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Shifting Gears - 7 yr old Girl - any advice?
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:28 am
by kena48
My daughter doesn't seem to have the foot strength to shift her new 70.
She's riding pretty good now and should be ready. She can't do it static with me holding the bike still.
It is a bit stiff. The dealer said it would break-in over time, and get less stiff.
Shifts good for me, but I can see why she's having trouble. I really don't think it's the bike.
Any ideas?
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 12:31 pm
by TXSUT
Maybe try adjusting the shifter downward a notch or two for more leverage.
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 1:32 am
by adcmtm3
I recently had the same problem w/ my son. I first lowered the lever and no luck. I then found out that raising the lever works best. My son now shifts gears.
good luck
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:49 pm
by kena48
Thanks! We tried that too, but on the last ride, she got it into 2nd once. Hey, that's a start!
Oh yeah, she also kick started it once by herself. THAT's MY GIRL!
http://picasaweb.google.com/kena48/Motorcycle/photo#5153563534021195346
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:57 pm
by gal8x
Is she using riding boots? Maybe it is not strength… but pain.
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:01 pm
by kena48
Yes, I think that's half of it. She walks like Frankenstien in them. We tried it with everyday shoes sitting still too.
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:40 pm
by JAWS
My 9 year old Grandson can shift his 70 just fine in tennis shoes, but can't at all with his boots on. Hoping he gets better with age.
Joe
Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:06 pm
by JohnSBA
My young kids have had similar issues... all you can do is position the lever, buy an extended length lever (if appropriate since you can get more leverage), and help them break their boots in so they get some articulation at the ankle. I know going to full synthetic oil can also help (at least on bigger bikes), but other than that, practice practice practice