h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi there to everyone
I'm steve and i've recently bought a brand new suzuki marauder.I passed my cbt last year and rode an nsr until it packed up on me!!
Anyway after a couple of short outings on the bike I am finding it hard to get down to first gear and find neutral(often starting off in second gear) I was wondering wether anyone had any advice in finding my elusive first gear and the invisible neutral. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
cheers Steve

I have recently bought a 125 marauder and I have had exactly the same problem with finding first gear and neutral.
I find it particularly awkward on a hill, when performing a hill start, it is possible to pull away in second when I am on the flat, but it is not possible on a hill, and if I try it I always stall, that is dodgy when you have a car reving up behind you.
One way I have found around the problem is to change down through the box as I approach the junction and as its still rolling but just as its coming to a stop, knock it down into first the moment before you finally stop, it should then go into first gear ready for your pull away.
Good luck.

G'day to both of you (and welcome to H2G2) - I notice neither of you have done up your personal spaces yet, but once you do, you're welcome to join the H2G2 motorcycle club: A724312

I'm not sure if the problem with first gear is particular to the Marauder, but I think gearboxes can be a little notchy for a little while when new.

I would recommend changing progressively down gears to first while stopping (giving the engine a little blip while you've got the clutch pulled in to help the gears mesh as you change down)- this way, you can use engine braking to help slow the bike (I'd also leave the bike in first gear when you've got it parked). However, one thing that can sometimes help is rocking the bike forward or backward when you're changing from neutral to first. I think... (yep I'm a real tech-head, me, know everything about bikes....not). Give it a go.

It may also mean that your clutch cable might need adjustment? If the problem persists, talk to your dealer...

Maybe someone else at the clubhouse can help - try posting there



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