[Raffi D]

Hi everyone. So I'm new to the forums and new to motorcycles, too. I now own a 2003 sv650s with just under 19k.
Aside from the typical maintenance that's expected, i'm going through everything else on the bike right now. I noticed from the first time riding it that the shifter needs to be pulled up higher than other bikes in order to engage the gear. You have to put in a bit too more effort to get the shifter up than I think is natural. I rode my friend's honda transalp once and have felt my other friend's bike's shifters before, and none of them needed this much effort just to get to the next gear.

Just so you know, i'm trying to search on here, but i'm getting threads that talk about shifter play and other stuff

 

[Raffi D]

Nevermind everyone. I found this and it seems to be exactly what I need.

http://www.svrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=114391&highlight=shifter+adjustment

 

[D'Ecosse]

Be careful - not as simple as just repositioning the shift arm

http://www.svrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=110104

Start by setting the shift arm on the splines, so it makes close to 90 deg angle with the link rod; then adjust the length of the link rod to get the pedal height to where it is comfortable for you.

 

[Raffi D]

Thanks for the advice. I'll tackle this Sunday since I'm off to my beginner's road course all day tomorrow and Sunday morning.

The bike is at my friend's house right now so I can't sit in front of it to see what's going on but it looks like setting the spline in the correct position puts less stress on the transition for each shift and you are able to bias whether or not it helps with upshifts or downshifts. Does that sound right?