that Old Tangerine Dream (problem bike these days... :( )

[MsTek]

I'll have to see.  I'll check tomorrow.  I just know shifting sucks.  I think I might understand where you are going with this though in theory.  That the clutch isn't disengaging all the way?

[ducpainter]

I'm gonna say it...'cuz that's what I do.

Ride it girl...stop analyzing.

[MsTek]

The problem is that if I can't shift easily, that's kinda dangerous. 

[stopintime]

I'll have to see.  I'll check tomorrow.  I just know shifting sucks.  I think I might understand where you are going with this though in theory.  That the clutch isn't disengaging all the way?

Yes. It might be better after just a short while. Ride around the block ten times, see if it's improving.

I'm gonna say it...'cuz that's what I do.

Ride it girl...stop analyzing.

They do like to be used  

[ducpainter]

The problem is that if I can't shift easily, that's kinda dangerous. 

Motorcycles are dangerous.

Ride it.

Climb out of your computer mindset.

I'll offer a song... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbhYqV17CoQ

[MsTek]

Lol...
I'm a certified cave diver. And spend time in SE Asia training in combat alone for 4 months.  I'm not scared of anything but if I have to keep slamming my foot on the shifter and sometimes it will not downshift at all... That's kinda a problem. I have to ride it.  I have no way to go to job interviews so I have to push it no matter what.

[Howie]

If the clutch is not fully disengaging you could try bleeding it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=277&v=1tWVPdKcEDU

If shifting is still hard follow dp's advice for now.  Can you get your bike to an area where there is less traffic, therefore hopefully safer?

[ducpainter]

Has the bike ever been down on the left side? Bent/misadjusted shift linkage can cause difficulty shifting in one direction.

It's also possible the linkage needs adjusting internally. A properly adjusted linkage will allow shifting down with out the clutch with out having to jump on the shifter.

That said, I'm thinking clutch drag.

[Heath]

Bleed the clutch
Do an oil change, especially if it's been sitting 2 years. The S2R800 is a wet clutch that uses the engine oil as lubricant.
RIDE IT!! and get the kinks out.

[koko64]

Yep, the clutch fluid will go soft and needs replacement. Get a buddy to help you on that and its easy. Should be plenty of tutorials around on that. Thankfully brake/clutch fluid is cheap too (use DOT 4). Have a windex bottle of soapy water ready to spray on any spilled brake fluid as it eats paint.
I've done my share of dangerous stuff, but cave diving, no way I'd do that  . You're very brave.
You'll get this bike up and running for sure.

[DuciD03]

AH! you fixed the electrical! Just checking in; don't hang here all the time.



You fixed it, good that your carful; detailed oriented and managed to work through that; most would have given up long ago. "OMF-enG", lol. Good something I'v never done. Other stuff below I have done.



Clutch and oil is easy by comparison;

bleed clutch line with new, to spec, break fluid, I sometimes remove old fluid from reservoir with paper towel then add new clean fluid (you do need a simple break bleed kit with rubber hose helps; very fussy to balance all; so take you time, but easy; slowly pull lever in after you loosen bleeder nut on clutch slave cylinder; then tighten while lever is still pulled in; then release lever; do again takes +/-? 20 pulls; note keep clutch reservoir level topped up; so you don't get air in clutch line; bleed till clean clear fluid flows out; without tiny air bubbles. )

Oil make sure you get to spec motorcycle oil and add proper amount; also check level and top up. Clutch has been sitting for 2 yrs; probably 1/2 submerged in oil and half out; so one sides been wet others been dry for 2 yrs; it will take a bit of riding to even the clutch plates out ... other here may have some suggestions.

[stopintime]

Still mobile? 

[MsTek]

No.

The rear tire is flat.  I have no idea how it came to be so.  I don't have all the tools and am unsure of what to do.  Pretty sure I could change a car tire if I had to but not so sure about this.  It's $200 to tow it to the shop then however much they'll charge me.  I am assuming that the tire has an inner tube in it?  Or are they tubeless?  Now, I probably have about one month left of riding left and I am trying so hard to save money but now I have a down car and a down motorcycle.  Grr.  And my garage isn't heated so its going to get cold.  Not sure what to do.  I want to fix that hanging tail light myself but the flat rear tire seems complicated.

Also, a question about li-on battery.  During the winter, should I take it indoors and sit it on a charger?

Pissed about that tire. 

Oh yeah... and sometimes, the bike just doesn't start.  I hit the ignition and it doesn't do anything but the power is on.  Then if I wait a bit, it will come on.  I am wondering if I have an issue with the starter or what.  The headlight sometimes flickers slightly.  I can see it is doing it but its subtle.  I do think the battery is charging as I ride but I dunno.

[Howie]

With the tire, put air in it and see what happens.  They do loose air sitting.

Fully charge battery with a suitable charger for your LI battery, clean battery connections and ground.

[stopintime]

Those batteries need some heat. Turn the ignition on - it will turn the headlight on and the battery will heat up. Let it sit like that for ~a minute. Easier start.

It's hard to remove the wheel - one big nut torqued heavily. Do you have access to compressed air? Could be those small cartridges. It's often possible to see why it's flat ... nail/screw/valve - tried that?