Grinding Gears

[aratcliffe]

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

[ScottRNelson]

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.

[aratcliffe]

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?

[ScottRNelson]

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.