Grease Your Shift Lever

[V7Goose]

Besides making sure you LocTite the shift lever bolt, you should make sure you have properly lubed the pivot.

 

I noticed the shifter seems considerably more sloppy on my 05 with 40,000 miles than my 07 with 13,000. When I pulled the shifter off, I noticed wear on the pivot just to the rear of top center. It was also pretty dry. There is a grease groove in the middle of the pivot, and my 07 did show it had once been packed. I bet the shifter on the 05 wouldn't be near as sloppy had I checked this long ago. Note that this IS listed on the periodic maintenance chart in the Owner's manual! My bad for not having properly checked it sooner. The shop used to just use a spray lube like a thin white grease on this point as well as the kick stand and brake peddle, so maybe I'll get them to fix it under warranty.

Goose

[Dano]

Same goes for 1st gens, there's a brass collar in the left side case that can get worn quickly, I plan to order one (if I can) to replace it soon, got about 3'8s inch play in it......