I have a 2005XL1200 Custom with only a few thousand miles on it, but from new I have problems shifting from first to second when the bike is hot, too often I catch neutral instead of second. That's a problem when leaving a stop sign in a bit of hurry. I'm trying to be very conscious about not releasing the clutch too soon, but still this happens. Does not seem to be a problem when cold.

Dealer said all is OK at the 1K, but it was doing it then.

Any ideas? Change the tranny oil? Change shifting technique?

P.S. I won the Sporty!

 

Lifting the shift lever higher if you are only shifting it into nuetral should correct that problem. Sounds like it is your shifting technique causing the problem.
Just my penny.

 

I've seen that happen quite often when people get a 'little lazy' upshifting.

When shifting give the shifter a firm quick hit, and don't just use a slower steady pressure.

 

I agree with OFG ... You probably need to shift a little more aggressively.... Don't be afraid to feel a little torque at release... make it quick and firm!

 

The Sporties use the old style trannies. It is a definate click almost a whack through the gears.

 

My softy does it when I shift lazily...

 

I'll admit that after 35+ years I still do it from time to time, even though I know better, and feel like an idiot when it happens.

And I always wear steel toed boots, which give the lever a 'full jolt'.

If you happen to wear 'normal shoes' or whatever that have some "give" in the toe when upshifting, it's even more important to give the lever a very firm snap.

 

I've done it on occasion...most generally when I am not shifting hard enough....

 

I just did it today while on the last 5 miles home after a road trip (though not after 35+ years of riding). I hate when I hear that engine race and I feel like looking around to see if anyone noticed (though needless to say I don't actually look around).

 

Yeah, I've done it a few times and I always feel stupid when I've done it.