On my 44 WM20 i have taken it out for the maiden voyage, so initally quite difficult to select first i did have trainers on but it was that stiff i had to rock the bike and pull it up into 1st using my hand, i understand these are not like a modern bike and a good pair of boots would make it easer. Once i got going it selects all the gears up absolutely fine. Changing down gears slight resistance at speed but when crawling it is quite difficult to select. The box seems to select ok on the bench, clutch operation when running feels excellent. I have used SAE 40 duckhams in the box, the box has been fully apart everything cleaned new bearings seals etc just to give some history. Any ideas?
As you've had it apart, you'll know that it looks impossible for the dog rings to lock the gears in place.
I've found that changing gear at a lower rpm is nicer than at speed.
First gear and generally changing down (pulling the gear lever up) is harder than changing up.
Though you can normally feel it coming out of gear and then engaging.
The indexing indents don't pull the selector forks into place like a modern box.
I find it's better to keep some pressure on the gear lever until I'm sure it's fully changed gear.
One thing for sure is that I won't be riding it bare footed!
Very interesting topic. I also have difficulties in engaging first gear on my M20. And also sometimes fourth gear.
Adjusting the small rod behind the sidecover is a "shot in the dark" as Ian Wright once wrote in the technical pages.
A question; I have a spare gear change mechanism. Is it possible to judge the quality of this, looking at it from the outside...?
Thanks Scott, it is throwing me off because the clutch seems to operate so smoothly but i guess these minor adjustments do make a ton of difference. I will back track and measure everything as you suggest
I think your right Mark about how "agricultural" they can be compared to modern stuff although i do think i should be at least a bit easier. Its insured now so i may get the chance for a proper road test geared up and see how different it behaves
Hi Tod,
When you were reassembling the box did you check for the necessary end float on the three shafts? It sounds like the selector forks are putting too much side pressure on the gears in one direction and allowing the selector dogs to bind, shims at the wrong end of the shafts or behind bushes can do this as well.
Hi Matt i fear this is where i have made huge errors i did not, i have also found a very thin shim in the box where the old gearbox parts are. Lokks like im going to have to remove it and have another go
