Scrambler 1200 XC - Getting to 1st Gear

[Dr Joe]

I just put risers on my Scrambler 1200 XC. I did not put a lot of miles on the bike before putting on the risers.

I notice with this bike, that sometimes, if I put it in neutral after I stop, when I go to start it up next time I just see dashes on the gear indicator and I can't put the bike into 1st gear. When I press the shifter, there is no "click" into 1st, though sometimes it engages without a click. If I just rock it a bit, it works fine.

Not a big deal... but I just wonder if all Scrambler 1200's do that, or if the risers are pulling the cables.

Anyone else notice that? I've ridden Harleys with that problem... try even putting a Harley in Neutral once you have stopped moving. Aweful.

 

[DaveM]

Sounds like it might be a wiring issue when you put on the rises by the sound of it.

 

[Dr Joe]

Sounds like it might be a wiring issue when you put on the rises by the sound of it.

I was afraid of that. Thanks Dave.

 

[DaveM]

Just check and see if you can see any wires snagging at any point as it might be an easy fix.

 

[Dr Joe]

Just move the handlebars to put more slack on clutch cable. That does seem to have fixed it. Anyone else have a 1st gear issue?

 

[CarlS]

Usually when adding risers, one has to reroute the cables so that there is enough slack. Sometimes you have to purchase a longer cable.

 

[Dr Joe]

Usually when adding risers, one has to reroute the cables so that there is enough slack. Sometimes you have to purchase a longer cable.

Yes. I have done this a few times (I am 6'6" tall). The cables for the XC are the same as the taller XE, so I was hoping that there would be enough slack. I did take off some binders Triumph put on there to tidy things up. There is enough for all cables, except the clutch seems tight. No easy way to re-route the cable, but maybe taking it off at the clutch and moving it outside the fork. Unfortunately, Triumph has that nasty clutch switch, so I think that is the problem. I will likely re-route, order a new custom cable, or settle for where I have the bars now. I am growing to LOVE this bike.

 

[CarlS]

Glad you are loving it! I am

 

[Dr Joe]

In this case, the problem was due to a partially unseated wire in the left handlebar grip. Maybe associated with the risers. The guys at Baxter's Cycle in Iowa were really great to work with. I took it in for 1st service and they isolated the problem in two minutes. They then let me observe as they spent the time to take the unit apart and make sure everything was seated perfectly with bars positioned where I wanted them. Jeremy is a terrific guy to work with. They love their bikes.

 

[CarlS]

Glad you got it sorted and that it was nothing major. I cannot say enough good about Baxter Cycles. You are blessed to be reasonably close to them.