From time to time when shifting gears the bike seems to get stuck between gears with a nasty grinding metal sound (this is a 2003 M400 with a wet clutch).
Is this the cause of this likely to be the clutch or a problem with riding technique?
Cheers
Adam
Ducati transmissions are famous for false neutrals, where the next gear doesn't quite engage. Usually you get a big clunk rather than actual grinding from that though.
Usually they are caused by lazy shifts and most often happen between 4th gear and 5th. Be a bit firmer on your upshifts to reduce the frequency of occurrence. Lowering the shifter half an inch can also help.
Thanks for the advice Scott, it does sound like the problem could be avoided by working on making my upshifts a bit more positive. Do I need to fit rearsets do lower the shifter, or is that adjustment possible using the stock unit?
Take a close look at the shift linkage. There should be two lock-nuts on the end of the rod that goes between the shift lever and the lever going into the transmission. You just loosen those lock-nuts and twist the rod to make the shifter go up or down. Be aware that one of the nuts is a reverse thread nut, so look closely to figure out which way tightens and loosens them.
It's a very easy task for anyone with even the smallest amount of mechanical ability.