This is regarding my 1993 R100GS. I've only had her one month and we're still getting acquainted but I do question if something is amiss in the transmission. Upshifting from 1 - 2 and 2 - 3 is met with a slight bit of crunch as the gears engage. The higher gears are smooth. I've tried as many variables in shifting as possible...low RPM and slow shifts...higher RPM snappy shifts...double clutching, etc. I have adjusted the clutch cable per the shop manual to 201mm length and 2mm free play at the shift lever and the bike itself was fully restored mechanically in 2012 and 3,000 miles ago so wear should not be an issue. Being a first time Airhead owner, I simply need input here. How do your bikes shift? Snick, snick, snick or a little bit of crunch? Thanks everybody, Eric.
BMW gearboxes are not lightning-fast shifters, although the later models are much better. My adaptation to my own gearbox shift issues took about 4 months of regular riding to work out. It seems to me that I'm holding the shift lever in the up or down position just a hair longer than other bikes.
The 2 two problems I had (on separate bikes) were cured with a oil change to synthetic oil on one, and the other had the shift lever about to fall off.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Thanks for the input Wobbly. I neglected to mention that the bike does have fresh gear oil...Valvoline 75w90 synthetic. Eric.
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