the bottom of the gear box onto the road.
The best way to stop the clunk is when on board the bike and before starting it up just rock it back for forth a couple or three time and it will free up the clutch plates and it will snick into gear with hardly a sound.

barnaclebill · Post by **barnaclebill** » Thu May 03, 2012 6:09 am

The GLs are a noisy bike where gear changing is concerned, aren't they! I like that advice, Kikw2, regarding rocking the bike. I hadn't tried that - but I will.

virgilmobile · Post by **virgilmobile** » Thu May 03, 2012 7:45 am

I really like "snicking" it into gear mate.We learn something new every day,I love it.

Ramon · Post by **Ramon** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 3:48 pm

Well my bike got mest up I don't know if it's the trany or the clutch... I tried shifting gears and it's hard, stiff and it won't shift and wen it dose shift it dose the same thing shifting down... what do you guys think it could be??

Aussie81Interstate · Post by **Aussie81Interstate** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 5:50 pm

When you go to change up into say 2nd to 3rd gear - put a slight amount of upward pressure on the gear lever - then pull in the clutch lever and shift up - then release the clutch lever. I have found the gearbox on the 1500 to be quite "clunky" or agricultural (that term seems to fit well), and the same thing when shifting down - but I give the throttle a blip before changing down - this helps as well.

As for changing from 1st to 2nd - have not mastered a non-clunk change - but it becomes easier if you are changing at a slightly higher speed as well.

cheers

joeincalif · Post by **joeincalif** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 6:05 pm

Gold Wing tranny are not quiet. I have owned 7 of them, 1100, 1200, 3 1500's and 2 1800's and they all clunk. Try bleeding the clutch and see if that helps any. I shift about 2500 + RPM's and that helps also.

bellboy40 · Post by **bellboy40** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 7:55 pm

I have owned 5 Goldwings.... 1000, two 1100s, 1200 and 1500. The 1500 is the best shifting bike I have owned so far. I don't know why but it shifts better than most others I have ridden.
I agree with Joeincalif that these bikes do shift smoother when shifting at lower rpms. I have noticed that also. The 1500 is happy shifting at lower rpms but the 4 cylinder models like to be reved higher than the sixes. They make their power up higher in the rpm range.
Holding the clutch in for a few seconds before shifting into 1st gear on the first start of the day will help get you a quieter shift also.

Bluewaterhooker0 · Post by **Bluewaterhooker0** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 9:07 pm

rickster1990 wrote:Have 1990 GL1500 and it shifts terrible loud clunking noise, the clutch seems to be working fine, any ideas this is my first Goldwing not sure what to do?

I would do as WingAdmin advised. Change the oil. I use Mobil1 motorcycle oil 10W40. I tried 20W50 with poor shifting results, and no particular gains. I would also pay particular attention to the oil level, and not just add the specified 3.9 qts. with a new filter. I had done several oil changes, filling to the spec'd 3.9 qts., and finally realized that the oil registered too high on the dipstick. The Honda manual not only specs the quantity, but also states to keep the level between the 'witness' marks on the stick. On my bike, that has turned out to be about 3.5 qts. I have noticed a marked improvement in the ease and smoothness of my shifts since filling to the dipstick. I always change the filter, and use the longer Pure One filter, that you would think holds more oil, not less. I can't explain the discrepancy, but I can tell you, it works.
I learned long ago, with previous bikes, that oil quality, age, and quantity, all have a major effect on the gear shifting, as these are wet clutches that depend on the oil for their function. In my older bikes, I could tell when it was time to change the oil, without even looking at the odometer, just by the degraded shifting nature of the bike.
If you still have problems after the oil change and some ride time, it's time to look elsewhere for the issue.

Regarding the general shifting of the GL1500, I would have to say it is the least smooth shifting I have ever experienced on a bike. All bikes seem to clunk, and surge just a little, when shifting into 1st. I pull my clutch in repeatedly before shifting into 1st at the beginning of a day, and that seems to smooth it out a bit. Otherwise, my 'clunkiest' shift is 3rd to 4th. That said, with the right oil and quantity, all the gears shift pretty well after it gets going. 4th is the most noticeable, and mine is the '97, that supposedly has the "4th gear issue" addressed.

wingman12 · Post by **wingman12** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 9:57 pm

I am one of the few on this site that has only had one GW. Bought still in the crate new in June of 99. Currently has a little over 148,000 miles. I have only used Mobil 1 10W40 full synthetic (auto oil). I noticed when shifting at lower lazy shifting I get the HD clunking sound. If I get on it and shift above 2500 rpm with a minut layoff of the throttle at moment of shifting it is quiet and smooth as silk. It seems to me that the 1500 does not like to be babied or lugged the engine. Runs better at 3000 rpm. Just my observations. Ride often and safe my friends.

Happytrails · Post by **Happytrails** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 10:40 pm

I'm using Delo400LE also. Have only been riding a goldwing for a couple years but it doesn't seem to like running thru the gears quickly. It will clunk when I have the revs up too high. When I keep the revs lower and give it a little extra time it clicks in gears pretty nicely. I'm used to sport bikes so had to adjust to it. Also you may help things with a shifter pivot installed. Not sure about the others but 1500s have a unique shifting are that extends out. If you look at it closer you'll see that there can be pressure on the arm that makes the shaft move. Too much movement isn't good. The shifter pivot helps with that.

spiralout · Post by **spiralout** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 11:02 pm

Bluewaterhooker0 wrote:
rickster1990 wrote:Have 1990 GL1500 and it shifts terrible loud clunking noise, the clutch seems to be working fine, any ideas this is my first Goldwing not sure what to do?
I would do as WingAdmin advised. Change the oil....

