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Mk2A Commando 1st gear lever travel

Submitted by paul_taylor1 on Sun, 02/05/2021
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Commando

Hi All, I've noticed that 1st gear lever travel is quite a bit more than when I select 2nd gear(about 50% more) is there something that can be done to reduce the amount of travel when "going down the 'box"?

I do have a reduced movement in my right foot which I'm hoping will improve, but if I can reduce the travel it should help.

TIA

Paul.

Yes,I thought about that Robert, however, the footrest is in the right place at the mo'.

Do you know where I might get a shorter lever from?( I could cut & shut my one, but will prob' need it for when/if I convert to roadster spec.

I will mention that the bike is a Norvil replica, so head down arse up, long tank,single seat, clip-ons & rearsets & reverse gear lever & camplate, so still 1 up, 3 down.

I've been thinking about going back to roadster spec & I think this is just confirming that my 69yr old legs/ankles ain't what they use to be!

Cheers mate

Paul

Submitted by robert_tuck on Sun, 02/05/2021

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I had a similar problem on  a  250 Ducati.  could not get  proper riding boots to work  ,I eventually resorted to a rocking pedal  .  Its all made worse  with a bike that has a stretched out riding position .  Time to get sensible  if you want to continue to enjoy  your rides. At 75  its something  I know all about.

Submitted by paul_nicholls on Sat, 08/05/2021

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Sometimes the set of the pawl spring will make moving the pedal in one direction longer. Try adjusting the spring so that there is a slight clearance on both tips of the pawl and it it sitting in a neutral position.

Submitted by julian_wells on Mon, 10/05/2021

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Unless you're racing (I take it not, from other comments) and braking furiously for the Cadwell hairpin, do you need a handy change from second to first?

Not racing Julian, (used to enjoy Beezumph tremendously) it's the same problem selecting the lower gears as well, It looks like I'm going to swop parts over to std, footrests/tank etc.

The bike is a Hemmings PR rep, so long tank, clip-ons & rearsets. It's better if I sit normally on a bike for changing gear as my legs are not tucked up.

I suppose next thing will be to sell it & buy an electric start Commando! I'll have to start acting my age & not my shoe size! NO SOD THAT, wer'e a long time dead!

 

Submitted by julian_wells on Tue, 11/05/2021

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If we acted our age we'd be driving cars …

Paul Nicholls' tip sounds worth following, if the unequal throw applies to all changes.

Submitted by stan_thomas on Wed, 12/05/2021

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If you're using one of those hideous Tickle-style gear linkages then eliminating slop in the pivots will make a worthwhile improvement. Better still, throw the linkage away and use a standard gear lever fitted in reverse (you might have to 'alter' the kickstart to suit).

Better again: gear level

 


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