Selecting First Gear

[steve_lawrence]

New clutch fitted this year (by a well known tuner/repairer) and since then I can't always select first gear. From cold, no problem, but once up and running if I stop, I have to "rock" the scooter backwards slightly to get first to go in. If I select first gear while the scooter is still moving, it goes in fine.
When I asked why this is happening, I was told that it is "normal". Well It hasn't been normal for the 12 years that I've owned this scooter up to now, although other riders tell me that they have a similar issue. I've tried adjusting the cables but it makes no difference.
Any suggestions as to what is going on?
As far as I know, its a standard type 4 plate clutch with uprated springs, and the gearbox is 1965 Pacemaker, with 16 x 47 sprockets.

Thanks

[hullygully]

have you checked the selector arm/bar if the holes not slotted?
you've checked the cables?
any play @ the headset end?
is the selector arm of the bolted variety? is that loose?
I spent the full weekend of the Derby 150 struggling to get 4th gear, when getting home I checked it over & the cable was fraying....

[grandpa]

Hi steve,
You probably have some clutch drag.When I used a clutch compressor I noticed that it only takes 4mm of thread to fully compress springs so there is little room for play if your cork clutch plates have expanded .You may have wear or play on thrust components or slop on clutch arm.
Have a look at this:
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=4460&p=35762
Grandpa

[Digger]

I have exactly the same problem but I haven't had the time (or the inclination) to investigate it.

My dyno man said it was because the gearbox wasn't shimmed correctly but I obviously can't substantiate that.

[HxPaul]

My series two sometimes does exactly the same thing.Most of the time I can engage first,but sometimes,usually waiting at traffic lights with a queue of cars behind me,it wont go into first and I have to set off in second and then quickly change into first.It can be very embarassing at times.

[fiveo]

Just a thought is your clutch lever set up properly allowing your clutch plates to decompress (posh word) correctly .

Fiveo

[Scooter Paul]

Do you have the rubber cable bellows fitted? Some are so hard that hey restrict the full movement of the selector arm. I've had to cut one by half its length to allow full selection of first gear.

Paul