Down Shifting's a pain

[Kook]

I'm wondering if there is something I can do to make the down shifting on my 200M a little easier. I really have to pull on it to shift. It's not a tranny issue I don't think, but it sure is a pain when I'm trying to downshift fast. Any suggestions? This trike has never really been maintained, so it could be just about anything.

[arkantrike]

I have a 200s and had that same problem. I noticed that if it was idling too high when stopped it was harder to shift either way when moving.
Maybe this is nuts but I think that if it is idling too fast that it never has a chance to drop to the ideal RPM range for smooth shifting. If you are sure that there is no other problem (centrifugal clutch, transmisison etc.)
then try messing with the idle and see what happens.

[Kook]

My idle is set pretty low already, so I'm pretty sure that's not it. Thanks for the input though.

[hondaATCman]

Did you already try to adjust the clutch?

[Kook]

Nope, don't know how to do that, or I would. My wife is getting me a manual for Christmas, I'll check that out.

[thefox]

Well, if you don't feel like waiting till Christmas here is how to do it. The adj. screw is on the right side engine cover near the dipstick. Loosen the locknut and turn the adj. screw counterclockwise until a slight resistance is felt then stop and turn it clockwise 1/4 of a turn. Tighten the locknut and you are done but be sure to hold the screw with a screwdriver to keep it from turning. I like to ride it for a minute then adj. it again especially if it hasn't been adj. in a lond time.

-Andrew

[Kook]

Hey Thanks Andrew, I'll give that a try.