That was OP's one and only post from 2012 and he hasn't logged in since 2012. First time poster dug up this 1500 thread today for his 1100 problem.

Bluewaterhooker0 · Post by **Bluewaterhooker0** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 11:48 pm

spiralout wrote:
Bluewaterhooker0 wrote:
rickster1990 wrote:Have 1990 GL1500 and it shifts terrible loud clunking noise, the clutch seems to be working fine, any ideas this is my first Goldwing not sure what to do?
I would do as WingAdmin advised. Change the oil....
That was OP's one and only post from 2012 and he hasn't logged in since 2012. First time poster dug up this 1500 thread today for his 1100 problem.

Got me again. But, I suppose the same advice could apply to the new comment. Gotta be more vigilant

Bigbiker0 · Post by **Bigbiker0** » Sun Jan 03, 2016 6:03 am

I thing it's time for you to instal a shifter pivot, make a big difference.

wingdings · Post by **wingdings** » Sun Dec 11, 2016 11:29 am

hi - there - I own a 1989 k model - had the same sort of problems too !! - found out when I was installing the new pivot shifter brace - that someone before me had the shifter lever off and not put it back correctly !!! ?? - Grrh !! - I would also check the shifter oil seal see if it leaks - if so buy a new one and fit the shifter brace too !! - lastly - cleaned out the clutch slave master cylinder the crap in there after 26yrs was very bad - and I bleed off the clutch too - try looking at the clutch leaver bushings they are a part that does wear out also - there are a lot of very good how too on here !! - I used those to - sort out my troubles - - do you have a floor board shifter on yours too !! they can be a pain in the arse too !!! - lol ...

Crozzy55 · Post by **Crozzy55** » Wed Apr 26, 2023 11:54 am

Hi I have the same issue with my 1995 se but mine has only just started to be difficult to get into 4th and OD. When I go to put it into 4th it stays in 3rd and takes a bit of bullying to get it to shift. I change the oil regular but this has got me worried the gearbox might be on the way out. It's only done 35000 miles.
Any ideas would be really welcome.

69Mustang · Post by **69Mustang** » Mon May 08, 2023 6:03 am

with only 35k on the bike the gearbox is like new. The shifter brace will help resolve the 4-5 shift issue.

Crozzy55 · Post by **Crozzy55** » Tue May 09, 2023 10:14 am

Hi,
l have fitted a pivot shifter and that hasn't really helped a lot although it is now going into 4th with a bit of bullying.
Can the clutch be knackered. When I bought the bike it had been stored away for over 11 years without turning a wheel let alone the engine but after about 5 oil changes it started to get easier but I'm thinking the clutch plates might be that bad they are sticking together.
Just a thought

Rambozo · Post by **Rambozo** » Tue May 09, 2023 9:16 pm

Check the clutch hydraulics. They go bad when not used. Where is the point of engagement on the clutch lever. How does it shift without the clutch?

Crozzy55 · Post by **Crozzy55** » Wed May 10, 2023 2:14 am

I have just replaced the clutch fluid which was black. Supprised me how dirty it was as I only replaced it just over a year ago, it appeared to be a bit better but still need to really use force to get it in 4th. Think I might take the slave cylinder off and replace the seals and piston to see if that helps. Maybe go fully synthetic instead of semi.

Quick Cal · Post by **Quick Cal** » Thu May 11, 2023 7:45 am

Since this bike has been sitting for 11 years, what do you guys think of running a heavy dose of sea foam in the oil for a short bit to clean up the clutch plates? Then change the oil.

I'm sure I've read about doing so here,or on the other site.

YouTube · Post by **WingAdmin** » Thu May 11, 2023 8:59 am

Crozzy55 wrote: ↑Wed May 10, 2023 2:14 am I have just replaced the clutch fluid which was black. Supprised me how dirty it was as I only replaced it just over a year ago, it appeared to be a bit better but still need to really use force to get it in 4th. Think I might take the slave cylinder off and replace the seals and piston to see if that helps. Maybe go fully synthetic instead of semi.

If you've got black clutch fluid that fast, that's an indication of one of two things:

- You have seals/pistons/other silicone items in the clutch hydraulic system failing, and that's the black you're seeing (most common)
- You have a major failure in the slave, and engine oil is getting into it (uncommon)

In either case, I would highly recommend you get rebuild kits for both the master and slave, and rebuild them.

Crozzy55 · Post by **Crozzy55** » Thu May 11, 2023 9:25 am

Thanks guys always some really good ideas as to what to do on this forum and I thank you.
I did use sea foam on the first oil change and run the engine till it got to operational temp and drained the oil expecting to see a load of tar instead of oil but No, it was very black considering it was fresh oil though..been sitting here thinking should I tackle removing the clutch, or finding another engine , there going for £1,200 pounds in UK and even then there's no guarantee it's in great nick. Been offered another bike for £5500 lot of money.
So I am going with rebuilding the whole hydraulic system as suggested. Will keep you posted

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