2003 does not go in to first very easy. Any ideas?

[Firedude]

Hi. My wifes bike. 2003 XR 250. It does not go into first very easy. Sometimes you have to let the clutch almost all the way out then it will go in. It has done it sence new. It only has 130 miles. Honda said it was normal. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Alex_H]

Honda box's can be notoriously clunky and have quirks such as you described. Get a few more miles on the bike, 500 is a good number, and see how it works then. 130 miles is nothing on an XR and everythings still tight.

[Firedude]

Good advice. Thanks.

[98xr250]

dble check your freeplay on the clutch lever , if thats ok, then consider using semie or full synthetic when your breaking period is done in a couple of tanks

stu

[Firedude]

Have switched to full synthetic and did check clutch. Thanks for playing.

[hxr400]

I had that same problem with an old 83 model Honda ATC185, It was SO hard to get into first it was just about unrideable! Then we put fully synthetic oil in it, and it was Fixed! ?

So see how it goes with your sinthetic oil in it, hopfully it will be ok.

So have you recently changed it to fully synthetic? or did it already have that in it and it was still hard to change?

[Firedude]

Synthetic already. It is actually like there is no first gear. If you keep pushing down and work the clutch in and out it will click in. I am going to take it for a good ride this week and see if a good hard ride will help. I hope the CRF does not get jealous.