Transmission - shifting technique

Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models

Updated: 2006 May 08

Proper shifting technique is critical to enjoying a loop frame. Do it wrong and you'll constantly be frustrated by the transmission. Learn and practice the proper technique and horizons of pleasure will open up unto you! Here are the basic steps:

1. Disengage the clutch (pull the handlebar lever in).
2. Move the shift lever in the direction you want it to go and hold it there. Do not let up. There is no need to jab or jam or hit. Just push it into place. It may or may not engage, but don't worry about that right now. Just hold the shift lever in place.
3. Engage the clutch (release the handlebar lever). You may feel the transmission hook up right away...or you may feel your shift lever move a little further and then feel the transmission hook up. Either result is fine. By keeping your foot on the shift lever, you are keeping pressure on the shift dogs until they have had a chance to engage with the corresponding cogs on the gears.
4. Remove your foot from the shift lever.

This technique will go a long way toward easing shifting troubles. There is no danger of excessive wear on the shift components by doing this...unless, of course, you choose to ride around with your foot on the shift lever for extended periods of time. The reason this technique works is that it working with the mechanical forces inside the transmission. We do not have tap-your-toe, snick-snick-snick transmissions...but they generally work very well and are relatively heavy duty.