Motorcycle.com

ghettoe · 10-20-2010, 03:51 PM

So I had my first drop and the gear shifter is bent. I thought I could just bend it back but I checked online on some suggestions and I have seen mixed opinions. some say absolutely do not just bend it back as it could break, some say doing it is fine, and some say I need to heat it before I bend it back. Is it really that complicated a process? Should I just file a claim and get an actual mechanic to fix this. I thought I could fix it myself but with the advice I'm hearing I'm not so sure. Help please. I want to ride before winter kicks in.

The_AirHawk · 10-20-2010, 04:15 PM

It's just the lever, right? Not the shaft going-into the motor? If it's not mangled too badly, a large pair of pliers or a crescent-wrench can probably tweak it back-into shape.

If that's too much - do you have a hammer? Do you know which end of it beat-against an object? Take the lever off (you'll need an 8mm or 10mm wrench or socket for the pinch-bolt), noting the relation to each-other of the small punch-marks on the end of the shifter-shaft and lever clevis, and and whack the thing back-into shape between the hammer and a hard surface (such as an anvil or metal table, or even a cement curb, in a pinch).

Trial-fit it back on the bike, making certain you can actuate the gears properly. Re-install the retaining-bolt.

It's really not Rocket Surgery - almost is more than good-enough. Manufacturers make these things with the expectation that they'll possibly be bent now and again.

You can do this two or three times to a steel lever before you've got to scrap it.

An aluminium peg or lever can be bent-back in much the same way, but you've got to use a LOT of very tiny pecks with the hammer - trying to He-Man (or He-Woman) aluminium just breaks it.

12er · 10-21-2010, 02:21 PM

As AH states, make sure you remove the shifter BEFORE attempting to bend it back. If it breaks, new shifter time. If you can straighten it with some force and leverage your out 15 min of your life.

ghettoe · 10-23-2010, 10:16 AM

Tried to straighten it with force and that is a task that a policeman and my neighbor who has a ninja zx-14 have failed. I'm going to hit up my dealership or insurance to see how much it will cost.

mscuddy · 10-23-2010, 06:27 PM

Wrap a one end of a chain around the shift lever, the other end to the rear bumper of your car. Have a buddy hold on to your bike, and rev your car up to about 5 thousand rpms and do a neutral drop. Something is bound to happen to the shifter with this procedure.

The_AirHawk · 10-23-2010, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghettoe

Tried to straighten it with force and that is a task that a policeman and my neighbor who has a ninja zx-14 have failed. I'm going to hit up my dealership or insurance to see how much it will cost.

Ron Ayers dot com has it listed for $28.32: http://www.ronayers.com/Search/N/687...1215/Source/KA

Double-check the fiche before you buy, make certain to get anything that you might have to replace.

Ronayers.com Fiche Desktop Motorcycle Kawasaki 2005 Ninja 250R Gear Change Mechanism

My apologies to you - I mis-remembered how the EX250 has its shifter - I was thinking it was attached directly to the shift-shaft, rather than with the short piece of linkage. However, banging it out straight again still goes the same-same for this part.

I have to say - having experience in metalworking and mechanics makes this a "non-job" for me - it will be different (of course) for someone that has little or no experience, and probably limited-access to tools.

A Star Ride · 10-23-2010, 10:12 PM

Bench vise & bigger hammer

10-20-2010, 03:51 PM	#1
ghettoe Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 32	Bent gear shifter So I had my first drop and the gear shifter is bent. I thought I could just bend it back but I checked online on some suggestions and I have seen mixed opinions. some say absolutely do not just bend it back as it could break, some say doing it is fine, and some say I need to heat it before I bend it back. Is it really that complicated a process? Should I just file a claim and get an actual mechanic to fix this. I thought I could fix it myself but with the advice I'm hearing I'm not so sure. Help please. I want to ride before winter kicks in.

10-20-2010, 04:15 PM	#2
The_AirHawk Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Livin' in a Van: down by the Mariana Trench Posts: 10,891	It's just the lever, right? Not the shaft going-into the motor? If it's not mangled too badly, a large pair of pliers or a crescent-wrench can probably tweak it back-into shape. If that's too much - do you have a hammer? Do you know which end of it beat-against an object? Take the lever off (you'll need an 8mm or 10mm wrench or socket for the pinch-bolt), noting the relation to each-other of the small punch-marks on the end of the shifter-shaft and lever clevis, and and whack the thing back-into shape between the hammer and a hard surface (such as an anvil or metal table, or even a cement curb, in a pinch). Trial-fit it back on the bike, making certain you can actuate the gears properly. Re-install the retaining-bolt. It's really not Rocket Surgery - almost is more than good-enough. Manufacturers make these things with the expectation that they'll possibly be bent now and again. You can do this two or three times to a steel lever before you've got to scrap it. An aluminium peg or lever can be bent-back in much the same way, but you've got to use a LOT of very tiny pecks with the hammer - trying to He-Man (or He-Woman) aluminium just breaks it. __________________ *Parfois, on fait pas semblant* Sometimes, it's not pretend Oderint Dum Metuant Let them hate so long as they fear политики предпочитают безоружных крестьян Politicians Prefer Unarmed Peasants Nothing to see here, Citizen. Move along now...

10-23-2010, 06:27 PM	#5
mscuddy MODERATOR X Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Next to my still checkin the temp. Posts: 5,444	Wrap a one end of a chain around the shift lever, the other end to the rear bumper of your car. Have a buddy hold on to your bike, and rev your car up to about 5 thousand rpms and do a neutral drop. Something is bound to happen to the shifter with this procedure. __________________ A gun is a tool, Marian; no better or no worse than any other tool: an axe, a shovel or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that.

10-23-2010, 10:12 PM	#7
A Star Ride Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: central Va Posts: 1,126	Bench vise & bigger hammer __________________ White Trash Hick from Appalachia

Sponsored Links	Remove Advertisements
Motorcycle Forum Advertisement

10-21-2010, 02:21 PM	#3
12er Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: SF Posts: 2,702	As AH states, make sure you remove the shifter BEFORE attempting to bend it back. If it breaks, new shifter time. If you can straighten it with some force and leverage your out 15 min of your life.

10-23-2010, 10:16 AM	#4
ghettoe Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 32	Tried to straighten it with force and that is a task that a policeman and my neighbor who has a ninja zx-14 have failed. I'm going to hit up my dealership or insurance to see how much it will cost.