Can't select 1st gear

[dylansdad]

TV 175 Series 3. Just recently I've been having to twist the lever further and further past the "1" to select 1st gear. Assuming that the cable needed adjusting I tightened the one that pulls as you rotate the lever towards "1" but it made no difference. I can go up through 2nd, 3rd and 4th and back again as far as neutral without a problem and when in neutral the "0" is aligned with the arrow. Does this suggest the cable is on the way out?

[nickw]

It could also be the other cable been adjusted too tightly preventing you adjust 1st correctly. Best thing to do imo is to slacken both cables, check position of selector/gear arm in neutral and adjust again. Then you will know if it is indeed new cables needed.

[HxPaul]

To adjust the gear cables just remember,front to back and back to front,in other words the gear cable futhest forward on your headset is adjusted by tightening and slackening the adjuster at the inside of the engine. ie.the adjuster closest to the back wheel.

[dylansdad]

Thanks guys. While doing this I noticed there's a lot of wobble/play in the swivel and the arm attached to it that goes back to the gear change arm by the rear wheel (sorry if that's not the correct part names but I'm sure you know which bits I mean). Is this play normal or will a new swivel & pivot improve things?

I remember seeing a thread on here some while ago about low friction cables. I assume they cost more but are worth it?

[Raveydavey]

Check the o ring seal around the gear selector rod ( that goes in to the gearbox). If there is oil around it, it's knackered and will introduce some play as a result.

[dylansdad]

Check the o ring seal around the gear selector rod ( that goes in to the gearbox). If there is oil around it, it's knackered and will introduce some play as a result.

Forgive my lack of knowledge here but you mean the vertical rod that goes into the casing just behind the rear wheel? I can confirm there' no oil there.

I think I'll order new cables and pivot/swivel - it won't break the bank.

[bluebob]

your right that it wont break the bank but before you start changing parts I would have another go first.just check that the outer cable in the headset hasn't slipped down a bit.plus as mentioned earlier check the opposite cable is not too tight.if the inners are still half decent why not slacken them both off,wind your adjusters back in,and try reseting them,while a mate holds the twistgrip in position.must be worth a try before you start the fun of changing complete cables that you may not need.

[bluebob]

your right that it wont break the bank but before you start changing parts I would have another go first.just check that the outer cable in the headset hasn't slipped down a bit.plus as mentioned earlier check the opposite cable is not too tight.if the inners are still half decent why not slacken them both off,wind your adjusters back in,and try reseting them,while a mate holds the twistgrip in position.must be worth a try before you start the fun of changing complete cables that you may not need.