Won't shift into low at times

Beach · Jun 20, 2014

I just got my 850 Commando running great but once in a while it doesn't want to downshift....It seems like the ratchet isn't working correctly...If I move it around a bit it will usually shift..I was wondering if maybe the spring for ratchet might not be bent right and if so what to look for when fixing this...

toppy · Jun 20, 2014

The spring should be slightly loose with about 0.5mm or 0.020" of movement in its groove. You can bent the legs by hand with pair of pillars to adjust the fit.

Hobot · Jun 20, 2014

The key I found with pawl spring had everything to do with the Parallel-ness of the spring legs section the pawl swings past and about nothing at all to do with the space of clearance. It took 4 spring episodes of frustration before understanding another of manual's mis guidance to ignore.

Hobot · Jun 20, 2014

couldn't resist Ludwig's delicate red highlighting of our quality British engineering gizmo's. Don't confuse with polishing a turd as these pigs are known for hours of easy orgasms a ride.

Deets55 · Jun 21, 2014

Should be all the information you need to get set up correctly

http://www.oldbritts.com/gearbox_a.html

Torontonian · Jun 22, 2014

Buy a new spring.

toppy · Jun 22, 2014

Torontonian said:
Buy a new spring.

Even if you buy a new spring genuine or pattern it will almost certainly not be the correct fit an will need adjustments (bending) to fit. 4 speed gearboxes are more tolerant of the amount of free play on the spring but 5 an 6 speed gearboxes with their more closely spaced ratchet teeth need very careful setting up in order to select properly.

Beach · Jun 23, 2014

I removed the cover yesterday and checked the clearance on the spring...The upshifting side had correct clearance but the downshift side had too much..I bent the leg of that spring and watched that it was working correctly and reinstalled..Took out for a test ride and it is shifting great now..Thanks for the help..

Hobot · Jun 23, 2014

Glad it was that simple but keep in mind its a bend piece of wire now so might get a spare next time ordering. There's always a next time if ya let it sit up or run the snot out of it all the time. That area don't get oiled so tends to rust so grease slathering or clear or colored paint protects mine so I don't find a rusted out of tension spring to replace again or mess on nuts and threads dissolving.