The CB1100 Community Forum

Is there anyway I can get my gearbox to shift smoother? I have read somewhere that if the gears were cut different that it would smooth out the shifting instead of clunking! Anyone hear of this?

I've found that when I exaggerate the throttle blip (closing it futher than I do on some other bikes), I get a buttery smooth, silent shift every time.

I'm using the recommended Honda GN-4 10W-30 and have diligently replaced the clutch (and brake) fluids every two years. I'm at 36,000mi...

If you’re not doing so already, try lightly preloading the shift lever before disengaging the clutch. Then, when you’re ready to shift, disengage the clutch while continuing to preload the shifter and you might find the gears changing more smoothly.

(07-06-2021, 12:16 PM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: [ -> ]If you’re not doing so already, try lightly preloading the shift lever before disengaging the clutch. Then, when you’re ready to shift, disengage the clutch while continuing to preload the shifter and you might find the gears changing more smoothly.

(+1) for the LongRanger.

(07-06-2021, 12:28 PM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-06-2021, 12:16 PM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: [ -> ]If you’re not doing so already, try lightly preloading the shift lever before disengaging the clutch. Then, when you’re ready to shift, disengage the clutch while continuing to preload the shifter and you might find the gears changing more smoothly.

(+1) for the LongRanger.

(+1) for the LongRanger. I'll give it a try, thanks!

(07-06-2021, 09:36 PM)DougsZ28_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-06-2021, 12:28 PM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-06-2021, 12:16 PM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: [ -> ]If you’re not doing so already, try lightly preloading the shift lever before disengaging the clutch. Then, when you’re ready to shift, disengage the clutch while continuing to preload the shifter and you might find the gears changing more smoothly.

(+1) for the LongRanger.

(+1) for the LongRanger. I'll give it a try, thanks!

Yeah, I would say it has by far the biggest impact on improved smoothness.

A secondary change for myself was the oil:

Motul 5100 or Rotella T6 10W40.

Hard to describe, but smoother than a blunt hot knife sliding down a brick of fresh, farm dairy butter.

A loose or worn chain (with tight spots) will cause clunky shifting, even slightly loose. Keep your chain well lubricated.

(07-07-2021, 01:26 AM)Dave_imp Wrote: [ -> ]A loose or worn chain (with tight spots) will cause clunky shifting, even slightly loose. Keep your chain well lubricated.

The Tutoro auto chain lubricator will make that task essentially zero effort.

don't use the clutch works also. forces you to rev match and take the strain off the gears before you shift.

(07-06-2021, 09:40 PM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-06-2021, 09:36 PM)DougsZ28_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-06-2021, 12:28 PM)GoldOxide_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-06-2021, 12:16 PM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: [ -> ]If you’re not doing so already, try lightly preloading the shift lever before disengaging the clutch. Then, when you’re ready to shift, disengage the clutch while continuing to preload the shifter and you might find the gears changing more smoothly.

(+1) for the LongRanger.

(+1) for the LongRanger. I'll give it a try, thanks!

Yeah, I would say it has by far the biggest impact on improved smoothness.

A secondary change for myself was the oil:

Motul 5100 or Rotella T6 10W40.

Hard to describe, but smoother than a blunt hot knife sliding down a brick of fresh, farm dairy butter.

Yeah, I would say it has by far the biggest impact on improved smoothness.

A secondary change for myself was the oil:

Motul 5100 or Rotella T6 10W40.

Hard to describe, but smoother than a blunt hot knife sliding down a brick of fresh, farm dairy butter. Thats the cure, I went to a 5-20 synthetic and it cured the problem! Thanks