Is this common?

[Triple Trouble]

This is a common problem with the Rocket. Worse when new it tends to get better as the miles pile on. The problem is that it doesn't go fully into first and then pops out. As some here have suggested keep pressure on the lever and ease the clutch lever out and you will feel it drop right in. I never notice it any more on mine but have had the "update kit" fitted ('05 model) and maybe do it subconsciously now.

 

[charlie c.]

For what its worth mine (08) did it twice when it was new, its just not in all the way listen for the clank then its in, mine hasn't jumped out again ! while rolling slow shift it in first don;t wait till you are stopped ! I Hope this is your Fix.

 

[kmrmike]

I had the same problem with my 08 R3T. I bought it with 500 miles on it and would pop out of 1st gear..Being a new bike to me,It took a while to get the feel of it. I could finally tell when it would happen as I would not get that distinct " clunking " sound and also the "feel" that it was not fully in gear. I continued to use the bike with caution and made a positive effort to place it in gear. After a few miles no more problem...Don't recall how many though,but not many. have 20,000 on it now.

 

[CanberraR3]

Simplest way: clutch out in neutral every time before engaging first - unless you're moving.

 

[Evil Mitch]

Yep as some others have stated it's quite common on the rocket it did it to me a few times when I first got mine "09 model" and I was told by other owners to let the clutch out slightly before selecting first from neutral and it's never happend since. In saying that though I also had the drama where my gear selector shaft snapped off inside the bike Warantee job and it changes gears alot smoother now but I still let her out a little changing from neutral to first just so I don't get caught out

 

[UNCLE JESSE]

I have the 07 and I have the same trouble coming up on a stop light, I have to make sure that I gear it down while still moving or sometimes it will not go in first or if I'm setting I have to do the double clutch to get mine in first.

 

[BigAl52]

i've had the same problem, and as Richard said after starting release the clutch then pull in again to engage first gear.......works every time.

 

[Gkiller]

i've had the same problem, and as Richard said after starting release the clutch then pull in again to engage first gear.......works every time.

Exactly. Have almost dropped my 06 Classic a few times when she popped out of 1st into neutral upon lift-off. Just make sure that you are fully engaged in 1st gear before hitting the throttle...
I've had no problems whatsoever once I started paying a bit more attention to making sure 1st gear was locked in...

 

[rreidiii]

As I mentioned earlier I did drop her going about 0 mph fortunately she came out unscathed and my back is only a little sore today. I am glad that I don't need to take her into he shop but rather ride this weekend and practice what ya'll have told me. Again great group and your help is extremely appreciated!

 

[budman]

..put that boot down with authority on the shift lever..she's just like woman..she likes it firm and hard, but she won't necessarily tell ya that..ya gotta get a feel for it when ya know it's just right..just like a woman..and keep your clutch adjusted with 2-3 mm of play..


..found this on the internetz..

First gear engagement never gets better,you just have to let clutch out a bit while pushing down on lever.The straight cut gears are the reason for this.