I've been experiencing some non-ideal shifting into 4th gear, and the worry that it may be the dreaded 4th gear issue is driving me up the wall a bit, especially as I can't seem to find my specific symptoms matching closely with the articles/posts that I can find on here.
What happens is this: My gear shifts are generally a bit clunky, but I don't mind that given that it's a bit agricultural of a transmission anyway, but going from 3rd to 4th (and basically only there aside from the occasional neutral instead of 2nd gear), it sometimes 'chatters' in a way that I can feel through the shifter, as if something in the transmission is failing to align properly and bouncing between positions. This can range from a a 'ca-clunk' to a fast tick-a-tick-a-tick-a-tick... It doesn't always do it. It basically never does when changing into 4th below 2k rpm, but often does above 3k rpm when not preloading the shifter and being very precise with shifting. Above 4k, it happens more often than not, despite my best efforts, but the extent can differ (from feeling slightly rattly to a second-long chatterfest). Rarely, sloppy gear changes will simply not reach 4th and remain in 3rd after the chattering.
As mentioned, all of this happens less often when preloading and trying to be quick with the shifter, although this doesn't completely eliminate the problem. Once well in 4th, though, no slippage and no issue whatsoever with 5th.
Downshifting is not an issue anywhere.
I get no ticking or rattling when running in neutral or in gear on the centerstand with the nose down, so I don't have that typical symptom of the '4th issue'. Nor do i have the slipping out of 4th.
Some details about the bike:
1994 GL1500A, 45.5k miles
I installed a gear shifter pivot brace, so no more play in it (there was before)
No floorboards or heel/toe shifter
10w40 semisynth racing oil, filled to the top line on the dipstick
Bike was in a bit of a delapitated stae when I bought it last year and has seen a decent transformation since, but one thing I haven't refurbished is the clutch master and slave cylinder. I've checked the brass bushing in the clutch lever, and I don't know if it's shot, but it hasn't worn through or anything. The rubber on the master cylinder was half gone though, so I've ordered the parts to refurbish the system. Prob a lot of crud in the slave at least. However, the bike doesn't want to creep forward when in gear with clutch engaged or anything.
So, what do you think? Is this the beginning of losing my 4th gear, and if not, is this chattering bad for my transmission?
But At least it's possible to suppress it when riding a bit more calmly. But again, good to hear that bikes can last a long time with this.
Sorry about the bike, but were you okay at least?
Keep us posted!